RHINOPLASTY · SEOUL, KOREA

Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Seoul, Korea

Septal cartilage rhinoplasty harvests cartilage from the septum — the wall inside the nose — and uses it to support or lengthen the nasal tip. Septal cartilage is straight and firm, which makes it ideal for tip projection and extension grafts.

Procedure time: About 1–2.5 hours
Anesthesia: IV sedation or general anesthesia
Time in Seoul: 7–9 days in Seoul
Recovery: Splint off around day 7

WhatsApp consultation LINE Plan your trip

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Dong-Jun, plastic surgeon · Updated October 2026

Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty at Cellis Lab Clinic, Seoul

Who is Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty for?

You want a more projected or longer tip
You want to correct a deviated septum and refine the tip in one operation

How Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty works

The septum divides the nose into two airways. Its central cartilage can be partly harvested through the same internal incisions used for rhinoplasty, leaving no external scar.

An L-shaped strut of cartilage is always left in place to keep the nose supported. The harvested cartilage is then shaped into a columellar strut or septal extension graft to set the tip position.

If the septum is small or was used in earlier surgery, ear or rib cartilage is considered instead.

Our approach to Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Safe harvest
An L-shaped support is preserved so the nose stays stable.
Firm and straight
Ideal for tip projection, rotation and lengthening grafts.
Breathing benefit
A deviated portion of the septum can be removed during harvest.

Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty: step by step

Septum assessmentWe check septal size, deviation and any previous surgery.
HarvestCartilage is removed through an internal incision while preserving the L-strut.
Graft shapingThe cartilage is carved into struts or extension grafts for the tip.
ClosureThe septal lining is closed and supported with internal splints.

Risks and side effects of Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Limited quantityPrevious surgery or a small septum may not provide enough cartilage.
Septal hematomaA rare blood collection inside the septum needs prompt drainage.
Temporary congestionThe nose feels blocked for 1–2 weeks while the lining heals.

All medical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the risks that apply to you and discuss alternatives before you decide.

Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty recovery timeline

When	What to expect
Day 0	Surgery and rest in a private recovery room; most patients return to their hotel the same day. Cold compresses start straight away.
Days 2–3	Swelling and bruising usually peak. Keep your head elevated, walk gently and avoid alcohol, saunas and exercise.
Days 5–7	Check-up at the clinic; stitches, splints or tapes are removed where used. Most patients are cleared to fly after this visit.
Week 2	Most visible swelling has eased and many people return to desk work and light make-up.
Months 1–3	Residual swelling keeps settling and the shape refines. Strenuous exercise is usually resumed after 4 weeks.
Months 6–12	The final result is generally assessed at this stage. We follow up online after you return home.

Aftercare tips

Sleep with your head raised for the first 1–2 weeks.
Do not wear glasses on the bridge for about 4 weeks.
Avoid blowing your nose, swimming and saunas for 2–4 weeks.
Stop aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E 1–2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2–4 weeks; both slow healing.

Planning your trip to Seoul for Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home.

Cellis Lab Clinic occupies its own seven-story building at 244 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam and about an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5). Incheon International Airport is roughly 70–90 minutes away by airport limousine bus or taxi.

Before you book flights, send your photos and questions on WhatsApp. We will reply in English with an initial assessment, a provisional plan and a quote range, then confirm the plan at your in-person consultation.

Read the international patient guide →

What affects the cost of Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Korea?

Closed or open approach
Implant, rib, ear or septal cartilage and dermis
Primary surgery or revision
Combined procedures such as septoplasty or alar reduction

Prices are quoted individually after consultation and include the items listed in your written quote.

Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty FAQ

Does septal cartilage harvest affect breathing?

Harvest is done while preserving the supporting L-strut. Removing a deviated portion can actually improve airflow.

Is there enough septal cartilage for revision surgery?

Often not if it was used before. In that case ear or rib cartilage is used.

Will I have a scar from septal cartilage harvest?

No. The cartilage is taken through incisions inside the nose.

Where can I get Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Seoul, Korea?

Cellis Lab Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam — performs Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty. The clinic is an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5).

How much does Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty cost in Korea?

The cost of Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty depends on the technique, materials and extent of treatment. We provide a written quote after an online consultation with photos or an in-person examination.

How long should I stay in Korea for Septal Cartilage Rhinoplasty?

For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.

Can I have a consultation in English before travelling?

Yes. Send photos and your questions on WhatsApp in English. We reply with an initial opinion, a suggested plan and the dates you would need in Seoul.

About your surgeon

Dr. Yang Dong-Jun is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of surgical experience and the developer of the SOFIT, SOFTXIL and VXIL techniques. He performs the consultation and the operation himself.

Doctor profile (Korean) →

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