Treatment Overview
Columellar Lengthening in Korea for Short Nose Rhinoplasty is a specialized procedure that extends the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) to lengthen and refine short noses. This surgery improves nasal proportion, balances tip projection, and creates a natural, aesthetically harmonious appearance. Korean surgeons are globally recognized for combining advanced cartilage grafting, scar-minimizing techniques, and precise suturing to achieve a naturally elongated nose while maintaining ethnic and facial harmony.
Purpose & Benefits
- Lengthens a short nasal tip to improve facial balance.
- Enhances tip projection and rotation for a proportional nose.
- Corrects upturned or drooping tips associated with short noses.
- Improves nostril shape and symmetry, especially when combined with alar base reduction.
- Minimizes visible scars using scarless or minimally invasive techniques.
- Boosts overall confidence with a refined, natural-looking nose.
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals with short noses or under-projected tips.
- Patients seeking subtle, natural nasal elongation.
- Candidates with upturned nostrils or nostril asymmetry.
- Men and women who want balanced tip projection and proportionate nasal length.
- Patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty needing tip or columella correction.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling and mild discomfort around the nasal tip.
- Minor asymmetry or uneven tip projection (usually correctable).
- Rare risk of infection, bleeding, or delayed healing.
- Visible scarring (rare with proper Korean techniques).
- Revision surgery may be required in uncommon cases.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Cartilage Grafting (Septal, Ear, or Rib Cartilage): Supports tip projection and columellar extension.
- Columellar Strut Placement: Provides structural support for long-term stability.
- Tip Plasty / Suturing Techniques: Refines nasal tip along with columellar lengthening.
- Alar Base Adjustment (Optional): Reduces flaring for improved tip-to-base proportion.
- Closed or Open Approach: Depending on severity and complexity.
- Scar-Minimizing Methods: Incisions placed for minimal visibility and natural healing.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Downtime: 5–7 days for initial swelling and bruising to subside.
- Sutures removal: Usually within 5–7 days post-surgery.
- Return to normal activities: 1–2 weeks, with avoidance of heavy exercise for 3–4 weeks.
- Final results: Typically 3–6 months as swelling resolves and tissues stabilize.
- Korean aftercare programs include:
- Anti-swelling therapy and laser treatments
- Scar care and gentle massage guidance
- Regular follow-ups with patient coordinators
- Remote consultations for international patients
Results & Longevity
- Produces a longer, proportionate nasal tip with refined columellar support.
- Permanent results when proper grafting and suturing techniques are applied.
- Maintains natural appearance without overcorrection.
- Enhances overall facial balance and harmony.
- Aging has minimal impact on structural improvements.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a world leader in columellar lengthening for short noses, combining advanced surgical techniques with aesthetic expertise:
- Preoperative planning: Using 3D imaging and precise measurements for proportional elongation.
- Cartilage grafting techniques: Ensures tip and columella stability for long-lasting results.
- Integration with short nose rhinoplasty: Often combined with tip plasty and alar base adjustment.
- Minimally invasive, scar-minimizing approaches: Reduce downtime and visible scarring.
- International patient care: Translation, accommodation, and follow-up services.
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Surgeons are experts in subtle, natural, and proportional columellar extension.
- Use of advanced grafting and suturing ensures long-lasting and stable results.
- High patient satisfaction for both primary and revision rhinoplasty.
- World-class clinics with specialized post-operative care programs.
Cost Range
The cost of Columellar Lengthening in Korea for Short Nose Rhinoplasty varies by complexity:
- Basic columellar lengthening: ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,500,000 KRW ($2,700 – $4,200 USD)
- With tip plasty or cartilage grafting: ₩6,000,000 – ₩8,500,000 KRW ($4,600 – $6,500 USD)
- Complex or revision cases: ₩9,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 KRW ($6,900 – $9,200 USD)
Packages typically include:
- Surgeon and anesthesia fees
- Hospital/facility costs
- Cartilage harvesting if needed
- Post-operative care (anti-swelling therapy, laser, scar management)
- Multilingual support for international patients
Popular Clinics in Korea
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Expert in columellar lengthening and short nose rhinoplasty.
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Specializes in natural-looking columellar extension.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Offers advanced cartilage grafting and tip refinement.
- View Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Popular for international patients seeking proportional short nose correction.
- The PLUS Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Focused on subtle, scar-minimized columellar lengthening with natural aesthetics.
