Treatment Overview
A Columella Strut Graft is a structural rhinoplasty technique where cartilage (usually harvested from the septum, ear, or rib) is placed between the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages. This graft provides stronger support to the nasal tip, improves projection and definition, and maintains long-term stability.
In Korea, surgeons are globally recognized for their precision cartilage grafting techniques, ensuring natural results that complement the patient’s ethnic features and facial proportions.
Purpose & Benefits
- Provides structural support to weak or drooping nasal tips
- Improves tip projection, definition, and symmetry
- Enhances tip rotation and refinement
- Stabilizes the nasal tip for long-lasting results
- Useful in both primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty cases
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with drooping, weak, or under-projected nasal tips
- Individuals with short or flat nasal tips
- Those requiring long-term tip stability
- Patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty to restore tip support
- Suitable for both Asian and ethnic rhinoplasty where tip projection is often desired
Possible Risks & Complications
- Swelling, bruising, or temporary stiffness in the nose
- Over-projection or unnatural tip height if not balanced well
- Rare risk of cartilage warping or resorption
- Donor site discomfort (ear or rib cartilage, if used)
Surgical Techniques Used
- Columella Strut Graft Placement – graft inserted between medial crura to support tip
- Septal Cartilage Graft (Most Common) – harvested from nasal septum
- Auricular (Ear) Cartilage Graft – used if septal cartilage is insufficient
- Costal (Rib) Cartilage Graft – used in complex or revision cases requiring strong support
- Often combined with tip suturing techniques (transdomal, dome-binding) for refinement
Recovery & Aftercare
- Downtime: 7–10 days for initial swelling & bruising to reduce
- Stitch Removal: Within 5–7 days
- Healing Period: Initial results in 2–3 weeks; final refinement in 9–12 months
- Aftercare: Avoid trauma/pressure, use prescribed sprays, follow check-up schedule
Results & Longevity
- Creates a defined, projected, and elegant nasal tip
- Maintains structural stability for many years
- Natural enhancement that blends with the rest of the nose
- Especially effective in patients with thicker nasal skin where tip refinement is difficult
Treatment Process in Korea
The treatment journey for Columella Strut Graft in Korea is comprehensive and patient-centered:
- Initial Online Consultation
- Patients send photos and medical history to the clinic.
- Virtual consultation with English-speaking coordinators and surgeon.
- In-Person Assessment & 3D Imaging
- Upon arrival in Korea, detailed nasal analysis is performed.
- 3D imaging/simulation helps design the ideal nasal tip projection.
- Customized Surgical Plan
- Decision on graft source (septal, ear, or rib cartilage).
- Planning of additional procedures if needed (alar reduction, dorsal augmentation).
- Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Routine medical tests (blood test, ECG if rib cartilage is used).
- Anesthesia consultation for safety.
- Surgery Day
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Duration: 2–3 hours depending on complexity.
- Columella strut graft inserted, secured with sutures, and nasal tip reshaped.
- Immediate Post-Op Care
- Nasal splints/tapes applied for support.
- Discharged same day or next morning.
- Follow-Up Care
- Stitches removed after 5–7 days.
- Multiple follow-ups within 1–2 weeks to check healing.
- Long-term checkups offered for international patients with online support.
- Return to Normal Life
- Resume light activities in 7–10 days.
- Full healing and final results visible in 6–12 months.
Cost Range in Korea
The price of Columella Strut Graft in Korea varies by complexity, graft type, and clinic reputation.
- Basic Columella Strut with Septal Cartilage:
₩4,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW ($3,500 – $4,700 USD) - Columella Strut with Ear Cartilage Graft:
₩5,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 KRW ($4,300 – $5,800 USD) - Columella Strut with Rib Cartilage (Complex/Revision):
₩7,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 KRW ($5,800 – $9,200 USD)
💡 Factors Affecting Cost:
- Type of cartilage graft required
- Primary vs. Revision surgery
- Surgeon’s expertise & international reputation
- Clinic facilities, aftercare & medical tourism services
Average International Patient Package Cost:
₩6,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 KRW ($4,700 – $7,000 USD), often including accommodation, airport pickup, and translator support.
Popular Clinics for Columella Strut Graft in Korea
- ID Hospital (Seoul, Gangnam) – expert in structural tip refinement surgeries.
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – advanced cartilage grafting techniques.
- View Plastic Surgery – natural results, strong experience with international patients.
- JW Plastic Surgery – specialists in revision and graft-supported rhinoplasty.
- April31 Plastic Surgery – renowned for elegant, defined nasal tips.
- DA Plastic Surgery – trusted by many foreign patients with personalized aftercare.
