Treatment Overview
The Columellar Strut Graft is a rhinoplasty technique designed to provide long-term support and stability to the nasal tip. A small graft, typically harvested from the patient’s own septal cartilage (or sometimes ear cartilage), is placed between the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages in the columella (the tissue that separates the nostrils). This graft acts like an internal pillar, helping to maintain tip projection, rotation, and definition. In Korea, surgeons utilize refined cartilage grafting techniques that balance both aesthetics and nasal function, making this procedure a popular option for patients seeking lasting tip support and improved nasal harmony.
Purpose & Benefits
The Columellar Strut Graft strengthens and stabilizes the nasal tip, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits:
- Provides lasting support to prevent tip drooping over time.
- Improves nasal tip projection and definition.
- Helps maintain symmetry and balance in the lower third of the nose.
- Enhances long-term surgical outcomes by preventing post-rhinoplasty collapse.
- Can be combined with tip plasty, cephalic trim, or other grafting techniques for comprehensive refinement.
Ideal Candidates
This technique is ideal for individuals who:
- Have a weak or poorly supported nasal tip.
- Experience tip drooping or lack of definition.
- Require structural reinforcement after previous rhinoplasty.
- Desire a stronger, more projected nasal tip without overcorrection.
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about results.
Possible Risks & Complications
While safe and reliable, potential risks of columellar strut grafting include:
- Swelling and bruising around the tip and columella.
- Temporary stiffness of the nasal tip.
- Rare risk of graft displacement or warping.
- Minor visible changes at the columella if thin skin coverage exists.
- Infection or delayed healing (extremely rare in Korean clinics with advanced protocols).
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons are known for their meticulous approach to grafting and tip support. Techniques may include:
- Septal Cartilage Harvesting: Most common source for strut grafts, taken safely without compromising nasal function.
- Auricular (Ear) Cartilage Graft: Used when septal cartilage is insufficient.
- Precise Pocket Creation: A secure pocket is made in the columella to anchor the graft.
- Cartilage Shaping: The graft is trimmed and shaped for proper fit and stability.
- Fine Suturing Techniques: Ensures the graft stays in position and integrates with natural cartilage.
- Combination with Tip Plasty: Often paired with suturing or reshaping to achieve refined results.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Mild swelling and bruising typically resolve within 1–2 weeks.
- Stitches (if external) are removed within 5–7 days.
- Patients can return to daily activities within 7–10 days.
- Nasal stiffness gradually softens over 2–3 months.
- Korean clinics offer advanced aftercare including scar treatment, anti-swelling injections, and LED therapy to speed healing.
Results & Longevity
The results of a Columellar Strut Graft are permanent, as the graft provides long-lasting tip support and projection. Patients achieve a more defined, stable, and aesthetically balanced nasal tip that maintains its shape for decades. Korean surgeons’ emphasis on natural harmony ensures that the nose looks refined without appearing rigid or overcorrected.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced cartilage grafting and tip support techniques. The process generally follows these steps:
1. Consultation:
- 3D simulations and detailed analysis of nasal structure.
- Assessment of cartilage availability (septum, ear, or rib if needed).
2. Pre-Surgery Preparation:
- Health evaluation, including medical tests to ensure patient safety.
- Customized surgical planning to match facial proportions.
3. Surgery:
- Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Surgery duration is 1–2 hours depending on graft complexity.
- Cartilage is harvested, shaped, and placed securely between the medial crura of the columella.
4. Immediate Aftercare:
- Cooling packs, pain management, and anti-swelling treatments.
- Short monitoring period before discharge.
5. Follow-Up Care:
- Stitch removal after about a week.
- Multiple follow-up visits during the first month to monitor healing.
- Additional therapies (LED, ultrasound, ointments) to promote recovery.
6. Medical Tourism Support:
- Clinics in Seoul offer services like airport pickup, hotel reservations, translator assistance, and recovery programs tailored to international patients.
Cost Range
The price of a Columellar Strut Graft in Korea depends on cartilage source, surgical complexity, and clinic reputation.
- General Price Range: ₩3,500,000 – ₩8,000,000 KRW (approx. $2,700 – $6,200 USD).
- Basic Package Includes: Consultation, anesthesia, graft harvesting, surgery, and standard aftercare.
- Standard Package Includes: Above plus scar management, anti-swelling therapy, and multiple follow-up visits.
- Premium Package Includes: VIP recovery suites, private translator, LED therapy, skincare programs, airport transfers, and hotel booking.
Compared to Western countries, Korea offers advanced techniques at more competitive prices, making it a leading global destination for rhinoplasty procedures involving tip support.
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Known for structural rhinoplasty and natural nasal tip support.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Specializes in advanced cartilage grafting with international recognition.
- JW Plastic Surgery Clinic: Offers precision-based grafting for stable, long-lasting results.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic: Recognized for scar-minimizing, cartilage-preserving approaches.
- MINE Plastic Surgery Clinic: Popular among overseas patients for customized grafting and medical tourism services.
