Treatment Overview
The Lateral Crural Overlay is an advanced rhinoplasty technique designed to refine and reshape the nasal tip by shortening and repositioning the lateral crura (the outer segments of the lower lateral cartilages). This method is commonly used to correct bulbous tips, drooping nasal tips, or excessive tip projection while maintaining structural strength and natural nasal function.
In Korea, surgeons use this technique with great precision, often combining it with other cartilage-preserving methods to achieve balanced, elegant, and long-lasting nasal tip results. The procedure is widely sought after by both domestic and international patients who want refined yet natural-looking changes.
Purpose & Benefits
The Lateral Crural Overlay procedure is performed to achieve nasal tip refinement and structural harmony. Key benefits include:
- Reduces excessive nasal tip projection.
- Refines a bulbous or rounded nasal tip.
- Corrects drooping tips by reshaping cartilage.
- Improves nasal symmetry and contour.
- Maintains strength of nasal tip support.
- Provides natural, subtle, and lasting results.
Ideal Candidates
This technique is suitable for individuals who:
- Have a bulbous or overly projected nasal tip.
- Experience drooping of the nasal tip (ptosis).
- Want refined reshaping without excessive cartilage removal.
- Have strong nasal cartilage suitable for reshaping.
- Are in good general health with realistic surgical goals.
- Seek permanent but natural nasal refinement.
Possible Risks & Complications
While generally safe, potential risks may include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or stiffness of the nasal tip.
- Mild asymmetry during healing.
- Rare over-reduction or under-correction of projection.
- Slight irregularities if cartilage heals unevenly.
- Infection or delayed healing (extremely rare in Korea’s specialized clinics).
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons employ refined methods to minimize risk and maximize natural results. Common approaches include:
- Overlay Technique: Folding or overlapping a segment of the lateral crura to reduce projection and refine shape.
- Precise Suture Placement: Stabilizing the overlay with microsutures for symmetry.
- Combination with Grafts: Often paired with columellar strut grafts for enhanced support.
- Cartilage-Sparing Design: Preserves strength while reshaping.
- Customization: Adjusted to the patient’s anatomy for tailored refinement.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Initial swelling and bruising subside within 1–2 weeks.
- External stitches (if placed) are removed within 5–7 days.
- Most patients can return to daily activities in 7–10 days.
- Final refinement of tip shape emerges in 2–3 months.
- Korean clinics often provide LED light therapy, anti-swelling injections, and scar care programs as part of aftercare.
Results & Longevity
The Lateral Crural Overlay technique produces long-lasting, permanent improvements in nasal tip projection and definition. Patients achieve a more refined, symmetrical, and elegant nasal tip without compromising nasal breathing. In Korea, the focus is on producing natural results that blend seamlessly with other facial features, avoiding an overdone or artificial look.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a global leader in nasal tip surgery, particularly cartilage reshaping procedures. The treatment process includes:
Consultation
- Detailed 3D imaging and facial analysis.
- Customized design for nasal tip refinement.
Pre-Surgery Care
- Medical checkups and planning.
- Pre-op instructions for smooth recovery.
Surgery
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours.
- Cartilage is reshaped using overlay and fine sutures.
Post-Surgery Care
- Monitoring for several hours post-op.
- Anti-swelling therapies, scar treatments, and routine medications.
Follow-Up Care
- Stitch removal after one week.
- Multiple follow-ups to track healing.
- Advanced scar management and swelling reduction.
Medical Tourism Support
- English-speaking staff, translators, airport pick-up, and hotel arrangements available in top Seoul clinics.
Cost Range
The cost of the Lateral Crural Overlay procedure in Korea varies depending on complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic reputation.
- General Price Range: ₩4,000,000 – ₩8,000,000 KRW (approx. $3,000 – $6,200 USD).
- Basic Packages Include: Consultation, anesthesia, surgery, and routine postoperative care.
- Standard Packages Include: Follow-up visits, anti-swelling therapy, and scar treatment support.
- Premium Packages Include: VIP recovery suites, private translator, LED therapy, hotel arrangements, and extended aftercare.
Korea’s pricing is highly competitive compared to Western countries, while offering world-renowned expertise in cartilage reshaping techniques.
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Specializes in natural nasal tip reshaping with overlay techniques.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Offers advanced tip-plasty options with extensive support for international patients.
- JW Plastic Surgery Clinic: Known for precision-based lateral crural overlay methods.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic: Focuses on scar-minimizing, structural tip surgeries.
- MINE Plastic Surgery Clinic: Offers refined cartilage reshaping with strong medical tourism programs.
