Treatment Overview
A Shield Graft is a specialized cartilage grafting technique used in tip rhinoplasty to refine and enhance the nasal tip. By placing a shield-shaped piece of cartilage (usually harvested from the septum, ear, or rib) at the nasal tip, surgeons can achieve better definition, improved projection, and enhanced tip symmetry.
Korean plastic surgeons frequently use shield grafts as part of tip refinement procedures, as this method ensures both structural support and aesthetic balance. It is especially common in Asian and ethnic rhinoplasty where natural tip definition may be less prominent.
Purpose & Benefits
- Enhances tip definition and shape
- Provides stronger projection for a more refined nose
- Improves tip support and structural stability
- Corrects weak or droopy nasal tips
- Helps balance facial features with a natural, elegant look
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with a bulbous or undefined tip
- Those seeking greater nasal tip projection
- Individuals with weak cartilage support in the tip
- Patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty requiring added definition
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Rare graft visibility or irregularity
- Asymmetry if improperly positioned
- Infection or rejection in rare cases
- Possible need for revision surgery in complex cases
Surgical Techniques Used
- Shield Graft Placement – cartilage carved into a shield shape and sutured to the tip for projection
- Commonly combined with:
- Columella Strut Graft for additional support
- Dome Binding Sutures for narrowing and definition
- Lateral Crural Overlay for tip refinement
- Alar Base Reduction if nostrils are wide
- Usually performed through the open rhinoplasty approach for precision
Recovery & Aftercare
- Downtime: 7–10 days for major swelling reduction
- Stitch Removal: 5–7 days post-op
- Final Results: Visible after 6–12 months when swelling fully subsides
- Aftercare: Avoid nose pressure, sleeping face-down, and wear support splints if prescribed
Results & Longevity
- Produces a defined and projected nasal tip
- Long-lasting as cartilage grafts integrate well
- Results remain stable for years, especially with septal or rib cartilage
- Improves both aesthetic appearance and nasal structure support
Treatment Process in Korea
Korean clinics offer a structured and patient-centered approach for shield graft rhinoplasty:
- Online/Pre-Consultation – Virtual photo review for international patients
- In-Person Consultation – 3D imaging and nasal structure analysis
- Customized Surgery Plan – Tip graft design + supporting sutures/grafts
- Pre-Surgery Preparation – Health screening and anesthesia readiness
- Surgery (2–3 hours) – Shield graft placed with supporting sutures/grafts
- Immediate Recovery – Splint/taping applied to protect the nose
- Post-Op Care – Follow-up visits for stitch removal and swelling checks
- Final Results – Defined, elegant tip refinement visible after full healing
Cost Range in Korea
The cost of a Shield Graft Rhinoplasty in Korea depends on case complexity, graft source, and whether it’s combined with other procedures:
- Simple Shield Graft Tip Refinement:
₩4,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW ($3,000 – $4,600 USD) - Shield Graft + Supporting Grafts/Sutures:
₩6,000,000 – ₩8,500,000 KRW ($4,600 – $6,500 USD) - Complex/Revision Cases with Rib Cartilage:
₩8,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 KRW ($6,500 – $9,200 USD)
💡 International patient packages often include consultation, surgery, aftercare, translator, and transport services.
Popular Clinics for Shield Graft in Korea
- ID Hospital (Gangnam, Seoul) – advanced in grafting for tip definition
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – specialized in natural-looking tip refinement
- View Plastic Surgery – strong in grafting and revision rhinoplasty cases
- JW Plastic Surgery – expertise in complex cartilage graft procedures
- DA Plastic Surgery – popular with international patients, English support
- April31 Plastic Surgery – known for elegant and natural tip outcomes
