A straightforward primary rhinoplasty using cartilage from the nose alone typically takes around 2-3 hours.
For cases involving rib cartilage, one detail worth knowing is that harvesting rib cartilage typically takes 1-3 hours at most clinics. Because Dr. Kim has performed this specific step so many times over more than 20 years, he's able to complete rib cartilage harvesting in as little as 10-30 minutes — a level of speed that comes purely from repetition and refined technique, not from rushing. As a result, even rib cartilage cases at our clinic tend to finish somewhat faster overall than the same procedure typically takes elsewhere.
That said, even with shorter surgery times, we deliberately limit the number of procedures performed each day — typically no more than two, and three only on rare occasions. This isn't a scheduling constraint; it's a deliberate choice to make sure Dr. Kim can give each patient his full, unhurried attention, both during surgery and throughout the day surrounding it.
Consultation Tip
Ask for an estimated surgery duration once your plan is finalized, and feel free to ask how many procedures are scheduled on your surgery day — knowing you have Dr. Kim's full attention that day can be genuinely reassuring.
Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)
— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery