Rhinoplasty Q&A
Find answers to rhinoplasty questions from Dr. Kim.
171 questions
What are signs I might have a functional nasal problem, not just cosmetic concerns?
Common signs include difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, especially noticeable during exercise or while lying down, chronic nasal…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →How does Dr. Kim avoid the "operated" or artificial look?
Dr. Kim's approach starts with the nasolabial angle and overall bridge curve — as covered elsewhere, he plans these details deliberately rather than…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →How does the clinic minimize the risk of visible scarring?
For nasal incisions, careful placement — inside the nostrils for closed rhinoplasty, or along the natural crease of the columella for open rhinoplasty …
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →How many follow-up visits are needed before I leave Korea?
Most patients have at least one in-person follow-up visit before leaving Korea — typically around day 7, when your splint is removed and Dr. Kim checks…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →Can chronic sinus problems be addressed during rhinoplasty?
To an extent — structural contributors to sinus problems, such as a deviated septum blocking sinus drainage pathways or enlarged turbinates obstructing…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →Why do some noses look too straight or "fake" after augmentation?
This "operated" look most often comes from a bridge line that's too uniform in height and too straight from radix to tip, without the subtle, natural…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →What happens if cartilage shifts or warps after healing?
Cartilage warping — where a graft gradually curves or shifts due to internal tension released during shaping — is a recognized possibility in rhinoplasty…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →When can I fly back to my home country after surgery?
Most patients are cleared to fly around 7-10 days after surgery, once the splint has been removed and Dr. Kim has confirmed your early healing is…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →How is breathing function tested before and after surgery?
Before surgery, breathing function is assessed primarily through physical examination — checking the internal nasal structure, septal position, and…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →What's the difference between augmentation and reduction rhinoplasty?
Augmentation rhinoplasty adds height, structure, or volume to the nose — typically to the bridge or tip — using cartilage or, less commonly today, silicone.
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →Can smoking or alcohol increase surgical risks?
Yes, significantly. Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to healing tissue, which can slow wound healing, increase the risk of tissue…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →What type of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty doesn't require general anesthesia — our clinic performs all nose surgeries, including primary rhinoplasty, revision cases, and procedures…
Anesthesia & Surgical SafetyRead answer →
The History of Rhinoplasty
The history of rhinoplasty, as Dr. Kim has seen it
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