Retracted Nose Surgery in Korea:
Best Clinics, Surgeons & Cost Guide
Retracted Columella Correction in Gangnam, Korea (2025 Guide)
Refine and Balance Your Nasal Base with Precision Surgery
A retracted columella occurs when the central strip of skin between the nostrils (the columella) appears tucked in or pulled upward, exposing the nostril rims more prominently. This can result from genetics, prior nasal surgery, or trauma. In Gangnam, Korea, rhinoplasty specialists are experienced in correcting retracted columella through cartilage grafting and advanced structural techniques, restoring both function and aesthetics.
This guide explores:
- What causes a retracted columella
- How it is diagnosed and evaluated
- Surgical correction methods used in Korea
- Costs for 2025
- Recommended Gangnam clinics
- Recovery expectations for international patients
What Is a Retracted Columella?
The columella is the small strip of tissue separating the nostrils. A retracted columella appears elevated, leading to:
- More visible nostril openings from the front
- A shortened or scooped nasal base appearance
- Imbalance in nasal aesthetics
It may occur due to:
- Natural anatomy or underdevelopment
- Scarring or trauma
- Over-resection of cartilage in a previous rhinoplasty
How Do Korean Surgeons Correct a Retracted Columella?
Columellar correction typically involves rebuilding structural support and adding tissue to project the columella downward.
1. Columellar Strut Graft
- A cartilage graft is placed between the medial crura to extend and support the columella
- Commonly uses septal or ear cartilage
2. Tip Support Enhancement
- Reinforces the nasal tip to maintain balance with the lowered columella
3. Shield Grafting or Onlay Grafts
- Additional cartilage may be used to fine-tune projection and tip shape
4. Scar Tissue Release (in revision cases)
- If the retraction is caused by scarring, the area is released and restructured
5. Soft Tissue Augmentation
- In severe cases, dermal grafts or fascia may be used to supplement the skin and soft tissue layer
Most of these procedures are done using the open rhinoplasty approach for visibility and precision.
Retracted Columella Correction Cost in Gangnam (2025)
Pricing varies by case severity and whether it is a revision:
- Mild retraction correction: ₩4.5M – ₩6M ($3,400–$4,500 USD)
- Moderate to severe with cartilage grafting: ₩6.5M – ₩9.5M ($4,900–$7,100 USD)
- Complex revision cases: ₩9M – ₩13M ($6,800–$9,800 USD)
Some clinics offer bundled pricing with consultation, surgery, sedation, aftercare kits, and follow-up support.
Best Clinics in Gangnam for Columella Correction
1. ID Hospital
- Leading center for structural rhinoplasty and retracted nasal base corrections
2. Banobagi Plastic Surgery
- Excellent outcomes with strut grafting and nostril reshaping
3. Dream Plastic Surgery
- Known for scar release and soft tissue augmentation
4. NANA Plastic Surgery
- Performs both primary and revision columella surgeries
5. 1mm Plastic Surgery
- Tailored aesthetic columella enhancement with minimal scarring
Recovery Timeline
Week 1:
- Mild swelling and nasal tension
- External splint and sutures removed after 5–7 days
Week 2–3:
- Swelling reduces
- Columella projection becomes visible
Month 1–3:
- Cartilage grafts stabilize
- Final shape refines
International patients should plan to remain in Korea for 7–10 days for proper monitoring and care.
Is It Safe for Foreign Patients?
Yes. Gangnam is a premier medical destination for rhinoplasty correction procedures. Clinics provide:
- Bilingual care coordinators
- Custom surgical plans
- International patient packages
- High surgical safety standards
Final Thoughts
A retracted columella can be subtle but impactful to your overall facial balance. In Korea, especially in Gangnam, you’ll find top-tier surgeons capable of precisely restoring nasal symmetry through expert grafting and soft tissue techniques.
Ready to elevate your confidence and nasal harmony? Book your consultation with a Gangnam rhinoplasty specialist today.
ABOUT "RETRACTED NOSE"
Retracted Nose Surgery in Korea
Fixing Hidden or Pulled-Up Columella
A retracted nose exposes too much of the nostrils, often caused by prior surgery or congenital issues. Expert surgeons in Gangnam restore the correct position using extension grafts and columella reconstruction techniques.
Typical cost: ₩5M–₩9M
Recommended for: Short columella, nostril exposure
Top techniques: Columella strut graft, tip repositioning
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
An incision is made below the alae to reduce their size, and the nose tip is made pointier to make the nose appear more refined.
This surgical procedure may be performed alone or in combination with a rhinoplasty procedure.
An incision is made in an area that is not too visible, and the incision line will fade away around a month after surgery.
If the alae are wide only in the lower area, the nostrils are gathered more closely to the centerline, using a thread attached to the bottom. This makes the alae appear narrower in a more natural way, and at the same time, raise the tip of the nose.
Before & After
Contact Us for Rhinoplasty
For international patients seeking expert rhinoplasty services, Very Good Rhinoplasty Surgery offers personalized consultations and treatments tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment—our English-speaking staff is ready to assist you every step of the way.
