Nose implant (augmentation rhinoplasty) at Yanhee: materials, cost and recovery

What a nose implant is

Nose implant surgery, also called augmentation rhinoplasty, is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It lifts a flat bridge and improves the balance and harmony of the face. The nose is the most noticeable part of the midface and connects the upper and lower face, so even subtle changes make a difference: a well-proportioned nose complements the eyes and mouth rather than overpowering them.

Implant materials

Before surgery you and your surgeon choose the implant material. The options fall into two groups:

• Synthetic implants — silicone (standard, USA or Korean grades), Gore-Tex or Medpor. These are quicker and lower cost, and suit many bridge augmentations.
• Autologous cartilage — tissue from your own body, usually ear or rib cartilage. Rib is highly compatible, gives the most volume, can maximally raise the height and length of the tip, and has fewer complications such as infection or extrusion, so it is often preferred for larger corrections, tip work or revision.

Cartilage and synthetic materials can also be combined (for example silicone or Gore-Tex with ear cartilage, sometimes with PCL) to build the bridge and support the tip together.

Open vs closed technique

The implant is placed through one of two approaches. Closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty uses incisions inside the nostrils, so there is no visible external scar; the skin is separated from the cartilage and bone to position the implant. Open (external) rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, lifting the skin for better visibility and access. Once the implant is shaped and positioned, the skin is repositioned and the incisions closed.

Add-on procedures

A nose implant is often combined with refinements to the base and tip. Alarplasty removes a small amount of skin at the base to improve the proportion of the nostrils, and nose-tip surgery increases the projection of an under-projected tip that looks flattened. Your surgeon advises whether these suit your goals.

Before surgery

You have lab tests, and any medical problems must be controlled first; you should also be free from upper respiratory problems. If you have had a previous infection, surgery waits six months. For two weeks before surgery, stop smoking and alcohol and stop hormonal pills, herbal supplements and medications that increase bleeding unless your doctor approves. The surgeon assesses the pliability of your nasal tissue to plan the implant.

What it costs at Yanhee

Nose implant pricing depends on the material and the technique. Synthetic implants placed on their own are the lower end; adding cartilage, an open approach or a rib graft moves it up.

Prices cover the surgeon, the anaesthesia and any stated stay; flights and accommodation are not included. Prices are subject to change and are confirmed after consultation — see plastic surgery prices for the current list. For a full rib-cartilage rebuild, see the dedicated nose augmentation with rib cartilage page.

Recovery and aftercare

You can usually go home the same day and return to normal activities the next day. Sleep with your head raised on two pillows and apply a cold compress for the first 48 hours, when most swelling settles. Keep the tape or nasal splint as dry as possible; it is removed 5 to 7 days after surgery at the clinic. Avoid heavy nose-blowing for the first 5 to 10 days, heavy lifting for 10 days, and aerobic exercise or contact sport for 4 to 6 weeks. Pain and swelling ease over 1 to 2 weeks, and stitches usually come out about 7 days after surgery.

Risks to understand

As with any surgery, the recognised risks include bleeding, an adverse reaction to anaesthesia, infection, delayed healing, asymmetry, nerve or tear-duct injury, and the possible need for revision surgery. Additional risks specific to nose surgery include breathing difficulty, nosebleeds, lasting numbness around the nose, and persistent pain, swelling or discolouration. Over time the skin over an implant can thin, and trauma to the nose can displace it. Without these complications, a silicone implant can stay in place for life. Your surgeon will discuss the risks that apply to you.

Frequently asked questions

Available doctors

These plastic surgeons at Yanhee perform augmentation rhinoplasty. Your surgeon is confirmed at consultation.