Bulbous nose rhinoplasty in the Republic of Korea is manageable. Surgeons perform the procedure under general anaesthesia or conscious sedation, so patients feel no pain. Most patients experience pressure, congestion, and throbbing rather than sharp pain. Discomfort peaks during the first 3–5 days after surgery.
- Anaesthesia options: Surgeons use general anaesthesia or sedation, making the surgical process entirely painless.
- Initial recovery: Patients feel intense pressure and throbbing during the first 72 hours post-surgery.
- Breathing restriction: Internal splints and packing cause congestion, which patients often find the most uncomfortable.
- Specialised aftercare: Clinics like SAERO Plastic Surgery provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy to speed healing.
- Donor site: Procedures using rib cartilage may cause additional soreness at the graft site.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Seoul clinics maintain high safety standards by employing more anaesthetists than the industry average. AB Plastic Surgery maintains a specialist ratio double the standard, while JK Plastic Surgery uses German-sourced equipment. This focus on monitoring significantly reduces post-operative nausea. It also prevents pain spikes during the wake-up phase.
Patient Consensus: Throat dryness and rib graft soreness often feel more noticeable than the nose itself. Patients find that keeping up with painkillers and using a humidifier helps. This makes the first week in Korea much easier.