After deliberating over revision rhinoplasty for a long time, I received consultation and surgery for nasal reconstruction at [Clinic B]. My first nose surgery was about 14 years ago, using donated rib cartilage and silicone. Over time, capsular contracture and pinched-nose deformity became severe, and I also developed an upturned nose. Although I am a man, my nose itself is very small, and revision surgery was difficult, so I had to be very careful even when choosing hospitals. I mainly looked into hospitals that performed both contracture treatment and rhinitis surgery, and consulted about four places in total.
Because the surgical methods and materials differed by hospital, the more consultations I had, the more conflicted I became.
What I was told in consultations: [Clinic C] There was contracture, and the skin might not stretch sufficiently, so 20 sessions of stem cells + PDRN, silicone or autologous costal cartilage, fat grafting to the skin, general anesthesia, and possible three-day hospitalization. [Clinic D] Septal cartilage and ear cartilage, no silicone for the bridge because silicone had caused contracture, at least four PDRN sessions, general anesthesia, and the highest cost. [Clinic E] AlloDerm, with 70% absorption, plus ear cartilage for the tip, daily postoperative visits for care, general anesthesia, and the second-highest cost.
Everyone provided good consultations and the proposed surgical plans were good, but the costs were very high. Since I live outside the capital and could not visit frequently, I felt it would be too burdensome.
I also had one question: Is PDRN really necessary? My wife works at a hospital, so I asked the director. Since the director was not sure either, they asked a friend who had worked at a famous rhinology hospital in Seoul specializing in contracted noses. The friend said they did not use PDRN either. They said it might be beneficial, but unless the condition was severe, it probably was not absolutely necessary.
While still very conflicted, I decided to make one final consultation at [Clinic B]. Director Guk Won-seok personally examined my nose and calmly explained why each surgical method and material was being selected. He explained why certain methods were being considered and why other methods did not need to be prioritized in my current condition, which helped me understand the consultation and made me trust him.
One thing I was curious about was stem cells and PDRN. He explained that, based on my current condition, they were not essential treatments. He also said that although the tip was relatively firm, the skin over the bridge had stretched to a sufficient degree.
[Clinic B] surgical plan: 1. Because the contracture was caused by silicone, use Megaderm, with about 30% absorption, if I wanted to raise the bridge. He said Megaderm has had almost no complications to date, at a level of 98% complication-free. 2. Raise the tip with ear cartilage. 3. Straighten the deviated columella. 4. Correct the pinched nose. 5. Local anesthesia; surgery would take about four hours. 6. Because ear cartilage would be used, make an ear impression and wear it for about three months. 7. Functional nasal surgery.
I asked whether using Megaderm could create a step-off. He said I did not need to worry, and that if a problem occurred later, they would provide aftercare within one year.
At the other hospitals, I was mostly told about autologous costal cartilage. I had also read online that rib cartilage was sturdy and suitable for revision surgery, so I assumed I absolutely needed rib cartilage. I asked the director again, and he compared photos of my nose with other cases and explained that rib cartilage could be considered when the nose was severely upturned or structurally collapsed, but my nose was not at that level based on the consultation, so ear cartilage was also possible.
He showed me before-and-after photos of previous patients, and I think the consultation alone lasted about an hour. He explained everything as meticulously as a professor.
I wanted to raise my nose as much as possible without the tip becoming upturned again. I wanted a natural shape rather than an artificial look, and hoped this would be my final surgery without further complications. After comparing many hospitals, cost was one reason I chose [Clinic B], but it was not the only reason. Reconstruction surgery at many other hospitals cost over ten million won, which was a realistic burden, while [Clinic B] was relatively more affordable. However, after the consultation, the specific explanation of my condition and surgical plan also influenced my decision.
Whenever I asked questions, they explained them sufficiently. I was also impressed that they told me procedures or treatments that were not essential for my current condition did not need to be prioritized. After considering the consultation and surgical plan together, I booked surgery on the day of the consultation. (There is a same-day booking event.)
The hospital had moved recently, so the interior was clean, and the staff were generally kind. There was a private bedroom, and I received the necessary guidance and care before and after surgery, so I did not experience much inconvenience.
It has now been about one month since surgery. When I went to have the stitches removed on day four, they said the swelling was severe and also gave me swelling laser treatment. Ten days after surgery, I even went on a trip to Nha Trang!
It is still too early for everything to have fully settled, so I need to observe the progress further, but so far I feel that I am recovering in roughly the direction I expected during the consultation.
What I wanted was: ✔️ For the tip not to become upturned again ✔️ To straighten the pinched area ✔️ To raise the nose as much as possible within the feasible range ✔️ A natural shape without an overly artificial appearance ✔️ No additional contracture or revision surgery ✔️ Relief of rhinitis and nasal obstruction through functional nasal surgery
I am satisfied because my current appearance matches what I wanted. I can breathe so well that it feels amazing.
Revision surgery is particularly difficult when choosing a hospital, and the differing explanations from multiple consultations can be confusing. I also became very conflicted because the methods suggested by each of the four hospitals differed. If you are considering reconstructive surgery because of contracture or a pinched nose, I hope you will listen carefully to explanations at several hospitals instead of deciding after consulting only one or two. Please understand your condition, the surgical method, the expected recovery process, and the limitations before making a careful decision.
After comparing several places and receiving a consultation at [Clinic B], I was able to organize the things I was curious about. I also learned that not every treatment or material is equally necessary for everyone.
It has only been one month, so I need to watch the progress further, but so far I am truly satisfied and feel that I made a choice I do not regret!
I wrote this because there was a review event, but this is an honest review of a consultation and surgery that I paid for myself 😊 I wrote it hoping that people considering revision surgery like me will make a wise choice without wasting money unnecessarily!