Which Department

Which department should I see for revision rhinoplasty?

2026-09-17 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Plastic Surgery(성형외과) is generally the primary department for revision rhinoplasty, as surgeons in this field specialize in both aesthetic and structural correction of the nose following a previous procedure. In cases where breathing difficulties or functional nasal issues are also present, an Otorhinolaryngology(이비인후과) consultation may be recommended alongside or after the initial plastic surgery evaluation.

Which department

  1. 1Plastic Surgery(성형외과)
    Plastic surgeons specialize in the aesthetic and structural reshaping of the nose, including complex revision cases that involve correcting outcomes from a prior rhinoplasty such as asymmetry, implant issues, or scar tissue concerns. — First / second line: Because revision rhinoplasty is typically considered a specialized secondary-level procedure, it is generally handled at a hospital(병원) or higher-level facility rather than a local clinic(의원); a referral letter(진료의뢰서) may be helpful when visiting a larger institution.
  2. 2Otorhinolaryngology(이비인후과)
    When revision rhinoplasty involves functional concerns — such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or impaired airflow that developed after a previous surgery — otorhinolaryngologists can assess the internal nasal structures and airway function. — First / second line: A patient may first visit this department if breathing problems are the dominant concern, or may be referred here by a plastic surgeon when functional nasal evaluation is needed alongside cosmetic correction.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Sudden severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, or warmth around the nose after a prior rhinoplasty that suggests possible infection or implant-related complication
  • High fever accompanied by redness spreading across the nasal skin or surrounding facial area
  • Signs of nasal tissue necrosis such as darkening or blackening of the skin over the nose
  • Severe difficulty breathing through the nose combined with dizziness or chest discomfort
  • Significant bleeding from the nose that does not stop after gentle pressure for more than 15–20 minutes

Before your visit

  • Note the date of your previous rhinoplasty procedure and the name of any implant material used if known (e.g., silicone, Gore-Tex, rib cartilage).
  • Bring any documentation from your prior surgery such as operative records, discharge summaries, or post-operative photos if available.
  • List all current symptoms in detail — including when each symptom started, whether it has been getting worse, and any functional issues like breathing difficulty.
  • Prepare a list of all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking, as some may affect surgical planning.
  • Note any history of allergic reactions, especially to anesthesia or materials used in previous procedures.
  • If you have had imaging such as CT scans or X-rays of the nose after your previous surgery, bring those records or copies to the consultation.

General principles

Revision rhinoplasty is generally regarded as a more complex procedure than primary rhinoplasty because the surgeon must work within tissue that has already been altered by a previous operation; scar tissue, changed anatomy, and prior implant materials all influence the approach. For this reason, the plastic surgery department at a hospital-level or higher facility is typically where this type of consultation begins, rather than a local primary clinic.

When both aesthetic and functional nasal concerns coexist — for example, cosmetic dissatisfaction alongside a breathing problem — two departments may work in a coordinated manner. In such cases, a plastic surgeon and an otorhinolaryngologist may jointly evaluate the patient, though the specific arrangement depends on each institution and the patient's individual situation.

General health status, history of prior anesthesia, and any systemic conditions are typically reviewed before any surgical consultation proceeds. Under Korea's general healthcare framework, visiting a hospital-level facility and presenting relevant prior medical records can help the consulting physician understand the full context of the revision need.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or a hospital for a revision rhinoplasty consultation?

Because revision rhinoplasty typically involves greater anatomical complexity than a first-time procedure, consultations are generally conducted at a hospital(병원) or higher-level facility with plastic surgery departments equipped for such cases. If you start at a local clinic(의원), you may be referred onward; bringing prior surgical records can help facilitate the process.

Is there a difference between seeing Plastic Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology for nose revision?

Plastic Surgery(성형외과) generally focuses on the external shape, symmetry, and cosmetic outcome of the nose, while Otorhinolaryngology(이비인후과) focuses on the internal nasal structure and breathing function. Depending on your specific concerns — cosmetic, functional, or both — a doctor may suggest evaluation by one or both departments.

What kind of assessments are generally done before revision rhinoplasty?

A consulting physician will typically review your prior surgical history and may request imaging such as a CT scan to assess the current nasal structure and any remaining implant material. Physical examination of both the external appearance and internal nasal passages is also generally part of the initial evaluation; any specific tests would be determined by the consulting physician.

Does Korea's national health insurance cover revision rhinoplasty consultations?

Under Korea's national health insurance(건강보험) system, cosmetic procedures including rhinoplasty and its revisions are generally not covered by insurance and are treated as out-of-pocket expenses. However, if there is a documented functional problem such as a deviated septum affecting breathing, partial coverage for the functional component may apply in some cases — this would need to be confirmed directly with the treating physician and the relevant institution.

Related questions

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This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.