Bridge concern Saddle Nose Correction in Gangnam, Seoul
the bridge, rebuilt to last.

A saddle nose has a dip or collapse in the middle of the bridge, so the profile looks scooped and the tip may seem upturned. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo rebuilds the missing support with your own cartilage, often rib cartilage, so the bridge is straight and stable again.

Straight, supported bridge after saddle nose correction in Gangnam, Seoul
Planned 1:1 with your surgeon Every consultation is with Dr. Yoo Kunwoon, board-certified plastic surgeon.
  • 01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
  • 02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
  • 03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
  • 04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp
Quick answer

What is a saddle nose?

A saddle nose is a depression of the nasal bridge caused by loss of support from the septum or nasal bones. Common causes are injury, previous septal or nasal surgery, infection, or some medical conditions.

Correction rebuilds the framework rather than only filling the dip: the septum is reconstructed and the bridge restored with cartilage, most often rib cartilage for strength.

Typical figures. Your surgeon confirms the details for your case.
Surgery time About 3–4 hours
Anaesthesia General anaesthesia
Approach Usually open
Grafts Septal, ear or rib cartilage
Stay in Seoul About 7–10 days, sometimes longer
Final result About 12 months
Is this your concern?

Signs you may relate to

  • There is a visible dip in the middle of your bridge
  • Your nose looks scooped or flattened from the side
  • The tip seems to point upward more than before
  • The change happened after injury or surgery
  • Breathing through the nose feels harder

If a medical condition may have caused the collapse, Dr. Yoo may ask for tests or records before surgery so the plan is safe.

3D CT scan used to plan saddle nose correction
Why it happens

Common causes

  1. Injury A blow to the nose can fracture or collapse the septum.
  2. Previous surgery Too much septum removed during septoplasty or rhinoplasty weakens support.
  3. Infection A septal abscess or hematoma can destroy cartilage.
  4. Medical causes Some inflammatory conditions or drug use can damage the septum.
How ONYX corrects it

How a saddle nose is rebuilt

  1. STEP 01

    Assess support

    3D CT shows how much septum and bone support remains.

  2. STEP 02

    Rebuild the septum

    A new L-strut is made with strong cartilage.

  3. STEP 03

    Restore the bridge

    Solid or diced cartilage fills the dip and restores the line.

  4. STEP 04

    Balance the tip

    Tip support is restored so the nose is not upturned.

Recovery

Saddle nose correction recovery

Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.

  1. Day 1–3 Swelling and discomfort, controlled with medication; the chest site is sore if rib cartilage was used.
  2. Day 7 Splint and stitches removed and the wound checked.
  3. Week 2–4 Bruising fades; swelling is still clearly present.
  4. Month 3–6 Scar tissue softens and the new shape becomes clearer.
  5. Month 12 The final result of revision surgery settles.
FAQ

Saddle Nose in Seoul: your questions answered.

Can filler fix a saddle nose?

Filler can mask a very mild dip but does not restore support and is not recommended for true saddle nose.

Why is rib cartilage often used?

A saddle nose needs strong, plentiful cartilage, and the septum is usually already lacking, so rib cartilage is the most reliable source.

Will my breathing improve?

Rebuilding the septum often improves airflow as well as appearance.

Is there a scar on my chest?

If rib cartilage is used, a small incision is made in the chest crease, which usually fades well.

How long should I stay in Seoul?

Plan for about 7–10 days, sometimes longer for complex reconstruction.

Visit us in Gangnam

Plan your saddle nose consultation in Gangnam, Seoul.

Address

8F, 18 Gangnam-daero 94-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Getting here

Near Gangnam Station
Line 2 · Shinbundang Line

Hours (KST)

Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays

ONYX Plastic Surgery reception and lounge on the 8th floor in Gangnam, Seoul