You’ve probably looked in the mirror, seen your nose from different angles, and wondered: “If I change my nose, will it still look like me?” At SoonPlus, we believe the key lies in tailoring the procedure to your unique anatomy and facial proportions. Whether your nose is flat, wide, droopy, short, humped, or deviated, understanding your specific nose shape and how it integrates with your overall facial structure is the first step toward a satisfying, natural-looking result.

Let us guide you through the different types of nose shapes we commonly see, why each requires a unique surgical strategy, and how our team at SoonPlus Plastic Surgery approaches rhinoplasty with an emphasis on harmony, structure, and long-term satisfaction.

Why "Nose Shape" Is More Than Just Aesthetic

One thing many patients don’t realize is: the nose is not an isolated feature. It influences and is influenced by your forehead, eyes, lips, and chin. Functionally, it governs your breathing and airflow. A change in the nose impacts the entire balance of the face.

We often explain this to patients using the idea of architectural balance: just like a building needs proportion between height, width, and angles, your face needs a nose that fits your unique structure. Simply choosing a trending nose shape or replicating a celebrity nose often leads to disharmony. For instance, adding a tall, narrow bridge to a soft, round face might make the nose seem artificial or harsh.

Asian rhinoplasty, in particular, involves specific anatomical considerations. Many patients have flatter bridges, thicker skin on the tip, weaker cartilage support, and wider nasal bases. These features are not flaws; they are natural ethnic variations that require a surgeon with deep experience and precise technique. At SoonPlus, we believe in enhancing features, not erasing identity.

When you come in for a consultation, we evaluate three key nose zones: the bridge (dorsum), the tip (including projection and rotation), and the base (nostril width and position). Each zone contributes to the overall profile and must be addressed in harmony for the best results.

Every nose we treat is unique, and what works for one patient may not work for another. Some patients want only a subtle change, while others are looking for a more defined transformation. That’s why we focus on personalized design, not templates.

Common Nose Shapes and Surgical Considerations

Below are common nose types we see at our Seoul clinic and how we approach them. Keep in mind: real noses are often a combination of types. That’s why custom planning is critical.

Flat Bridge / Low Nasal Dorsum

This shape is frequently seen among East Asian patients. The bridge appears low or under-projected, and the profile may look flatter. This can make the face appear broader and less defined.

Surgical focus here is often on augmentation. We use implants (such as silicone or Gore-Tex) or autologous cartilage (from the septum, ear, or rib) to raise the nasal bridge. What material we choose depends on your skin thickness, structural support, and whether you've had previous surgery. Our goal is not just to add height, but to contour the bridge in a way that suits your face.

We also assess the radix (the area between the eyes where the nose begins). In some cases, a more defined radix adds to a more sophisticated facial silhouette. Too much height, however, can look artificial, so we measure carefully.

Importantly, if the tip is under-projected as well, we address both zones together. Lifting the bridge while leaving the tip droopy often creates imbalance.

Bulbous or Wide Tip

This shape features a rounded, wide, or "fat" appearing tip. It may be due to thick skin, large lower lateral cartilages, or both. It's a common concern for patients who feel their nose lacks refinement.

Surgical technique involves precise reshaping of the tip cartilage, sometimes reinforcing it with grafts for better definition. We may also perform conservative alar base reduction if nostril width is prominent.

However, expectations must be realistic: thick skin can limit how sharp the new tip appears. We use strategies to thin soft tissue where appropriate, but skin type sets natural boundaries. Still, patients often see significant improvement in definition and balance.

In some cases, a slightly narrower and better-supported tip creates a more lifted, elegant look without looking surgically altered. We emphasize structure and projection over unnecessary reduction.

Long or Droopy Tip (Ptotic Tip)

A droopy tip can make the nose look longer or more dominant. It may worsen when smiling, showing more nostril from below.

Correction focuses on supporting and rotating the tip upward. This may involve septal extension grafts, columellar strut grafts, or tip suturing techniques. The angle between the nose and upper lip is adjusted to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance.

We are careful not to over-rotate the tip, which can result in an unnatural "pig nose" appearance. As always, proportions guide our surgical plan.

Many patients with ptotic tips are unaware how much this feature affects their facial expression. A lifted and refined tip often softens the overall appearance and restores balance with the eyes and chin.

Humped or Dorsal Bump

Patients with a dorsal hump often seek a smoother profile. The hump may be bony, cartilaginous, or both. It can create a hooked appearance, especially in profile photos.

We remove or reduce the hump while preserving nasal support. For Asian noses, hump removal may require augmentation of the remaining bridge to avoid a flattened look. Osteotomy (controlled bone cuts) may also be needed to narrow the nose and restore symmetry.

Hump reduction must be done with precision to avoid saddle nose deformity or collapse. At SoonPlus, we use structural techniques that maintain long-term shape and breathing function.

In many cases, dorsal hump correction combined with subtle tip refinement provides a dramatic yet natural-looking change that enhances both front and side views.

Short or Upturned Nose

A short nose appears compressed in length, with more visible nostrils and a high tip rotation. This can be congenital or result from previous surgery or trauma.

Correction often requires lengthening the nose using cartilage grafts, commonly from the rib. This is a complex procedure, particularly when there is scar tissue or lack of native support.

Our surgical team is experienced in rib cartilage harvesting and sculpting. We take care to rebuild the nasal framework in a way that looks natural, not overly extended. Skin tension and vascularity are also critical factors we assess during planning.

Short noses are among the most technically demanding rhinoplasty cases. We carefully assess internal support, soft tissue mobility, and previous implant history before finalizing the surgical plan.

Deviated or Asymmetric Nose

This shape presents as a crooked bridge, uneven nostrils, or off-center alignment. It may be caused by septal deviation, asymmetrical bone growth, or past trauma. Many patients also report breathing issues.

Correction involves straightening the nasal septum and repositioning the nasal bones and cartilage. It requires a deep understanding of both functional and aesthetic nasal anatomy.

In cases with functional impairment, we integrate techniques to improve airflow, such as turbinate reduction or internal valve correction. For revision cases, we also address previous scarring and structural deficiencies.

We also evaluate facial symmetry as a whole. Sometimes the nose appears deviated due to chin asymmetry or orbital tilt. Addressing this in consultation helps set realistic expectations.

How SoonPlus Approaches Your Rhinoplasty Plan

When you visit SoonPlus, your rhinoplasty journey begins with a detailed consultation and facial analysis. We assess your entire face, not just your nose, because true beauty lies in balance.

We examine:

• Face shape and proportions

• Skin thickness and elasticity

• Cartilage strength and nasal anatomy

• Breathing function and history of trauma or surgery

Based on this analysis, we craft a tailored plan. We explain the rationale behind every decision: what we’ll augment or refine, what materials we’ll use, and what outcomes are realistic for your anatomy.

We use open or closed rhinoplasty techniques depending on complexity. Open approach allows greater precision for structural grafting and revision cases, while closed approach is suitable for more straightforward reshaping.

Our surgical method always prioritizes three elements: support, aesthetics, and function. We don’t just create a new shape; we build a nose that holds its form, breathes well, and suits your identity.

Postoperative care is just as important. Swelling takes months to fully resolve, and final results evolve over time. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, monitor your healing, and support long-term follow-up to ensure lasting satisfaction.

What to Ask During Your Consultation

To make the most of your consultation, we encourage patients to ask:

• How does my facial structure influence the ideal nose shape for me?

• What materials do you recommend for my nose type and why?

• Do you have experience with noses like mine (flat, short, revision, etc.)?

• Can I see case examples similar to my anatomy?

• What risks should I be aware of given my specific features?

• What should I expect in terms of healing and timeline for final results?

These questions help establish clarity and trust. At SoonPlus, we value informed patients who are active participants in their aesthetic journey.

We also believe in being honest if expectations cannot be met due to anatomical limits. If a certain tip shape or bridge height isn’t suitable for your skin or structure, we’ll explain why and suggest alternatives that achieve elegance while preserving safety.

Why Experience and Cultural Expertise Matter

Rhinoplasty is as much an art as a science. Understanding ethnic anatomy, aesthetic ideals, and patient concerns is essential. Korean rhinoplasty is not about making every nose look the same; it's about enhancing beauty in a way that feels authentic.

With over 17 years of experience, Dr Soon Dong Kim and our team at SoonPlus Plastic Surgery have performed thousands of rhinoplasty procedures across a wide range of nose types and patient goals. We specialize in Asian anatomy, revision rhinoplasty, and achieving subtle yet powerful transformations.

Our clinic also offers multilingual services, advanced imaging technology, and a patient-centered philosophy. Whether you're from Seoul or overseas, you'll receive care tailored to your culture, expectations, and long-term wellbeing.

Each patient is treated as an individual with specific goals, not as a trend or case number. Our surgeons meet you where you are in your journey and build forward with expertise and integrity.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re exploring rhinoplasty and want a result that feels true to you, we invite you to book a private consultation at SoonPlus Plastic Surgery. Our team will take the time to understand your goals, analyze your unique features, and create a plan that balances aesthetics with structure and long-term harmony.

Your nose plays a central role in facial expression, proportion, and confidence. With the right planning and surgical expertise, it can become a seamless, beautiful part of the person you already are.

Whenever you're ready, we’re here to guide you—with honesty, experience, and artistry.