Short answer: Rhinoplasty results can take up to 12 months to emerge, and further surgery may be needed (healthdirect (opens official site)). That long timeline means most of your healing happens back in Australia. Smartraveller notes few staff speak English, you will probably pay before care, and you should avoid discounted or uncertified providers (Smartraveller (opens official site)). Prices: Price on request, get quotes from clinics.
Risks and limitations to understand first
From healthdirect (opens official site):
- heavy nosebleeds, and infection that may need further surgery
- strong or ongoing pain, and lasting numbness around the nose or front teeth
- reduced sense of smell, or very rarely loss of smell
- difficulty breathing because of narrowed airways
Also:
- Medicare generally doesn’t cover cosmetic nose surgery (healthdirect (opens official site))
- Medicare doesn’t cover you overseas, and basic travel insurance rarely covers medical tourism (Smartraveller (opens official site))
- Most insurers won’t cover complications after a medical or cosmetic procedure in South Korea (Smartraveller (opens official site))
- ASAPS says Australian patients are advised not to fly for 6 to 8 weeks after cosmetic surgery because of clot risk, and that many complications appear weeks later (ASAPS (opens official site))
- Australia’s cosmetic surgery safeguards, including a GP referral, two consultations and a seven-day cooling-off period, often don’t exist overseas (ASAPS (opens official site); Ahpra (opens official site))
- Language barriers: few staff speak English (Smartraveller (opens official site))
- If something goes wrong, fixing it can cost more than the original procedure (Smartraveller (opens official site))
Healing
A splint usually comes off after about a week, swelling may take weeks or months to settle, and you should avoid rubbing your nose for at least 8 weeks (healthdirect (opens official site)). Final results can take up to 12 months. Plan the flight home with your surgeon and ASAPS’s 6 to 8 week flying caution in mind.
How to check a provider in South Korea
We will not shortlist clinics for you.
| Check | Where |
|---|---|
| Surgeon identity | Full Korean name and medical licence details in writing |
| Plastic surgery society directory (orientation) | KSPRS specialist hospital/search tools (opens official site) where publicly available |
| Facility accreditation | JCI accredited organisations search (opens official site) |
| Interpreter support | Confirm English (or your language) support for consent and aftercare in writing |
[Reviewer: confirm the public licence lookup path still available to overseas patients.] Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare licence lookups can require authentication; confirm with your Australian specialist what documentation you need.
Also ask: who operates, who anaesthetises, overnight observation, revision policy after you return to Australia, and records in English. Guides: choosing a surgeon overseas and questions to ask.
Destination context: Medical tourism in South Korea and South Korea safety.
What should be in a written quote?
Itemised clinician and facility fees, anaesthetic, stay length, inclusions and exclusions, revision or remake policy, and what happens if you need a longer stay.
Why does the full trip cost matter more than the procedure fee?
Flights, hotel for the fly-safe window, companion costs, time off work, insurance and a revision buffer often exceed a low procedure-only figure (Smartraveller (opens official site)).
Does this site pick a best or cheapest country?
No. We soften those anchors. Compare named credentials, facility checks, aftercare at home and total trip maths.
Should I decide based on the lowest advertised fee?
No. Compare inclusions, credentials, fly-safe recovery time and revision pathways.
What records should I bring home?
Operation notes, implant or device details if relevant, medication lists and written fit-to-fly advice in English where possible.
When should I involve an Australian GP?
Before you travel if you can, and promptly after you return with your overseas records.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I see the final result?
Results can take up to 12 months to emerge.
What are the risks?
Nosebleeds, infection, pain, numbness, a reduced sense of smell and breathing difficulty. Further surgery may be needed.
Do you recommend clinics in Seoul or elsewhere in Korea?
No. We do not recommend, rank or endorse clinics or surgeons.
Does Medicare cover rhinoplasty?
Medicare generally doesn’t cover cosmetic nose surgery, and doesn’t cover you overseas.
How much does it cost?
We only publish verified, dated prices. Price on request, get quotes from clinics.
Related guides
- What to do if surgery overseas goes wrong
- DVT and flying after surgery
- Rhinoplasty in Turkey and Rhinoplasty in Thailand
- Choosing a medical travel agency
Sources
All accessed 24 October 2026.
- healthdirect, Rhinoplasty (nose job): https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/procedures/surgery/rhinoplasty
- Smartraveller, Going overseas for a medical procedure: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel-essentials/travel-health/medical-tourism
- Smartraveller, South Korea: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea
- ASAPS, Heading overseas for cosmetic surgery: https://aestheticplasticsurgeons.org.au/news/heading-overseas-for-cosmetic-surgery-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
- Ahpra, Cosmetic surgery information for the public: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/Information-for-the-public.aspx
- Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Search: https://plasticsurgery.or.kr/about/hospital/search2.php
- Joint Commission International, Find accredited international organisations: https://www.jointcommission.org/en/about-us/recognizing-excellence/find-accredited-international-organizations
Disclaimer: The information on medicaltourism.com.au is general in nature. It isn’t medical, legal, financial or insurance advice and doesn’t take your personal circumstances into account. Talk to a registered health practitioner before deciding on any procedure. See our editorial policy, medical disclaimer and how we make money.