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Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Surgical reshaping of the nasal bone and cartilage to alter size, profile or tip; performed under general anesthesia in 1.5-3 hours with a splint worn 7 days.

Cosmetic Face Avg. stay 10 days 25 clinics $1,187 - $7,500

Typical price (medical tourism)

From $2,800 – $7,500

Indicative range from clinics listed on xcuro; final quote varies by clinic & case.

What this costs in the U.S.

United States$5,000 – $15,000

Through xcuro$2,800 – $7,500

About 49% less than the U.S. figure

U.S. figure: Cherry, 2026 — surgeon, facility and anesthesia · source · checked June 3, 2026

Flights, hotel and transfers are not included in either figure.

Overview

Rhinoplasty surgically alters the size, profile or tip of the nose by reshaping its underlying bone and cartilage. The NHS describes two main approaches: a closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty, where all incisions are made inside the nostrils and no external scar is visible, and an open rhinoplasty, where a small incision is added across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) to give the surgeon direct visualization of the cartilage framework. The surgeon may reduce the nose by removing bone or cartilage, or augment it using cartilage grafts (commonly harvested from the nasal septum, ear or rib) or alloplastic implants (NHS). Indications include a dorsal hump, a wide or asymmetric nasal tip, a depressed dorsum, a deviated nose, or breathing problems caused by structural deformity. The operation takes 1.5-3 hours under general anesthesia, and most patients stay one or two nights in the hospital. A splint is held over the nose with tape for seven days to protect the new framework while the bone heals, and temporary nasal packing or internal silicone splints may be used (NHS). In South Korea, augmentation rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly requested operations because many Korean noses are anatomically shorter and less projected than Western noses; surgeons frequently combine a silicone or Gore-Tex dorsal implant with autologous septal or ear-cartilage tip grafts. Historic L-shaped silicone implants have largely been replaced by I-shaped dorsal implants paired with cartilage tip work because L-shaped designs were associated with a roughly 16% complication rate and 8% reoperation rate due to tip skin pressure, extrusion and over-rotation in long-term follow-up (PMC review of Asian rhinoplasty techniques). International patients typically plan a 7-14 day stay: surgery and 1-2 hospital nights, splint and stitch removal at day 7, and clearance to fly. Bruising around the eyes can last up to three weeks, and the bulk of swelling resolves by 3-4 weeks, but subtle tip refinement continues for up to 6 months; thicker-skinned noses often take 12 months to show final shape (NHS).

Hospital & stay

2–3 nights

Hospital stay

10 days

Total stay abroad

Cosmetic

Procedure type

Procedure details

How it's performed

Under general anesthesia in 1.5-3 hours. The surgeon accesses the nasal framework either through internal incisions only (closed approach) or through an additional small columellar incision (open approach), reshapes nasal bones with osteotomies, sculpts or augments cartilage with grafts or implants, and closes with fine sutures. An external nasal splint is taped over the nose for 7 days.

Preparation

1Consultation with detailed nasal-airway examination, photographs and often 3D imaging.
2Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery; stop aspirin/NSAIDs/herbal blood-thinners 2 weeks before.
3Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, anesthesia clearance.
4Fast 6-8 hours before general anesthesia.
5Plan for cold compresses, head elevation pillows, and a 7-10 day post-op accommodation.

Recovery

1Day 0-2: Surgery and 1-2 hospital nights; external splint in place; oral analgesics and antibiotics; head elevated.
2Day 3-6: Periorbital bruising and swelling peak then begin to fade; mouth breathing common due to internal swelling.
3Day 7: Splint and external stitches removed; many international patients can fly home.
4Week 3: Bruising and most surface swelling resolved; swimming may resume.
5Week 4-6: Strenuous exercise resumed; glasses on the bridge usually still avoided.
6Month 3-12: Tip refinement continues; final shape visible at 6-12 months depending on skin thickness.

Before & after results

See all Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) results →

Before you travel: what the CDC recommends

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans traveling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.

Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.

Source: CDC Travelers’ Health — Medical Tourism

Best countries for Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): prices vs the U.S.

Price ranges published by clinics listed on xcuro in each country (USD), next to the typical U.S. price. Final quotes vary by clinic and case.Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) cost in the U.S. by state and city →

Country	Price at listed clinics	Clinics
South Korea	$1,187 - $10,324	7	Full guide →
Turkey	$2,393 - $6,273	11	Full guide →
Colombia	$4,630 - $7,410	3	Full guide →
Mexico	$5,399 - $6,000	2	Full guide →
Thailand	$6,100 - $6,500	1	See clinics →
United States	$5,000 – $15,000	Cherry, 2026 — surgeon, facility and anesthesia