Walk down any street in Seoul, and you’ll notice: facial harmony matters here. Subtle balance between the eyes, nose, lips, and jaw defines beauty in a way that feels both modern and timeless. And for many patients — both Korean and international — the nose becomes a central feature to refine.

But nose refinement doesn’t always mean a full rhinoplasty. Some patients are concerned with a dorsal hump. Others feel their nostrils flare too much in photos. And some simply want subtle correction — not a brand-new nose.

At Hugo Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, we often say: you don’t need to change your identity, just enhance it. So let’s break down two of the most common nasal concerns — nasal humps and wide nostrils — and explore the safe, effective options available today for achieving natural-looking nose refinement.

What Is a Nasal Hump — and Why Does It Happen?

A nasal hump (also called a dorsal hump) is a visible bump on the bridge of the nose. It’s often made of cartilage, bone, or both. While it’s a normal anatomical variation, many people feel it throws off their facial balance — especially in profile.

Some people are born with it. Others develop a hump due to trauma, like a sports injury or childhood fall. And in some cases, aging or previous surgery can cause subtle structural shifts that make a hump more visible over time.

At Hugo, we often hear patients say:

“I like my face from the front, but my side profile makes me self-conscious.”

That’s where targeted nose refinement — not aggressive reshaping — becomes incredibly powerful.

What Causes Wide or Flaring Nostrils?

When we talk about wide nostrils, we’re usually referring to two things:

1. Alar base width — the distance between the outer edges of the nostrils.

2. Alar flare — how much the nostrils spread when smiling or expressing emotion.

Wide or flaring nostrils may be genetic (more common in certain ethnic groups) or the result of previous nose surgery that didn’t account for soft tissue behavior. Some people notice their nostrils look fine at rest, but overly wide when they laugh or smile.

It’s not about shrinking the nose — it’s about refining proportion.

The Key Principle: Balance, Not Drastic Change

In Korean aesthetics — and particularly at Hugo Plastic Surgery — we don’t chase trends. We aim for timeless harmony. That means:

• Preserving ethnic identity and natural contours

• Avoiding overly Westernized or artificial-looking noses

• Customizing the plan for each person’s bone, skin, and facial dynamics

You’re not just a “nose type.” You’re a complete face — and your nose should fit within your unique aesthetic.

How We Address Nasal Humps: Techniques for a Smooth Bridge

If a patient comes to us with concerns about a nasal hump, we first determine:

• Is the hump mostly bony, cartilaginous, or mixed?

• Is the overall nose height too high, or is it just an isolated bump?

• Does the tip need support after hump reduction?

Common Approaches:

1. Dorsal Hump Reduction (Surgical)

For structural humps, a gentle shave of bone or cartilage can dramatically smooth the profile. This is usually done as part of open or closed rhinoplasty.

A key insight: Removing a hump without rebuilding the bridge often leads to a scooped or collapsed look — especially in thinner noses.
That’s why we often combine reduction with dorsal augmentation using autologous cartilage (from the septum or ear) or soft implants.

2. Non-Surgical Nose Filler (Temporary Option)

For minor humps or indentations, strategic dermal filler placement above and below the hump can create the illusion of a straight bridge.

This is non-invasive and reversible — but not permanent. It’s ideal for patients testing the waters or those avoiding surgery.

Addressing Wide Nostrils: From Alarplasty to Muscle Control

When it comes to wide nostrils, there are several layers of anatomy involved — not just skin width. At Hugo, we examine:

• Alar base width

• Nostril shape and tension

• Levator labii alaeque nasi muscle (which contributes to nasal flaring)

Common Solutions:

1. Alar Base Reduction (Alarplasty)

This is one of the most effective procedures for wide or flaring nostrils. It involves removing a small wedge of tissue from the base of the nostril and suturing for a narrower appearance.

Done well, the scar is hidden in the natural crease — virtually invisible after healing.

At Hugo, we perform micro-incision alarplasty, using precise suture techniques to prevent visible thickening or irregular contours.

2. Botulinum Toxin for Nostril Flare

If nostrils widen too much when smiling, but are fine at rest, we may inject a small dose of botulinum toxin (like Botox) into the alar flare muscles. This softens movement without freezing expression.

It’s subtle, temporary, and highly individualized.

What People Often Overlook: Tip Support & Breathing

One thing we often have to explain is this:

Your nose is more than a shape — it’s a breathing structure.

If you reduce the hump or narrow the nostrils without maintaining internal support, patients may end up with aesthetic improvement but functional issues like:

• Nasal collapse during inhalation

• Whistling sounds

• Dryness or congestion

That’s why structural integrity is non-negotiable at our clinic. In any nose refinement procedure, we reinforce the septum and nasal valves to ensure both form and function.

The Hugo Philosophy: Precision Over Promises

Plastic surgery in Seoul is held to high standards — and rightly so. But at Hugo, we don’t just follow trends or offer quick fixes. We focus on:

• Personalized planning: Every patient’s facial structure and cultural background is unique.

• Subtle artistry: The best nose work doesn’t draw attention — it blends seamlessly.

• Transparent consultation: We don’t promise perfection. We promise honesty, skill, and care.

“The best nose is one that feels like it was always yours.”

That’s what our patients tell us after recovery. And it’s what we aim for in every case.

Is Nose Refinement Right for You?

If you’re still unsure whether to address your nasal hump, wide nostrils, or both — that’s completely normal.

Most of our patients spend weeks (or months) researching before they visit. What matters is finding a clinic that listens, evaluates carefully, and makes a plan that fits you, not a template.

Final Thought: Natural Results Are Built, Not Bought

There’s a reason why Seoul — and Gangnam in particular — has become a global hub for facial plastic surgery. The standard here is not just beauty, but natural beauty. Subtle, refined, expressive — not frozen or overdone.

If that’s what you’re seeking, we invite you to explore your options with a team that truly understands facial nuance.

Ready to refine your features with precision?

Visit Hugo Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, where expert care meets personalized aesthetics. Whether you're considering dorsal hump reduction, alarplasty, or just want to explore your options — we're here to guide you every step of the way.