I asked this exact question about a year ago — and after doing a ton of research, watching YouTube recovery vlogs, and even messaging people on Instagram who had similar surgeries, I ended up choosing Clinic TJ Plastic Surgery in Seoul, with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang as my surgeon.
Let me explain why I chose them, and how it all went down.
The Challenge of Ethnic Rhinoplasty
I’m not Korean — I’m Southeast Asian — and I was really worried about finding a surgeon who understood my unique nasal structure and wouldn’t try to give me a nose that looked totally out of place on my face. I’d seen before-and-after pics from some clinics that looked great on Korean patients, but when it came to non-Korean features… not so much.
That’s when I stumbled on Clinic TJ and found out about Dr. Chang, who’s known for his work in ethnic rhinoplasty, especially for international patients from all over Asia, the Middle East, and even the West. What stood out was how natural and balanced his results looked — like each nose fit the person’s face perfectly, not like they’d copy-pasted the same look on everyone.
Booking & Consultation
Their international team made everything so easy — I sent in photos, got a detailed analysis, and then booked my in-person consultation in Seoul. The second I met Dr. Chang, I felt like I was in good hands. He didn’t just talk at me — he asked about my culture, my goals, and how I wanted to look while still keeping my natural features intact.
He explained that ethnic rhinoplasty isn’t about creating a “Western nose” — it’s about refining structure (like lifting the bridge, reshaping the tip, or narrowing the nostrils) while preserving harmony with your face. He used silicone implants for the bridge and ear cartilage for tip support — but it really depends on your anatomy.
Surgery & Recovery
Surgery day was smooth, and the clinic was spotless — very modern and professional. I stayed in Seoul for 10 days for aftercare, which was provided by the clinic’s international team. They monitored healing closely, helped with medications, and even arranged my compression garments and post-op facials.
Bruising and swelling were real for the first week (not gonna lie), but by week 2, I could already see the shape settling in. It’s now been 7 months, and I get compliments all the time — people just say I look more “refreshed” or “refined,” not “surgically altered,” which is exactly what I wanted.
Final Thoughts: Why TJ Clinic & Dr. Chang?
If you’re a non-Korean patient looking for ethnic rhinoplasty, I highly recommend Clinic TJ and especially Dr. Tack-Jin Chang. He has deep experience with diverse facial structures, an artistic eye for harmony, and a super respectful approach to every individual’s background.
You can check out the clinic here: www.tj-plasticsurgery.com And Dr. Chang’s profile: Dr. Tack-Jin Chang – Clinic TJ
Feel free to message me if you have questions about travel, recovery, or what to expect as an international patient. I know how intimidating it can be — but I promise, if you go with the right surgeon, it’s so worth it.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a testimonial or adapted for a blog or travel review — happy to help!