How much Is Plastic Surgery In South Korea?

If you’re thinking about plastic surgery, you’ve probably wondered how expensive it is and in this article we’ll cover how much is plastic surgery in South Korea.

South Korea is one of the most Plastic surgery friendly countries in the world. In fact, according to a study by American University, “the number of plastic surgeries performed in South Korea has increased more than any other country in the world.

South Korea is renowned for several popular plastic surgery procedures, with double eyelid surgery being among the most sought-after. This procedure aims to create a crease in the eyelid, offering a more defined eye shape. Rhinoplasty is also common, often performed to enhance the nose’s appearance and function. Jaw reduction surgery is favoured for achieving a more V-shaped face, highly desirable in Korean beauty standards. Additionally, skin whitening treatments remain popular, reflecting an ideal of fairer skin that is deeply ingrained in Korean culture.

In 2020, there was a significant rise in demand for cosmetic surgery procedures in South Korea. The South Korean industry had a value of roughly $10.7 billion in the previous year. That represented an increase of almost 9% from 2019. The largest online marketplace for cosmetic surgery in South Korea, Gangnam Unni, predicts that consumers will spend over $11.8 billion this year.

The cost of plastic surgery in South Korea can vary significantly due to several factors. The surgeon’s reputation and experience play a major role, as more experienced surgeons may charge higher fees. The clinic’s location also influences pricing, with those situated in Gangnam, a district known for its high-end clinics, often setting higher prices. Advances in surgical technology and the inclusion of comprehensive aftercare services can further impact the overall cost. Patients should consider these factors when comparing prices across clinics.

So, how much is plastic surgery in South Korea? The approximate cost of plastic surgeries in South Korea varies from physician to actual surgery, but below are some approximate costs.

• Facelift price average: U.K: £7,800 — South Korea: £9,500
• Liposuction price average: U.K: £3,000 — South Korea: £5,000
• Breast Augmentation price average: U.K.: £7,000 — South Korea: £6,000

Surgeries	From
Eyelid Surgery	£1900
Nose Surgery	£3500
Premium Laser Skin Therapy	£3500
Female Specific Surgery	£3500
Hair Transplant	£5300
Facelift	£7000
Breast Augmentation & Surgery	£3500
Liposuction	£4400
Facial Conturing	£8800
Advanced Facial Conturing	£8800
Full Body Makeover	£17000
Full Facial Makeover	£22000

Plastic surgery, while increasingly common, carries potential risks and complications. Anaesthesia reactions, infection, and scarring are some of the general risks associated with any surgical procedure. Additionally, patients may experience dissatisfaction with cosmetic results, which can lead to further procedures. It is important for patients to conduct thorough research on surgeons and clinics to ensure their trustworthiness and competence. Understanding these risks is necessary for making an informed decision about undergoing surgery abroad.

Language barriers between patients and medical staff can also lead to misunderstandings, potentially impacting recovery and outcomes. Furthermore, unexpected side effects might arise, requiring patients to extend their stay or seek additional medical attention locally. It is useful to ensure that the chosen clinic provides English-speaking consultants or translators to allow clear communication throughout the entire process, from pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care.

These are, of course, approximate numbers. The real costs your surgeon will charge you could be very different from these averages. But the figures do provide some information. These claim that even if there is a price difference between South Korean and American plastic surgery, it is in no way significant enough to make the choice seem obvious.

In South Korea, the accreditation and certification of plastic surgeons are essential for ensuring patient safety and high standards. Reputable surgeons are usually board-certified by organisations such as the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS). Patients should verify a surgeon’s credentials and certification to ensure they are qualified to perform complex procedures. Clinics displaying international accreditations may also offer assurance of quality and reliability, serving as a key point of research for international clients.

Why then are so many individuals still eager to fly halfway around the world to complete tasks they can complete at home?

Many customers who will accept less expensive offers from “exotic” Korean surgical clinics believe that the price difference will cover the costs of travel and lodging, essentially making it a two-for-one deal. Who wouldn’t desire a trip to South Korea to go along with an offer of surgery? While the cost may make sense, undergoing surgery in a far-off foreign country is anything but exciting or enjoyable in practise.

Post-operative rehabilitation is rarely enjoyable, especially while you’re travelling. Probably looking for something a little more significant than a fast skin rejuvenation therapy if you’re driven enough to travel to Korea for your plastic surgery procedure. Patients always feel slightly disoriented after invasive treatments and the anaesthesia used during the surgery. For the majority of major procedures (eyelid surgery, facelift surgery, breast augmentation/reduction, liposuction, abdominoplasty), the minimal recovery time is 5-7 days; this is the minimum amount of time before you feel confident leaving your room. 18-hour flights are obviously not the best for your recovery schedule.

You’re left with only one option: remain in your hotel room until you’ve at least somewhat healed. Unless you already have a place to stay. Following surgery, home care is typically highly recommended. Patients are always more vulnerable as a result of the event, while some may handle it better than others or be more affected. We always advise our patients to put off any important occasions for at least two weeks after surgery to avoid considerable difficulty and discomfort. Bottom line: Your plastic surgery tourism trip should take at least a month if you want to enjoy it. If not, you’ll merely be looked after while lying in your hotel bed. Or, even worse, attempt to complete it all on your own while travelling abroad after the operation.

After having surgery, you should always be able to reach your doctor. You should contact the original surgeon right away if you have any issues. They will be in the best position to assist you because they will be the ones who know your body’s changes the best. Therefore, travelling across the globe for surgery might not be the greatest decision.

In South Korea, medical tourism thrives under a framework that protects patient rights, but understanding these rights is important before committing to a procedure. Patients should be aware of their legal protections and recourse options. It is advisable to consult medical tourism legal experts or services that cater specifically to international patients. These groups can help manage any disputes or malpractice claims, assuring a safer and more informed surgical experience abroad.

Naturally, some of our readers won’t be persuaded by the justifications given and will go to South Korea for cosmetic surgery treatment. The counterarguments in this essay may not matter much to you because you have a compelling reason for pursuing your goal. In either case, the following advice and recommendations could significantly reduce the stress of your plastic surgery trip:

Examine the costs. South Korean plastic and cosmetic surgery clinics frequently take advantage of their international patients by charging higher-than-average fees, as was briefly noted in the previous section. Although this article provides rough cost estimates, be sure to speak with a few doctors before you travel. Even if you have to pay for the consultations, it’s still preferable to getting ripped off when you arrive and having to wait another month for another surgeon to be available to see you.

Look into the forums. American men and women who have taken the journey before you are many, and they routinely share their stories on websites like Realself, Purse Forum, and Reddit (/r/plasticsurgery, /r/koreanbeauty, /r/undertheknife). Along with their opinions, visitors frequently provide recommendations for surgeons and advice on what they would change if they could go back in time.

Plan your journey to South Korea with care. One of the worst things that may happen throughout your plastic surgery process is that you have a delay or problem when under pressure to return home in time for a project or function. It might be a good idea to take up to 1.5 to 2 months off work, depending on the type of surgery you’re considering, to make sure you’re covered.

Is it worth the trip and effort?

Although getting surgery in South Korea could appear like a financially advantageous choice (even though the costs are very uniform), it is scarcely worthwhile. Don’t be disheartened by the “before-and-after” images you’ve seen online. The extent of the procedure is a fairly poor indicator of the surgeon’s abilities; in fact, the opposite may be true—a severe change may indicate that the surgeon neglected to make changes that would have enhanced the patient’s innate attractiveness. If you believe that the trip will be enjoyable and that the price difference will “pay for” your full airfare and accommodation, you should strongly examine your options.

Your South Korean excursion may very well turn into a week-long post-op slumber in your hotel room if you don’t already have a permanent residence there. You won’t want to leave your accommodation or go sightseeing for the first five days following surgery.

Finally, don’t be duped by the videos touting “my plastic surgery journey in Korea.” These articles frequently exclude unpleasant experiences brought on by the language barrier and the industrial mindset of Korean plastic surgery techniques since they are sponsored by the clinics themselves.