Korea Plastic Surgery At a Glance
- ✓ 1.17 million foreign medical tourists in 2024
- ✓ $770+ million spent by foreigners on plastic surgery/dermatology (2024)
- ✓ 814 plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam district alone
- ✓ 37,700 foreign eyelid surgeries and 5,900 rhinoplasties in 2024
- ✓ 30-50% savings vs. comparable US procedures
- ✓ K-visa (Medical Tourism Visa) available for extended stays
Why Korea for Plastic Surgery?
South Korea isn't just a popular destination for plastic surgery - it's the destination. The country has the highest rate of cosmetic procedures per capita in the world, and Seoul's Gangnam district has more plastic surgery clinics per square kilometer than anywhere on Earth.
- Unmatched expertise - Korean surgeons perform more procedures than anywhere else, leading to exceptional skill
- K-Beauty standards - The aesthetic that launched a global beauty movement
- Cutting-edge techniques - Korea often develops procedures that later spread worldwide
- Competitive pricing - High clinic density drives competition
- Recovery infrastructure - Recovery houses, post-op care, the whole system exists for medical tourists
Cost Comparison: US vs. Korea
| Procedure | US Price | Korea Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Eyelid Surgery | $3,000-6,000 | $1,500-3,500 |
| Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) | $8,000-15,000 | $3,000-9,000 |
| Facial Contouring (V-Line) | $15,000-25,000 | $8,000-15,000 |
| Fat Grafting (Face) | $5,000-10,000 | $2,500-5,000 |
| Breast Augmentation | $8,000-15,000 | $5,000-10,000 |
| Liposuction (Abdomen) | $6,000-10,000 | $3,000-6,000 |
| Facelift | $15,000-30,000 | $10,000-18,000 |
Prices are estimates. Gangnam clinics are 10-30% higher than clinics in other areas.
Most Popular Procedures
👁️ Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The most common cosmetic procedure in Korea. Creates a crease in the eyelid for a more defined, "open" look. Korea's specialty.
- • Non-incisional: Suture method, less downtime
- • Incisional: More permanent, better for excess skin
- • Partial incision: Hybrid approach
- • Cost: $1,500-3,500
- • Duration: 30-60 minutes
- • Recovery: 5-7 days initial, 2-4 weeks full
- • Stay in Korea: 5-7 days minimum
👃 Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Korean rhinoplasty focuses on creating a higher, more defined nose bridge while maintaining natural proportions. Different philosophy than Western rhinoplasty.
- • Bridge augmentation: Silicone or Gore-Tex implant
- • Tip plasty: Refine nose tip only
- • Alar reduction: Narrow nostrils
- • Revision rhinoplasty: Fix previous work
- • Cost: $3,000-9,000
- • Duration: 1-3 hours
- • Recovery: 7-10 days initial, 3-6 months full
- • Stay in Korea: 10-14 days minimum
💎 Facial Contouring (V-Line Surgery)
Reshaping the jaw and chin to create the coveted V-shaped face. A Korean specialty that's more advanced here than anywhere else.
- • Square jaw reduction: Shave down wide jaw
- • Chin reduction/augmentation: Reshape chin
- • Zygoma (cheekbone) reduction: Narrow cheekbones
- • Genioplasty: Reposition chin bone
- • Cost: $8,000-15,000+
- • Duration: 2-4 hours
- • Recovery: 2-3 weeks initial, 3-6 months full
- • Stay in Korea: 2-3 weeks minimum
Note: This is major surgery involving bone. Recovery is significant. Not recommended as a first procedure or for medical tourists with limited time.
Top Gangnam Clinics
Gangnam has 814+ plastic surgery clinics. Here are some reputable ones frequently recommended for international patients:
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery
4-floor facility in Gangnam's Garosu-gil area. Known for facial contouring and rhinoplasty. Full-service for international patients.
- • English-speaking coordinators
- • Specialized in V-line and two-jaw surgery
- • On-site recovery facilities
VG Plastic Surgery
Led by Dr. Min, named one of Korea's "100 Good Doctors" in 2022. Specializes in facial contouring and rhinoplasty.
- • Board-certified specialists
- • Known for natural-looking results
- • Extensive before/after gallery
AB Plastic Surgery
Near Gangnam Station. Popular with international patients for eye and nose surgery. Transparent pricing.
- • Convenient Gangnam Station location
- • Specializes in double eyelid and rhinoplasty
- • Multi-language support
ID Hospital
One of the largest plastic surgery hospitals in Korea. Multi-floor facility with specialists for every procedure.
- • Hospital-scale facility
- • All specialties under one roof
- • Popular with Chinese and Japanese patients
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- "Ghost surgery": Make sure YOUR surgeon does YOUR surgery. Ask who will be in the operating room.
- Unusually low prices: If it's 50% cheaper than competitors, ask why.
- No before/after photos: Legitimate clinics proudly display their work.
- Pressure to book immediately: Good clinics don't need high-pressure sales.
- No consultation with actual surgeon: You should meet the surgeon before surgery.
- Agency kickbacks: Be wary of "medical tourism agencies" - go direct when possible.
Planning Your Trip
2-3 Months Before
- • Research clinics and procedures thoroughly
- • Send photos for online consultation (most clinics offer this free)
- • Get quotes from 2-3 clinics
- • Book clinic and pay deposit (usually 10-30%)
- • Book flights to Seoul (ICN airport)
- • Apply for K-visa if staying 90+ days
1-2 Weeks Before
- • Confirm surgery date and time
- • Book accommodation near clinic (Gangnam area)
- • Arrange airport pickup (most clinics offer this)
- • Stop blood thinners, supplements per clinic instructions
- • Download Kakao (Korea's messaging app) and Naver Maps
Typical 10-14 Day Trip (Rhinoplasty)
- Day 1: Arrive Seoul, clinic pickup, settle into hotel
- Day 2: In-person consultation, blood tests, finalize plan
- Day 3: Surgery day
- Days 4-7: Recovery in hotel or recovery house, daily clinic check-ins
- Day 7-8: Stitch removal, splint removal
- Days 9-14: Recovery continues, light tourism possible, final check
- Day 14: Fly home (still swollen but presentable)
Recovery in Seoul
Seoul has infrastructure specifically designed for plastic surgery recovery:
Recovery Houses
- What: Guesthouses specializing in post-op care
- Cost: $50-150/night
- Services: Wound care, meals, clinic transport
- Location: Usually near Gangnam clinics
- Vibe: Communal, meet other patients
Hotel Recovery
- What: Regular hotel or Airbnb in Gangnam
- Cost: $80-200/night
- Pros: Privacy, independence
- Cons: No specialized care
- Best for: Minor procedures, companions
Recovery Tips
- • Stock up on soft foods: Congee, soup, smoothies (convenience stores everywhere)
- • Bring a neck pillow: You'll sleep elevated for a week
- • Masks are normal: Korea is mask-friendly, perfect for hiding swelling
- • Don't plan tourism: You won't feel like it for the first week
- • Download Coupang: Korea's Amazon - delivers everything quickly
- • Ice packs: Clinic will provide, use religiously
Combining Procedures
Many patients combine procedures to save on anesthesia, facility fees, and trip costs. Common combinations:
- Eyes + Nose: Most popular combo. $4,500-10,000 total.
- Nose + Fat grafting: Harmonize facial proportions. $5,500-12,000.
- Full facial: Eyes + nose + fat + chin. $10,000-20,000+.
Combination Savings
Combining procedures can save 10-20% vs. doing them separately, primarily on anesthesia and facility fees. However, more procedures = longer recovery. Be realistic about how much you can handle in one trip.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Airport: Incheon (ICN), 1 hour from Seoul
- Flights: 12-14 hrs from US (direct from LA, SF, NYC, etc.)
- Visa: K-ETA required for US citizens (free, apply online)
- Pickup: Most clinics arrange airport pickup
Money
- Currency: Korean Won (KRW)
- Exchange rate: ~1,300 KRW = $1 USD
- Clinic payments: Wire transfer, credit card (3-4% fee)
- ATMs: Widely available, look for Global ATMs
Where to Stay
- Gangnam: Near clinics, expensive, less character
- Sinsa/Garosugil: Trendy, walkable, near Gangnam
- Myeongdong: Tourist area, farther from clinics
- Budget: $60-100/night for decent hotel
Communication
- Kakao Talk: Korea's main messaging app (clinics use it)
- Papago/Google Translate: Camera translation for menus
- Clinic coordinators: Usually speak English well
- General public: Limited English outside tourist areas
Common Questions
"Will I look Korean?"
This is a common concern for Western patients. Good Korean surgeons understand different facial anatomies and aesthetic goals. Be clear about what you want: do you want the "Korean ideal" or a refined version of your natural features? Show photos of results you like.
"Can I fly home with stitches/splints?"
Generally yes, but not recommended. Most procedures require 7-10 days before flying is comfortable and safe. Flying too early increases swelling and complication risk. Plan for adequate recovery time in Korea.
"What if something goes wrong?"
Reputable clinics include follow-up care and handle complications. For revisions, you'd need to return to Korea. This is the main tradeoff of medical tourism. Choose an established clinic with a track record over the cheapest option.
"How do I avoid ghost surgery?"
Ask directly: "Will Dr. [Name] personally perform my surgery from start to finish?" Request it in writing. Reputable clinics are transparent about this. "Ghost surgery" (where a different surgeon operates) is illegal in Korea but still happens at some clinics.
"Is it safe?"
Korea has excellent medical standards and strict regulations. Complications happen everywhere, but Korean surgeons' high volume means they've seen everything. The risk isn't higher than the US - if anything, it may be lower for procedures they specialize in. The main risk is choosing poorly.
Ready to Explore Korea Plastic Surgery?
Browse our South Korea destination guide for more information on medical tourism.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cosmetic surgery carries risks including infection, scarring, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with results. Consult with qualified medical professionals before making decisions about surgery. Verify all clinic credentials and pricing directly before booking.