Plastic Surgery in Korea

South Korea is one of the best-known destinations in the world for cosmetic surgery. Seoul’s Gangnam district, around Sinsa and Apgujeong, is home to a dense concentration of plastic surgery clinics, and international patients travel there for procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facial contouring and facelifts. This guide explains the most common procedures, how to choose a surgeon, how to compare surgical quotes, how long to stay in Korea and which questions to ask before you book.

Cliniclo is an independent guide for international patients. We do not provide medical advice, and nothing on this page replaces a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Surgery carries real risks, and the right decision depends on your health, anatomy and goals.

Why patients travel to Korea for plastic surgery

Patients choose Korea for several reasons.

Specialization. Many Korean clinics focus on a narrow set of procedures, such as the nose, the eyes or the facial bones, and some surgeons perform the same operation many times a week. High volume in one procedure is not a guarantee of quality, but it does mean you can often find a surgeon whose practice is built around the operation you want.

Experience with East Asian facial anatomy. Procedures such as double eyelid surgery, epicanthoplasty and facial bone contouring were refined in Korea for East Asian faces. International patients of all backgrounds now travel for these and other operations, but it is worth asking any surgeon how much experience they have with your particular facial features and goals.

Technology and planning. Many clinics use 3D CT scans for facial contouring and nasal surgery planning, and some use computer simulations during consultations. Simulations can help communication, but remember that they are illustrations, not guarantees.

Infrastructure for foreign patients. Larger clinics often have international coordinators, interpreters and staff who help with airport pickup, accommodation and aftercare visits. Korea also requires medical institutions that actively attract foreign patients to register with the government, and you can ask a clinic whether it is registered.

These advantages come with a trade-off: travelling for surgery means recovering far from home, with less time for follow-up. Careful planning is essential. Our checklist for planning your treatment visit covers the key questions to settle before booking flights.

How to choose a plastic surgeon in Korea

Check the surgeon’s specialty

In Korea, a board-certified plastic surgeon (성형외과 전문의) has completed specialist training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and passed specialist exams. Clinic names offer a clue: a clinic run by a plastic surgery specialist can usually use the name “OO성형외과의원” (OO Plastic Surgery Clinic), while doctors without that specialty may still offer cosmetic procedures but generally cannot present the clinic as a plastic surgery clinic in the same way. English websites and advertising do not always make this clear, so ask directly:

Is the operating surgeon a board-certified plastic surgeon?
How many years have they performed this procedure, and how often?
Who else will be in the operating room, and who administers anesthesia?

Make sure the surgeon you meet is the surgeon who operates

“Ghost surgery”, where a patient consults with one surgeon but is operated on by another without their knowledge, has been a well-publicized problem in the past. Since 2023, Korean law has required CCTV in operating rooms where patients are under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious, with recording carried out at the patient’s request. Ask the clinic to confirm in writing who will perform your surgery, and ask how you can request CCTV recording if you want it.

Look beyond before-and-after photos

Before-and-after photos show a clinic’s best results, under the best lighting. They are useful for understanding a surgeon’s style, but they do not tell you about complication rates or revision surgery. Ask how the clinic handles complications, what revision policy they have and how often patients need revisions for your procedure.

Be cautious with brokers and hard selling

Some agencies and brokers earn commissions for bringing patients to clinics. A broker can help with translation and logistics, but you should know who is paying them and whether that affects which clinics they recommend. Be wary of large same-day discounts, pressure to add extra procedures or a clinic that discourages you from taking time to decide.

Popular plastic surgery procedures in Korea

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Rhinoplasty is one of the most requested operations in Korea. Common goals include raising a low nasal bridge, refining a wide or bulbous tip, straightening a crooked nose or reducing a hump. Techniques may use the patient’s own cartilage from the septum, ear or rib, or implants such as silicone. The choice of material affects the result, the risk profile and the long-term outcome, so ask your surgeon why they recommend a particular approach for you.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is significant at first and settles gradually; the final shape, especially of the tip, can take many months to appear. A splint is usually worn for around a week.

Rhinoplasty clinics near Gangnam Station: NEAT Plastic Surgery (nose-only clinic, including revision rhinoplasty), BT Plastic Surgery (rhinoplasty and functional nose surgery) and AB Plastic Surgery.

Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery covers several different procedures:

Double eyelid surgery creates or refines the upper eyelid crease. It can be done with an incisional technique or a non-incisional (suture) method. Incisional techniques allow more adjustment and are more durable; non-incisional methods have shorter recovery but may not suit everyone.
Ptosis correction strengthens or tightens the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid, for patients whose lids droop or who look tired. It is often combined with double eyelid surgery.
Epicanthoplasty modifies the inner corner fold of the eye.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, either by removing or repositioning fat.

Stitches are commonly removed around five to seven days after incisional eyelid surgery, and bruising and swelling usually improve over the following weeks.

Eyelid surgery clinics near Gangnam Station: Dress Plastic Surgery (eye-focused, including sub-brow lift), Girin Plastic Surgery and Lienjang Plastic Surgery (including under-eye fat repositioning).

Facial contouring

Korea is well known for facial bone surgery, which changes the underlying structure of the face. These are major operations under general anesthesia and need careful evaluation.

Jaw reduction (mandible angle reduction or V-line surgery) narrows a wide or square lower face.
Zygoma (cheekbone) reduction reduces prominent cheekbones.
Genioplasty reshapes, advances or shortens the chin.
Orthognathic (jaw correction) surgery moves the jaws to correct bite and facial balance, usually alongside orthodontic treatment.

Facial contouring carries specific risks, including nerve injury, asymmetry and sagging soft tissue after bone reduction. Swelling can take several months to settle. Ask whether the surgeon uses 3D CT planning and how they will assess the nerve position before surgery.

Genioplasty surgery: the secret to having an improved chin contour
Cheekbone reduction surgery: things you need to consider
Jaw correction surgery: what does it do?
Chin implants: what are chin implants in Korea about?

Facial contouring clinics near Gangnam Station: BT Plastic Surgery, Made Young Plastic Surgery and Girin Plastic Surgery, which also lists orthognathic (double-jaw) surgery.

Facelifts and anti-aging surgery

Facelift options range from short-scar lifts to deep plane facelifts, and are often combined with neck lifts, fat grafting or eyelid surgery. Some clinics also offer thread lifts, which use absorbable threads to lift tissue with less downtime but shorter-lasting results.

Facelift clinics near Gangnam Station: Made Young Plastic Surgery and Lienjang Plastic Surgery both focus on face and neck lifting.

If you are not ready for surgery, non-surgical lifting treatments such as high-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency are covered in our guide to skin treatments in Korea.

Volume and facial fat grafting

Fat grafting moves your own fat, usually from the abdomen or thighs, to areas such as the cheeks, temples or under the eyes. Not all transferred fat survives, so some patients need more than one session.

Body contouring

Body procedures include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), fat transfer to the hips or buttocks, calf procedures and breast surgery. These operations generally involve longer recovery than facial procedures and a higher risk of blood clots, which is particularly relevant when you will fly home afterwards.

Vision correction

Although not plastic surgery, many international patients combine a trip with vision correction surgery. Read SMILE eye surgery in Korea: what you must know before getting SMILE eye surgery.

The consultation: what to expect

Most clinics offer an initial online consultation based on photos, followed by an in-person consultation in Korea before surgery. The in-person consultation is where the real plan is made, and your quote may change after the surgeon has examined you.

A thorough consultation should include:

a discussion of your goals and what is realistic for your anatomy;
an examination and, for bone or nasal surgery, imaging such as a CT scan;
an explanation of the technique, the materials used and the alternatives;
a description of risks, recovery and possible revision surgery;
pre-operative tests such as blood tests, an ECG or a chest X-ray for general anesthesia;
a clear written quote and consent forms.

Ask for an interpreter if you need one. Consent is only meaningful when you fully understand the plan, and medical vocabulary is hard even for fluent speakers.

How to compare surgical quotes

Plastic surgery prices in Korea vary with the surgeon, the complexity of the operation, the materials used and whether several procedures are combined. Prices also change with promotions, so it is more useful to compare written quotes than advertised prices. Ask each clinic for an itemized quote in Korean won for the same procedure and scope, and check whether it includes:

the surgeon’s fee and the operating room;
anesthesia, and which type (local, sedation or general);
implants or materials, including the brand;
pre-operative tests and imaging;
medication, compression garments and dressings;
post-operative visits, stitch removal and any recovery treatments;
an overnight stay, if needed;
interpreter and coordinator services.

Also ask when a deposit is due, whether it is refundable, and what happens to the price if the surgeon recommends a different plan after the in-person consultation. Our homepage covers what to confirm before booking your trip.

How long to stay in Korea after surgery

Ask your surgeon for a schedule specific to your procedure before you book your return flight. As a general guide, patients commonly plan:

around one week or more for many eyelid and nose procedures, to allow for stitch or splint removal and a check-up;
two weeks or more for facial contouring, facelifts and body contouring, which carry more swelling and a longer recovery;
additional days if you are having several procedures together.

Before you leave, you should have had your post-operative check-ups, know which follow-up visits you need, and know when the surgeon advises it is safe to fly.

Flying after surgery

Long-haul flights after surgery increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), particularly after longer operations, body contouring and procedures under general anesthesia. Ask your surgeon about walking, hydration, compression stockings and whether any preventive measures are recommended for your flight.

Recovering in a hotel or recovery house

Some patients stay in a hotel near the clinic; others use recovery accommodation that offers meals and nursing support. Choose somewhere close to the clinic so post-operative visits are easy, and make sure you know whom to call at night if you have a concern.

Risks of plastic surgery

Every operation carries risk. General risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, reactions to anesthesia and blood clots. Procedure-specific risks include:

Rhinoplasty: breathing problems, asymmetry, implant problems such as displacement or infection, and the need for revision.
Eyelid surgery: asymmetry, a crease that is too high or fades, dry eyes or difficulty closing the eyes.
Facial contouring: nerve injury causing numbness, asymmetry, and sagging soft tissue.
Facelifts: nerve injury, visible scars and hair loss near incisions.
Body contouring: fluid collection, contour irregularities and wound-healing problems.

A good surgeon will explain these risks clearly and will not dismiss your questions. If a clinic minimizes risks or pushes you to decide quickly, consider it a warning sign.

Aftercare once you are home

Recovery continues long after you leave Korea. Before you fly, make sure you have:

written aftercare instructions in a language you understand;
copies of your operative record, medication list and any implant details;
a contact person at the clinic and a way to send photos for remote follow-up;
a plan for what to do if a complication develops, including which local doctor you will see.

Some doctors at home may be reluctant to manage complications from surgery performed abroad, so it helps to arrange a local contact in advance.

Questions to bring to your plastic surgery consultation

Who will perform the surgery, and who will conduct the consultation?
Is the operating surgeon a board-certified plastic surgeon, and how often do they perform this procedure?
Which technique and materials do you recommend for me, and why?
What does the surgical quote include, and when is a deposit due?
What happens to the price if the plan changes after the in-person consultation?
Who administers anesthesia, and what type will be used?
Can I request CCTV recording of the operation?
Which follow-up appointments do I need in Korea, and when can I fly home?
What is your revision policy, and who pays for a revision?
Whom should I contact if I have concerns after I leave Korea?

Frequently asked questions about plastic surgery in Korea

Is plastic surgery in Korea safe?

Many patients have safe and successful surgery in Korea, but no surgery is risk-free, and standards vary between clinics. Choosing a board-certified surgeon, understanding the plan and allowing enough recovery time before you fly are among the most important ways to reduce risk.

Can I have more than one procedure on the same trip?

Combining procedures is common in Korea, but longer operations increase anesthesia time, recovery and risk. Ask the surgeon whether combining procedures is appropriate for you and how it changes your recovery schedule.

Do I need to speak Korean?

No. Many clinics serving international patients have English-speaking staff or interpreters. Ask whether the surgeon speaks your language, whether an interpreter will join the consultation, and whether interpretation costs extra.

How soon can I return to work?

It depends on the procedure and your job. Many patients take one to two weeks off after facial procedures and longer after facial contouring or body surgery. Swelling may still be visible after you return to work.

Can I combine surgery with skin treatment?

Sometimes, but treatments near a surgical site usually need to wait until healing is complete. See our guide to skin treatments in Korea and ask your surgeon about timing.

Find a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul

Browse our plastic surgery clinic profiles, including clinics near Gangnam Station. Each profile lists procedures, doctors, location and the questions to ask, based on the clinic’s official website. Cliniclo does not currently receive payment from listed clinics.

Next steps

Write down the procedure you are considering, your goals, your medical history and your travel dates. Then request consultations and itemized quotes from more than one clinic, so you can compare surgeons, plans and aftercare rather than price alone.

Explore our other treatment guides:

Skin treatments in Korea for acne scars, pigmentation and skin texture
Dental care in Korea for implants, crowns and veneers
Hair transplants in Korea for hair restoration

If you have questions about planning surgery in Korea, you can contact Cliniclo.

This guide is general information for international patients and is not medical advice. Surgical suitability, risks and results vary from person to person and should be discussed with a qualified surgeon.