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I am not sure if this is a good place to ask but I know a like of kpop stars get work done. They are always so beautiful and attractive. I am mixed race (part Korean) and would love to get work done that is on par with what these people get. I have wanted to appear more Korean honestly. I feel like people confuse what I am too often. Anyways, does anyone know? Or know where I can find this kind of information?

I will be honest, this kind of information is often hidden. Doctors won't say anything and the stars that get work done usually don't want people to know. That being said, it is rumored that a number of K-Pop starts have gone to Dream Medical Group/SNSD Clinic. Dr. Jaegwon Wang at Oracle Clinic is said to be one that has worked on a number of them. Again, these are just rumors!

You can get botox in Korea as low as $20 a session compared to what I have seen in the US - the cheapest being $250, that is a massive savings! I am only just looking into this but based on what I have read, it seems worth it for the cost alone. You have to consider the travel cost however so making it more of a vacation than just a trip for botox is probably more worth it.

It is known as "Plastic Surgery Capital of the World" for a reason! You will find the best doctors, get the best services, and have the best experience finding a doctor in this location. People from around the world go here. It was the first area I looked into when trying to find a doctor.

It isn't normal but it isn't not normal. Every clinic is different. Some will have one doctor that does everything, others will have specialized doctors that do only certain surgeries. It is not unheard of so nothing to worry about!

One of my eyes droops or sits lower on my face than the other. I am not sure why. I noticed this when I was younger but as I have gotten older, it is far more noticeable and it is very frustrating. I can use make-up to make it less noticeable but I want to find a fix for it. I will be in Korea for work in August for 6 weeks. I would love to be able to get something done whilst there. Anyone know what sort of surgery or correction I should look into for this?

Hey everyone, I’ve been noticing some early fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes lately (probably stress + screen time ), and I’ve started looking into anti-wrinkle treatments. I came across this page while researching: https://gafhealthcare.in/treatments/anti-wrinkle-treatment It explains things quite simply — especially how treatments like Botox work by relaxing facial muscles so the wrinkles soften over time. From what I read, it’s a non-surgical option and results usually start showing within a few days and can last a few months. What I’m trying to understand is: Is it worth starting early (late 20s / early 30s)? Does it look natural or “frozen”? How often do you actually need to maintain it? If anyone here has personal experience (good or bad), I’d really appreciate honest feedback before I take a decision. Thanks in advance

I just want to share a bit for anyone considering this clinic for getting work down. JK is located in Apgujeong (Gangnam District of Seoul) and was considered the best of the best when I was doing research. I took a chance with them and I do not regret it! Doctor Kim Sung-Sik was who did my work (nose and facial contouring) and I swear I look and feel younger and more radiant than I did in my 20s! For reference I am 41. I had no issues with translations or anything. Everyone at the clinic seemed to speak English and were very familiar with non-Korean bone structure. The cost and aftercare had me shook. I not only got my surgery at 30% of the cost I was quoted in the states but the aftercare was included and was amazing! They wanted to charge me extra in America. They have anywhere from 3,500 to 4,000 international patients from around the world every single year. I cannot recommend them enough!

Hello. I am looking to have a rhinoplasty done. I have spoke with doctors locally here in Italy and the cost and time frame is just too expensive! I am trying to see what my options are elsewhere. Other countries I have checked also quite high but South Korea seems to be very affordable all things considered. Is there a way I can get a quote of the cost without having to travel there? Is this something clinics will do? I see averages online but I would like to know what my nose in particular would be estimated to cost so I can save up. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I am not new to plastic surgery but I am new to getting it done overseas. I have been in contact with a clinic in Korea and I found out last night that I will need to pay a fee in order to book my appointment. I am planning on going in May to get neck done (neck lift) as I have had a bit more sagging than I would like going on. The cost was just too high to get it done locally so this is what led me to look in to options in other countries. I am just not sure if this is normal. They did say the money I pay will be part of the total cost so it will be deducted when I arrive to pay the rest. Is it normal for a clinic to require money upfront when scheduling online?

So $1000 for hotel and flights, and $8,000 for the surgery. I'll probably want at least $1000 for shopping/food so I guess planning on $10,000 would be ideal? Thanks for the information!!

This is actually a good question. As far as I know, you do not need one. I believe the standard travel laws (through a passport) allow for up to a 90 day stay. So You could realistically go there for 3 months and get tons of work done and have time for it. I don't think any western nation requires a special visa.

This is what honestly got me looking into it. The price differences are insane and Korea seems to have higher quality standards for it. This is why I asked. It has crossed my mind but I didn't calculate anything. I am quite jealous haha Yeah I think as people have said, it is only worth it if I am already going there for a trip and just happen to get it done. As much as I want to go and do it, I think I will save and plan. Make a vacation out of it.

Based on what I have looked into, health conditions is a big factor, possible the biggest. So medical issues that would label you a surgery risk. So someone on blood thinners for example are more prone to excessive bleeding and they are considered higher risk.

I joined after reading this. I wanted to respond since I had this confusion as well. After having gone through the process, there is an easy answer. When you elect to have surgery of any kind overseas be it plastic or health-related, you are often met with a fee and/or down payment. This is done as a means to not lose revenue if someone decides to not show or flights get delayed. They schedule operations in advance and it is often hard to book late notice operations so they end up losing money. This is a safety net that shows the client is serious and if for whatever reason they do a "no show", they are not losing money for the time scheduled for that person.

I saw that another place was recommending the Gangnam UNNI website https://www.gangnamunni.com/us, but it seems pretty bad. On the main page, I click "Facial Contouring", then "Clinics", and there's only two there -- "Jfeel Clinic" and "Reverse Clinic". After doing more research, these seem like relatively small, unknown clinics. When I click on them, their specialties are extremely basic stuff, IE: "Botox, fillers, lifting, skin, and dieting". I saw that you guys warn about fake info from aggressive clinics & PR companies, but I don't see any info here on how to choose a clinic. Stuff I found from a web search: There are huge 20+ story hospitals dedicated to plastic surgery. These seem like the best options for foreigners looking for major surgeries. Examples: BK hospital https://bkhospital.com/english/. "Offers a full range of procedures with multilingual support." ID hospital https://eng.idhospital.com/ or https://en.idhospital.com/ Specializes in facial bone surgeries https://en.idhospital.com/facial-contouring They advertise Active CCTV cameras and NO shadow doctors. Guide to Getting Plastic Surgery in South Korea as a Foreigner https://medicaltourismabroad.substack.com/p/guide-to-getting-plastic-surgery-in-south-korea-as-a-foreigner - lists BK and ID hospitals. Plastic Surgery in Korea: A Foreigner's Guide https://www.yourkorea.life/blog/health-wellness/plastic-surgery-korea-foreigner-guide-144/ How to Find Safe Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea https://kculture.com/how-to-find-safe-plastic-surgery-clinics-in-korea/ They have a clinic search, but there are hundreds of results, and I don't see a way to filter them. The info on each clinic/hospital is also very basic. Categorized recommendations: Plastic Surgery in Korea for Foreigners: A Guide to Procedures, Costs & Top Clinics https://us-uk.bookimed.com/article/plastic-surgery-in-korea/ More, with no sorting https://bookclinics.com/republic-of-korea/seoul Medical tourism agency: https://www.beautytherapykorea.com/post/plastic-surgery-korea-guide-foreigners Could make things easier if you're willing to pay more. But a concern I read is that they might push partner clinics. Whatclinic.com: Clinics in Seoul https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/south-korea/seoul They have 35 Jaw Contouring Clinics in Seoul (compared to the two from gangnamunni) https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/south-korea/seoul/jaw-contouring Pitangui Medical & Beauty: https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/south-korea/seoul/pitangui-medical-beauty Lots of good reviews, but most of the links on their website are broken, and the address is different. https://www.pitanguiplasticsurgery.com/ Grand Plastic Surgery: https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/south-korea/seoul/grand-plastic-surgery Also has lots of good reviews. Their website is better, but still shows a different address https://eng.grandsurgery.com/about/location.php Only 1 floor vs the whole buildings for BK and ID? But the whatclinic link says "plastic surgery hospital in Korea with a total of 21 floors". AB plastic surgery: https://abplasticsurgerykorea.com/ The first result when I search for "south korea plastic surgery". They have visual representations of their main surgeries: https://abplasticsurgerykorea.com/facial-contouring/chin-tip-surgery JK plastic surgery: https://www.jkplastic.com/en/ Seems to specifically solicit foreign patients They're one of the more expensive clinics, and specialize in eye surgery according to https://seoul.clinic/jk-plastic-surgery-review/

This was one of my bigger concerns. Even though I know a lot of people online say they had no issues, I worry that words can be crossed and not understood resulting in less than desirable results.

This. Also some information about what you asked: I would say most clinics at this point offer free online consultations. These are done via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. They will likely request medication information and photos and then talk about what your goals are for your surgery and this can all be done before traveling. As for scheduling, you may have to pay a consultation fee which will be added to your total surgery cost so reserve the time/date of your surgery. This may or may not include a deposit to avoid last minute cancellations from people abroad. Once you have a date set, you will get a basic quote for estimated costs (which can end up being more or less post surgery depending on various things), sign forms, and you may need to get medical clearance from a local doctor which includes blood work and a physical exam a week or two out from surgery. Most clinics require you to stay in the destination for at least two weeks post-surgery to ensure proper recovery and attend follow-up appointments, and some offer all-inclusive packages to simplify the process making it easy for people traveling from far away nations.

It is only worth it if you value the quality and service over the cost. The cost is cheaper but as mentioned, you have to factor in flights, hotel stays, etc. which add to it. I personally would only get it done if I had already planned on being in Korea for a trip or other surgery.

Yup! Some places have multiple doctors that specialize in certain areas. You will find this outside of Korea as well. It makes sense when a clinic offers various surgeries and beauty treatments. A doctor that does hair transplants, for example, is very unlikely to know how to do a tummy tuck!

It can be a challenge if you are not sure what to do, who to to contact, or what to ask. I find the Discord group tied to this forum can be super helpful with this! I know I was a bit lost myself when planning my second trip and surgery. That being said, it helps to meet doctors and go to clinics in person. This can mean planning a longer stay or multiple trips.

I am happy you had a good experience. I think most people do but some people do not. While I did not go to this clinic, my first experience with getting work done in Korea was a bit disappointing. I think it was more down to miscommunication. I did end up going a second time and found a better clinic and doctor and was much happier the second time around!

The average cost is $6k to $12k depending on how much work is needed. The cost can go as high as $20k but be as low as $3k. So I would plan for something around $8k if you are trying to plan a budget.

I have read good things but I have also read mixed/negative things. It is always nice to get the perspective of real people on their experiences. I would love to see some before and after pics if you aren't too shy

I mean if you look into it online, you will see a lot of websites recommending it. I don't think it is fair to say it is the best because they are very likely skilled doctors outside of this area. I am looking around and found some that rate well and do great work - not located in Seoul. That being said, doing your own research and finding the best doctor for you is more important than what city they are located in.

Speak with Doctor Kwon Soon-Hong at the JK Plastic Surgery Center. He specializes in tummy work and while I was there, I saw some of his work and was floored. They could probably give you quotes and suggestions without going there in person to help you decide.

I don't think so. If you factor in the costs for travel and stay, plus food and shopping you end up paying more. I think the above poster is right, make it a vacation and tack on getting botox as a spa treatment of sorts while there rather than just going to there only for botox.

Someone else had mentioned botox to me so I am looking into this. I just have to see what this costs and how long it lasts. I know botox results can be mixed. Some lasting longer than others!

I have no experience personally with this surgery or going to Korea. I am still in the planning phases myself. I have seen flights as low as $400 to Seoul which is the main city hub for plastic surgery in Korea. The average cost for hotels appears to be $40 per night. So between the hotel (assuming you stay 2 weeks) and get cheap flights, you are looking at around $1000 for that plus surgery cost.

This is what I have heard, yes! Some clinics will do pictures and adjust them to show you want it would look like from various angles. It makes it easier to get an idea of what you'd see when looking in the mirror.

I was looking at this clinic online. I am not sure if it is my browser or what but the website seems to be a bit broken. I am wondering if this is a legit clinic or not. Has anyone been? Or has anyone been in contact with the clinic?

So I guess this is the case where clinics have multiple doctors? I noticed some of them only have one doctor. I am just trying to make sure I am finding the right information

I will look into him and this clinic, thanks! I am struggling to find ones that specifically state they are for women that is why I wanted to ask here.

I have contacted this clinic. It is one of 4 or 5 I have contacted. This one took awhile to hear back from. I am not sure why. But they seem to be legit to me. I was asking around and found someone that I work with whose family member had gone to this clinic for some skin issue and her results were excellent.

Dr. Sangyun Hyeon is said to be one of the best. He is at the Woomchan clinic. I am not sure if they offer transplants for women but you can contact them and ask!

The longer you can stay the better. Reason being that you allow for consultation, surgery, recovery, and aftercare. You don't want to be rushing onto a plane after having surgery, you'd be miserable!!

I would have assumed that a BBL would be substantially more than a standard lift but I guess I am not familiar enough with the surgery. Is it a combination of a lift and implant?

It is okay! A lot of people don't know about this unless they speak with a doctor or are working with clinics to find options. You might be better off doing botox to help plump things up and wait until you are a bit older before doing this?

Aren't transplants for women a bit more complicated? Like how women tend to lose hair is thinning all over vs men that bald mostly on the top. I hope you find someone that can do it for you! My sister had trouble. No doctor would do it for her cause the success rate was too low.

You sound very small so I would imagine it would be on the cheaper side. Women that are lager tend to have extra costs as the surgery is a bit more invasive and recovery time ends up being longer.

I am not entirely sure about this but you can look at the top-rated clinics and see if they offer this. I did see something about Korea looking to have hair loss be covered as a medical treatment instead of an elected surgery for Koreans which is pretty cool!

A standard BBL tends to be the most expensive averaging around $10,000. Implants are around $8,000 on average. A standard lift tends to be around $4,000 to $6,000.

I know I was overwhelmed when it came to finding my doctor but I happened to know someone on another forum that recommended the clinic I went to. So I had some sort of "proof" that the clinic was legit!

It would probably help to use "Gynecomastia Reduction" when looking around. That is the medical term. I was looking for enhancement work but did see WJ Wonjin Plastic Surgery offers what you are looking for.

So they actually take the time to look at your entire body? I just assumed they would look at the shoulders and chest size and go from there. This is interesting. It does sound like they take more time to actually make sure their clients are happy.

A brachioplasty is an arm lift. It is not just to remove excess fat but also skin. Usually it goes from the elbow to the armpit. It is a more complex and more expensive surgery. Lip just removes the fat. If you have both loose skin and excess fat, you will want an arm lift.

I didn't realize recovery could take this long. I would imagine it looks better as time goes on too, right? I will have to see what the doctor says I suppose.

Check this this reply I did earlier it might shed some light on planning:

I read this on another site. A lot of people say this. You do not want to be fresh from a surgery on a long flight!! I am not sure how long I will need but I am intending on staying at least 3 or 4 days after just to be sure.

I am glad I asked on here because I had no idea this was even a thing! I did look into it and you are right. They did change the laws around this. What is the best approach to do this?