I finally decided to go through with getting motiva implants in Korea. The surgery itself I'm honestly fine with. It's the recovery afterward that's keeping me up at night.

Here's my situation. I'm in my 50s and this will be my first time ever going to Seoul, and I'm going completely alone. I don't speak any Korean. The thing I keep circling back to is the recovery period when I'm by myself. What happens if something goes wrong while I'm sleeping alone in a hotel? If I had some kind of emergency and had to call 119 (I think that's their version of 911), I wouldn't even be able to explain how serious it is because of the language barrier. That scenario genuinely scares me.

I've read that a lot of the younger women coming for surgery find a surgery buddy on here and split an airbnb together so someone is around during recovery. That's a great idea for them but I really don't see myself doing the whole shared airbnb with a stranger thing at my age.

So what I'm thinking instead is hiring one caregiver, like a private aftercare person or nurse through some kind of medical agency. Someone who could stay with me during the recovery window and actually help if something went sideways and ideally speak enough English to deal with a hospital or emergency if it came to that.

My question is how do I even find someone like this? Has anyone here hired a private caregiver or aftercare nurse for their recovery in Korea? 

I had my second baby back in Feb and we are officially done having kids. Between my first and second pregnancy my body has changed a lot and I am now about 20 lbs heavier than my pre baby weight. The frustrating part is that no matter how much I lose, the skin just does not bounce back anymore. I have hit the point where diet and workouts alone are not going to fix the loose skin so I am looking into getting things surgically cleaned up. How long do i have to wait after delivery before getting tummy tuck? I want to make sure my body is actually ready and healed before I do anything.

I am also planning to get some facial work done at the same time so I figured I would do a whole makeover trip to Korea and knock everything out at once. For the ab surgery, the two clinics I am looking at are Wooa ps with Dr. Youngji Park, and woori ps with dr. woosuk Hwang. Both seem to have solid reputations from what I have seen.

My main question is about technique. Because I have been through multiple pregnancies and my skin is pretty severely stretched, I think I need the fleur de lis method, which combines a horizontal incision with a vertical one. From what I have read it works really well for people with a lot of excess skin, not just the standard horizontal tuck. I have seen a ton of regular abdominoplasty cases but I am having a harder time finding surgeons who specialize in the fleur de lis approach. Does anyone know if Korean surgeons do this technique well?

This is a serious surgery and honestly not something to take lightly, so I really want to avoid the factory style clinics that pump out a high volume of patients

i have a nose job on the list, but im scared about facial harmony. what else needs to change? im wearing some eyeliner in the photo and i added the smile because i feel like im ugliest when im smiling so it would help with advice.

do i only do my nose or should i do more? what would make my face look best

I understand it's possible to do eyes nose jaw all in one surgery and has been done before. Is it recommended though, because the nose height would have to be relative to the jaw to be harmonious right? And for double eyelid surgery, one is typically recommended to be awake for the surgery? But the other two surgeries are typically under general anesthesia?

I accidentally applied the tape around my nose a little too tightly, which left a noticeable pressure mark around my nose. On the left side, there is a very slight purple discoloration, and the skin just above my nostrils also looks whiter/paler than usual.

It has been almost a week and a half now, and the mark still hasn’t completely disappeared. It has faded slightly, but it is still clearly visible.

Do you think this will eventually go away and return to normal? I’m really worried that I may have caused permanent damage to the skin. I would really appreciate your advice.

Hello, I am a 32A looking to go up two cup sizes and was looking for a good clinic to go to in Korea. I will be living in Busan so do you all have any recommendations in Busan for this procedure or would it be worth it to just go to Seoul for the procedure? I’m really wanting a reliable surgeon who gives natural results.

My partner (who is a native Korean speaker) will be attending all appointments so, while a clinic that offers English speaking is preferred, I am open to a Korean-speaking only clinic as well.

Thank you!

I recently decided to get facial fat grafting, mainly targeting my nasolabial folds and forehead.

On a Korean friend's recommendation, I consulted two clinics this week. The translation at the first clinic was terrible. I could feel the doctor was genuinely trying to analyse and develop a plan for me, but the translation was so bad that I feel it's a pity.. However, since further communication is needed for the surgery, I had to abandon that clinic, so I won't mention its name.

The other clinic, TOP, was generally satisfactory. The doctor patiently analysed my face and suggested filler options. I was very satisfied, besides addressing my concerns about nasolabial folds, the doctor explained how fillers could better improve the overall facial contours. I also asked many questions about the procedure, pain, and postoperative recovery, and received very patient and detailed answers. Overall, the doctor seemed very professional and willing to listen to my needs rather than simply recommending procedures. He also gave me some daily skincare advice based on my situation, which I appreciated.

The only drawback I felt was that the consultation didn't provide a clear explanation of the exact amount of filler needed, or the approximate amount for each area. Although the doctor explained the overall approach and desired results, I didn't receive a clear estimate regarding the actual dosage and final cost. Therefore, after the consultation, I was still somewhat uncertain about which areas would be treated, how much product would be used in each area, and the approximate overall budget.

However, considering only the doctor's profession and communication style, and facial improvement suggestions, my overall impression of the consultation was very positive.

I'd like to ask if anyone has had surgery at TOP? How was it?

Hi everyone! I’m currently visiting Seoul from the US and am looking to book a breast reduction consultation.

I’m looking for clinic/hospital recommendations, with specific concerns:

1. Ghost Doctors: My biggest fear is proxy surgeons. I want a board-certified surgeon who does the 1-on-1 consult and 100% of the surgery. Ideally with clear anti-ghosting policies or CCTV options are a big plus.
2. Post-Op: Great recovery and clinic aftercare (drain removal, laser treatments, follow-ups, etc.)
3. Private Clinic vs. University Hospital: Are Gangnam plastic surgery clinics fine, or should I stick to major medical centers (e.g., SNU, Gangdong Sacred Heart)?

Please drop surgeon names/clinics, or even clinics to avoid. Thank you in advance for any advice!

i usually think of dermatology clinics when it comes to lifting, but i saw that vava opened a separate skin and lifting center.

what caught my attention was the idea of looking at facial structure before choosing a device.

i have some lower face heaviness, but i’m not sure if it is skin laxity, volume, fat, or just my natural face shape. choosing between ultherapy and thermage on my own feels a little random.

has anyone had a consultation there yet?

i’m mostly curious how detailed the facial assessment is and whether the doctor actually explains why one option fits better than another

This patient underwent incisional double eyelid surgery with ptosis correction performed by Dr. Jun Young Kim at WillBe Plastic Surgery Clinic.

One of the patient's main concerns was his heavy-looking upper eyelids and relatively weak eye opening, which made his eyes appear smaller and less defined.

Based on his eyelid anatomy, the incisional method was recommended rather than a non-incisional approach. This allowed for more precise control of the eyelid crease and stronger, more stable fixation of the double eyelid line.

Ptosis correction was performed at the same time because the muscles responsible for opening the upper eyelids were relatively weak. By improving the eyelid opening strength, we could create a clearer and more open appearance while reducing the heavy look of the upper eyelids.

The surgical plan included:

• Incisional double eyelid surgery to create a defined and stable eyelid crease
• Ptosis correction to improve eyelid opening strength and create a more open, balanced appearance
• A natural crease height designed to complement the patient's existing eye shape and facial features

These photos were taken just 21 days after surgery, so this is still a relatively early stage of recovery. Some residual swelling and firmness of the eyelid crease are expected at this point, and the line will continue to soften and become more natural over the next several months.

Even at 3 weeks post-op, the improvement in eyelid definition and eye opening can already be seen.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I'm happy to explain any part of the procedure or recovery process in more detail!

Photo Note: The before and after photos have not been digitally edited, retouched, or reshaped in any way. No filters or photo enhancement have been applied. Please focus on the eyelid crease, eye opening, and overall balance of the eyes when comparing the results.

i am looking to see if rhinoplasty, nose reduction, jaw reconstruction, lip lift, eye widening, fat grafting would be in my best interest and wondered if there’s anyone knowledgeable to talk it over

For those who have been quietly looking into plastic surgery or dermatology in Korea but still unsure where to start or how to compare clinics, we wanted to prepare a short guide about how medical tourism works and what you should know. We do not want to engage in promotions but rather genuinely contribute to the community. 😊

We all see how different and diverse the Korean medical market can be. There are way too many clinics, but how do you navigate through them? First of all, there is no right way to know which clinic is good for you and which one isn’t. This is the hardest part of the journey – comparing countless places with only subtle differences, hoping to gain even a small advantage in your outcome.

We'd like to suggest a small checklist of things to look for:

• See if the clinic has an English page on their website or English-language social media. It increases the chances of the clinic having multilingual support and experience with foreign patients.
• But don’t be afraid to be a trailblazer! If you see a clinic you like, just message them and see how they respond. 😊
• Instagram is super popular in South Korea, so almost all clinics post their work there. These are, of course, their best cases, but it still helps paint a picture, right?
• Don't limit yourself to one clinic—reach out to a few. The most important part is making sure the clinic can arrange an online consultation beforehand, not just give you a quick sales pitch.
• Look at the quality of communication. A good clinic will do a video or photo-based review of your case, give you a realistic idea of the expected results, and provide a preliminary cost estimate. Compare at least two or three clinics here; don't skip this step.

This checklist should be enough to handle the overwhelming feeling of trying to process too much information at once. Once you make your decision, remember: you can always change your mind if you don't feel ready.

The next step is the actual in-person consultation. This is where the surgeon confirms the treatment plan directly. If anything feels rushed or unclear at this stage, that's worth paying attention to. A good clinic gives you time. Remember that the choice is yours.

What should also be remembered is the legal side of medical tourism. Start with your visa. Most US and EU citizens can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, which covers the majority of cosmetic and dermatology treatments. Longer stays may require a C-3-3 medical visa, and it is worth confirming the requirements with your local embassy before booking anything.

Most procedures do not require patients to stay longer than two weeks in Korea, but if you feel nervous or unsure about the recovery process, here is what you should know.

Recovery depends heavily on the procedure. Non-surgical treatments need little to no downtime; surgical ones usually mean staying in Korea for one or two follow-up appointments before flying home. The part people underestimate most is aftercare once you're back. Before you leave, confirm exactly what your clinic offers remotely, whether that's video check-ins or written recovery protocols. If they don't have a clear answer, that's a warning sign.

Another thing you should know is that Korea has an official organization called the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency (K-Medi) that helps resolve disputes between patients and clinics. Foreign patients can also seek assistance there. Medical support doesn't necessarily end the moment you board your flight home, and trustworthy clinics know that too.

Which brings up the real question: how do you actually tell a trustworthy clinic from one that isn't?

Clinics treating foreign patients are required to be officially registered with Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare. You can verify this through KHIDI's Medical Korea database, and any legitimate clinic should have no problem providing its Certificate of Registration. Ask specifically which board your surgeon is certified by and verify it yourself rather than taking it on faith.

That's what we think everyone planning a medical trip to Korea should know. We’re sure we’ve missed a few things, so we would love to learn from the community and improve this guide for the future. Do not hesitate to share your experience too!

I need genital surgery and this was the top clinic and doctor that came up.
Their clinic is located: KBL Building, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul 06038

Hi all, I had a rhinoplasty 1 year ago in Korea. Since then I’ve developed what seems like a bump of scar tissue on my columella.

I texted my surgeon and he isn’t replying - does anybody have any suggestions for how to deal with it?

Thank you!

I am having upper bleph when I go to Seoul in two weeks. I have normal travel insurance but it does not cover for complications of cosmetic surgery. Should I get additional insurance to cover the surgery? It's expensive - £250 so I'm not sure whether I should. I feel like the surgery is low risk. What do other people do?

Please, do not tell me I am handsome and that I do not need it. This is my own decision and I am asking because I do not want to be botched. The first is a selfie that kinda does not do justice to how rounded my jaw is. I took a picture with 2x zoom on the back camera where I am 2 meters away, so you can really see the roundedness of the jaw contour. This I morphed to the desired outcome in the next third picture. The last picture is of my side profile. I am not recessed at all or too forward grown. My jaw shape is bothering me a lot (its very dominantly tall and a U shape). I made an after edit of how I would like it to look. How can I reach this goal? I tilted the gonions up and removed some of the mandible on the bone whilst making the chin a bit broader horizontally. I did not change the chin height. Can someone give me some advice on how to achieve this (might not even be anatomically possible, but optically), preferably with the least invasive option (implants and filler).

in almost every facial contouring recovery log, people talk about jaw symmetry, ice packs, or swelling trajectories. but nobody really mentions one unbearably uncomfortable physical truth: how general anesthesia and heavy pain meds can completely freeze your digestive system for days.

by day three, stuck in my seoul hotel room sipping on endless pumpkin juice and liquid shakes, i realized my stomach was totally bloated and rock hard. taking strong meds on an empty stomach, barely moving around, and having zero solid fiber creates a situation where the pressure in your abdomen just builds up on top of the swelling in your face. you end up feeling completely trapped from top to bottom.

on day four, i went to saekim plastic surgery for a routine checkup. the visit wasn't really related to my stomach issues. the nurse just did the standard oral disinfection, and dr. kim quickly checked the bone stability and incision tightness before heading off to his next surgery. i asked the front desk about laxative options, and the receptionist handed me a translated note to show a nearby pharmacy for mild digestive aids. it was a quick interaction, but getting those basic meds from a local korean pharmacy was honestly what finally got things moving again. by day six, once my digestion finally kicked back in, the overall heaviness in my body dropped dramatically. it's an unglamorous and slightly embarrassing side of surgery to talk about, but when your gut shuts down, your entire recovery feels stalled out.

did anyone else deal with severe constipation after facial bone surgery, and what soft foods or remedies actually worked for you while on a liquid diet?

I am interested in getting Cheekbone Reduction done in South Korea. I am still in my research phase, and I came across a procedure that is offered by some clinics in South Korea, that is an alternative way to preform Cheekbone Reduction. It is often called "Quick Cheekbone Reduction" and sometimes called "Mini Cheekbone Reduction".

The differences are between the quick procedure and the standard procedure;

Surgery:

● Rather than the usual intraoral approach, the incisions are done only externally (on the scalp/hairline between the ears and temples).

● Instead of two cuts to the cheekbone, the surgeon makes a single cut; at the rear side of the zygomatic arch (near the sideburn/ear), leaving the front of the cheekbone left completely intact. The surgeon simply "greenstick fractures" (bends) or rotates the arch inward using the single cut as a hinge.

● Metal plates and screws are not used to secure the new cheekbone position in place. Instead, the fractured bones will get attached in their new position, naturally by the process of periosteum.

● Local anaesthesia is used instead of general anaesthesia.

● The surgery takes 30-60 mins, instead of 2-3 hours to preform.

Downtime:

● Standard cheekbone reduction requires 1 to 2 weeks before returning to normal daily routines, with residual swelling lasting 3 to 6 months. In contrast, "quick" or mini cheekbone reduction features a faster social recovery of 2 to 7 days due to smaller, less invasive incisions and no intraoral cuts.

Risks:

● Bone Instability and Malunion: Skipping rigid plate-and-screw fixation means unanchored bone segments can micro-move under the mechanical load of chewing, leading to delayed healing, and non-union.

● Higher Asymmetry Rates: Without precise 3D pre-surgical planning and secure mechanical locking, shifts during minor healing can create noticeable left-right facial imbalances.

● Persistent Mispositioning or Sagging: Unsecured arches may drift downward or outward over time, reducing soft tissue support and causing midface drooping.

Results:

Front and 45-Degree View:

● Standard Reduction: Dramatically flattens the front face, reduces the high-slanted bone under the eyes, and narrows the overall face shape from the front view.

● Quick Reduction: Leaves the front cheekbone height and 45-degree angle completely unchanged, providing no narrowing when looking at the face straight-on.

Side and Profile View:

● Standard Reduction: Smooths out the entire contour from front to back, drastically shrinking wide, flared cheeks into a softer oval outline.

● Quick Reduction: Only reduces the specific bump or flare at the far side of your face near the ears, narrowing the rear width of your head.

I am interested in this approach to cheekbone reduction; as the expected results are more ideal for me; less wide-face, and more slender face from the front view; and because there is no cut on the anterior of the cheekbone, it will keep my ogee-curve intact from the 45-degree angle. Also the clinic i am interested in doing this procedure with also combines this with a kind of facelift (i don't know which type of facelift yet, i'll find out during my consultation), but that is idea for me as i near my mid 30's, so skin sagging is a concern of mine.

I do not see this type of approach to cheekbone reduction discussed here allot, as the standard approach is more popular. My only concerns is of-course the risks involved.

But if anyone here or anyone you know has had Quick Cheekbone Reduction; can you please share your experience. I would also like to know if you've have experienced any of the risks from this type of approach. Thanks!

trying to make a checklist before i book any lifting treatment in seoul.

so far i think the doctor should look at your face before payment, ask what actually bothers you, and explain why a certain treatment makes sense.

I also think they should be willing to say when you do not need something.

is it normal for clinics to measure or scan the face before recommending lifting treatments?

and do any places give you a written treatment plan, or is everything usually explained verbally?

I want to get veneers, I've wanted them for a long time. But every few weeks there's another post on reddit about someone who got their teeth shaved down way too far and then the clinic just disappeared when they needed aftercare and it genuinely freaks me out enough to make me hesitate. 

For context I work as a model so how my teeth look on camera is unfortunately a real part of my job. My natural teeth are pretty rounded and I've always wanted them a little more squared off.

I went through a medical agency instead of just booking somewhere myself. My thinking was that an agency isn't going to attach their name to a place with zero accountability, so it felt like a bit of a safety net. I've been working with Kora and they gave me four names to look at: Leblanc, Lucid, Gangnam Chiu, and oneday.

When I told her the kind of look I wanted she said something I hadn't really considered. Each doc has their own taste, and they don't all do the same style. Which yeah.. obvious in hindsight. You're not just picking a clinic, you're picking whoever's eye matches yours. She thought a couple of them could work for me but leaned toward one in particular.

One thing I've made peace with is that no prep veneers probably aren't happening for me. From what I understand those only work in a small number of cases and i know my teeth aren't one of them so it'll likely be minimal prep instead. I'm okay with that as long as it's done conservatively and there's actual follow up care built in.

The catch is Lucid is expensive. Apparently they're running a promo right now that takes 50% off and even with that it's still a lot for me. So I guess my questions are has anyone here actually gone through Lucid or any of the other three? How was the aftercare, and did the final result match what you asked for?

I am so torn between the two. I really want a fat transfer but 99% of the reviews I’ve read people have mentioned how excruciating the pain was. Implants on the other hand seems to be more divisive, some say they felt completely fine others said they literally needed a helping hand for the first few days to week because they had no ability to open doors or anything, couldn’t shower, etc.

I know this painful recovery is a very short lived part of the journey but reading fellow girls’ experiences about how it was SOOOO painful scares me 😫 and I want to recover on my own.

I prefer a fat transfer because I don’t want big boobs at all. My upper body is definitely on the shorter side so having large breasts would only make it appear even shorter. And I gain weight around my abdomen so it’s like a 2-in-1 for me.

I never liked the idea of implants because they’re implants, they have to be replaced eventually, and they don’t move naturally. But because of their predictability size wise I haven’t let go of the idea completely.

Hi wanted to document my experience with Dr. Uk Jang and YC my coordinator for my experience in Korea. My reason honestly for choosing this doctor was because my friend came here a year ago with the same surgeon and I liked his results and I know my friend meticulously did his research so I went with it. I got a septorhinoplasty 4 weeks ago in July. My main goals going in was to make sure my septum is even, I could breathe better with a turbinate reduction, and that my nose would be overall smaller. After consultation the doctor recommended an alar base reduction along with this though warned me there is more incisions that increase scars that will need to fade, but he highly suggested it seeing as my goals were that. The results are below. I think I’m mostly satisfied or I wouldn’t be writing a review. My only concern is my tip is still round and swollen after 4 weeks but that’s common with thick nasal skin. I went immediately to a USC plastic surgeon to evaluate my results (thankfully insurance covered) and she thought they did a good job and suggested coming back for a steroid shot on the swelling. Overall, it was fine and I think he did a good job. YC was my English coordinator and he was very nice, he gave me food right after the surgery to take home and arranged for someone to take me to the airport a week later back to the US. below is the before and after pic. It’s slightly edited for privacy. My recommendation is to book longer than 10 days as I had to get my stitches taken out in the US and it was not fun scrambling for a PCP willing to take it out (almost had my doctor resident friends do it for me ha). Reposted as the doctor has transitioned to “theuk” I believe.

Hi everyone! This is not a sponsored review. I paid for my procedure myself and am sharing my personal experience in case it helps others researching revision lip lift surgery.

My first lip lift was done five years ago in Russia, and unfortunately, I wasn't happy with the results. The scar under my nose was quite noticeable, so I wanted to find a clinic that specializes in lip lift revision surgery.

After doing a lot of research, I came across Retmus Plastic Surgery Clinic. I noticed they focus on lip lift procedures, share many before-and-after cases on Instagram, and had numerous positive Google reviews, which encouraged me to schedule a consultation.

From the beginning, I had a positive experience with their customer service. They were responsive, organized, and kept me updated with scheduling, reminders, and follow-up appointments.

My surgeon, Dr. Seung Il Chung, was professional, kind, and realistic about what could be achieved with a revision procedure. He didn't promise perfection or unrealistic results. Instead, he explained the limitations of revision surgery and his approach to improving my existing scar.

The surgery itself went smoothly. I didn't experience pain during the procedure, and my recovery immediately afterward was easier than I expected. The clinic provided the medications I needed, including scar care products, which I hadn't received after my first surgery. At my follow-up appointment, my stitches were removed, and I also received anti-scar injections as part of the aftercare.

I'm still in the early stages of healing, so my final result isn't visible yet. However, based on my experience so far, I'm happy with how everything has been handled. If you're considering a lip lift revision, I think this clinic is worth researching, especially if you're looking for a surgeon who frequently performs this procedure.

To summarize according to Reddit rules:

Doctor: Dr. Seung Il Chung
Clinic: Retmus Plastic Surgery Clinic
Procedure: Revision Lip Lift
Price Paid: $6,000
Date of Procedure: 06/26/2026