Plastic Surgery · Korea
Plastic Surgery in Korea: The Complete Hub
Reviewed November 2026
The short answer
Korea, and Gangnam in particular, is one of the world's leading destinations for plastic surgery, known for eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facial contouring, lifting and body contouring. Costs depend on procedure, surgeon, anaesthesia and aftercare, and most facial surgery needs about 7–14 days in Seoul. This hub explains the essentials and links every procedure and condition guide.
Key facts
- Top procedures: double eyelid, rhinoplasty, V-line, facelift, liposuction
- Hub district: Gangnam (Sinsa, Apgujeong)
- Typical stay: 7–14 days for facial surgery
- Cost drivers: procedure, surgeon, anaesthesia, aftercare
- Consultations: often with 3D imaging and same-week surgery dates
- Free matching: via WhatsApp
Why patients choose Korea for plastic surgery
Korean surgeons perform very high volumes of facial procedures and many specialise narrowly, for example only noses or only facial bones. That focus, combined with detailed consultation and imaging, is a big part of the country's reputation. Clinics in Gangnam are also set up for international patients, with coordinators, interpreters and aftercare programmes.
Popular procedures
- Double eyelid surgery: incisional or non-incisional, often with ptosis correction.
- Rhinoplasty: from subtle tip work to structural and revision surgery.
- Facial contouring: V-line jaw, zygoma reduction and genioplasty.
- Facelift and mini lift: SMAS and deep plane techniques for sagging.
- Body contouring: liposuction, tummy tuck, fat transfer and breast surgery.
How to choose a surgeon as a foreigner
Book consultations with two or three clinics that specialise in your procedure. Confirm you will meet the operating surgeon, ask how anaesthesia is managed, and request an itemised written quote. Be wary of pressure to decide on the day, or of very large discounts for booking immediately. Ask how remote aftercare works once you fly home.
Planning your trip
Allow time for pre-operative tests, surgery, stitch removal and a first follow-up. Stay near the clinic, bring loose clothing and plan quiet days. Our articles cover hotels, packing and flying after surgery, and the first-timer's guide walks you through the whole process.
Browse surgeons in the plastic surgery clinic directory , or message us on WhatsApp for a free match.
Procedures by area
Facelift and lifting
- Deep Plane Facelift in Korea: Advanced Facial Rejuvenation, Cost, and Clinics in
- Forehead Lift in Korea: Brow Lift Surgery, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Full Facelift in Korea: Anti-Aging Surgery, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Lower Face Lift in Korea: Jawline & Jowl Lifting, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Mid-Face Lift in Korea: Cheek Lift Surgery, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Mini Facelift in Korea: Short Scar Facelift, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Neck Lift in Korea: Neck Tightening Surgery, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- SMAS Facelift in Korea: Advanced Deep Tissue Lifting, Cost, and Clinics in Gangn
- Temporal Lift in Korea: Temple Lift Surgery, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
Eyes
- Blepharoplasty Seoul Korea
- Double Eyelid Surgery Seoul Korea
- Epicanthoplasty Seoul Korea
- Eye Enlargement for Short Eyes Seoul
- Eye Widening Surgery Seoul Korea
- Hooded Eyelid Surgery Seoul Korea
- Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery Seoul
- Lateral Canthoplasty Seoul Korea
- Lower Blepharoplasty Seoul Korea
- Non-incisional Double Eyelid Surgery Seoul
- Ptosis Correction Seoul Korea
- Under-Eye Fat Repositioning Seoul
- Upper Blepharoplasty Seoul Korea
Nose
- Alar Reduction Seoul Korea
- Closed Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Functional Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Hump Reduction Seoul Korea
- Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping Seoul
- Nostril Reduction Seoul Korea
- Open Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Revision Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty Seoul Korea
- Septoplasty Seoul Korea
- Tip Plasty Seoul Korea
Facial contouring
- Facial Asymmetry Correction Seoul Korea
- Jawline Contouring Seoul Korea
- Maxillofacial Surgery Seoul Korea
- Sliding Genioplasty Seoul Korea
- Square Jaw Reduction Seoul Korea
- Two-Jaw Surgery Seoul Korea
- V-Line Surgery Seoul Korea
Breast
- Areola Reduction Seoul Korea
- Breast Augmentation Seoul Korea
- Breast Fat Grafting Seoul Korea
- Breast Lift Seoul Korea
- Breast Reconstruction Seoul Korea
- Breast Reduction Seoul Korea
- Breast Revision Surgery Seoul Korea
- Gynecomastia Surgery Seoul Korea
- Nipple Reduction Seoul Korea
Body contouring
- Arm Liposuction Seoul Korea
- Body Lift Seoul Korea
- Brachioplasty Seoul Korea
- Fat Transfer Seoul Korea
- Full Body Liposuction Seoul Korea
- Hip Dip Fat Grafting Seoul Korea
- Mini Tummy Tuck Seoul Korea
- Mommy Makeover Seoul Korea
- Thigh Liposuction Seoul Korea
- Tummy Tuck Seoul Korea
Lips
Ears
Minor facial surgery
Other facial procedures
- Chin Augmentation Seoul Korea
- Chin Reduction Seoul Korea
- Corner Lip Lift Seoul Korea
- Cupid's Bow Surgery Seoul Korea
- Ear Pinning Surgery Seoul Korea
- Facial Fat Grafting in Korea: Natural Face Volume Restoration, Cost, and Clinics
- Forehead Fat Grafting in Korea: Forehead Volume Contouring, Cost, and Clinics in
- Gummy Smile Surgery Seoul Korea
- Under Eye Fat Grafting in Korea: Tear Trough Fat Transfer, Cost, and Clinics in
- Zygoma Reduction Seoul Korea
Conditions
- Asymmetrical Eyelids Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gang
- Breast Asymmetry Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Bulbous Nose Tip Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in G
- Chin Asymmetry Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Crooked Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangn
- Double Chin Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Droopy Eyelid Surgery in Korea: Ptosis Correction Cost, Best Clinics in Gangnam
- Excess Buccal Fat Treatment in Korea: Cheek Slimming Options, Cost, and Clinics
- Facial Asymmetry Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics
- Facial Disproportion Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gang
- Facial Sagging Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Flat Nose Bridge Treatment in Korea: Nose Augmentation Options, Cost, and Clinic
- Hooded Eyelid Treatment in Korea: Surgery Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Hump Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Jowl Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Long Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Love Handles Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Lower Eyelid Laxity Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangn
- Sagging Breast Treatment in Korea: Breast Lift Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gan
- Short Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Square Jaw Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Undefined Jawline Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Weak Chin Treatment in Korea: Best Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Wide Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
- Wide Nose Treatment in Korea: Rhinoplasty Options, Cost, and Clinics in Gangnam
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is Korea popular for plastic surgery?
High case volumes, specialised surgeons, detailed facial planning and efficient clinics set up for international patients.
Is plastic surgery cheaper in Korea?
Many procedures cost less than in the US, UK or Australia, but price depends on surgeon and technique. Add travel and accommodation when you compare.
How soon can I fly home?
For most facial surgery, after stitch removal and a check-up, often 7–14 days. Your surgeon will confirm.
Do clinics offer English support?
Many Gangnam clinics have English coordinators or interpreters. Confirm they will be present at consultation and on surgery day.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and send free quotes within 24 hours.