Plastic Surgery in Korea Price List 2025
Deciding to travel to South Korea for plastic surgery is a significant step, one that moves you from initial curiosity into serious financial and logistical planning. You’ve seen the results and heard about the world-class expertise, but one critical question remains: What will it actually cost? This guide is designed to provide the transparency you need. We will move beyond vague estimates to give you a comprehensive plastic surgery in Korea price list for 2025, uncover the essential “hidden” costs you must budget for, and empower you to plan your journey with financial clarity and confidence.
South Korea Plastic Surgery Price List 2025: An Overview
Pricing for cosmetic procedures in South Korea is not standardized; it’s a dynamic range influenced by numerous factors. To provide you with a realistic financial baseline, we have analyzed the pricing structures of leading, reputable clinics in Seoul catering to international patients.
The table below outlines the average price ranges for some of the most sought-after procedures in 2025. Please note these are estimates, and a personalized quote following a direct consultation is the only way to determine your final cost.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
| Procedure | Average Price Range (USD) | Key Factors Influencing Cost |
| Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) | $4,000 – $8,500+ | Revision surgery, use of implants (silicone, Gore-Tex) or cartilage (septal, ear, rib), complexity (e.g., hump reduction, tip plasty). |
| Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid) | $2,000 – $4,500 | Incisional vs. non-incisional method, ptosis correction, canthoplasty (epicanthoplasty/lateral canthoplasty) performed concurrently. |
| V-Line Jaw Surgery | $9,000 – $16,000+ | Extent of bone reduction required (jaw, chin), complexity of nerve positioning, whether it’s combined with genioplasty or cheekbone reduction. |
| Facelift (Rhytidectomy) | $8,000 – $20,000+ | Type of facelift (e.g., SMAS, deep plane, mini-lift), extent of the area being treated, combination with other procedures like fat grafting. |
| Breast Augmentation | $7,500 – $15,000 | Type and brand of implants (e.g., Motiva, Mentor), implant placement (submuscular vs. subglandular), combination with a breast lift. |
Key Factors That Influence Your Final Surgery Cost
The price ranges above are a starting point. Your final quote will be determined by a combination of factors that reflect the quality, safety, and level of service you receive.
Clinic’s Reputation and Location
A clinic located in the heart of the prestigious Gangnam district with a long history of serving international clients will invariably have higher overhead and, therefore, higher prices. When you’re researching the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Gangnam, you’ll find that their fees reflect a premium for proven expertise and a high success rate in one of the most competitive cosmetic surgery markets in the world.
Surgeon’s Expertise and Experience
The surgeon is the single most important factor in your outcome. The fee for a board-certified surgeon with 20 years of experience, who may be the head of the clinic, will be significantly higher than that of a less experienced doctor. Revision surgeries, which are more complex and require a highly specialized skill set, are also priced at a premium.
Complexity of Your Procedure
Your unique anatomy and desired outcome directly impact the price. A primary, straightforward double eyelid surgery will cost less than a complex revision case that also requires ptosis correction. Similarly, a simple implant-based breast augmentation is priced differently than an augmentation that also requires a surgical lift to achieve the desired result.
Communication & Support Services
Clinics that are fully equipped for international patients invest heavily in comprehensive support systems. This includes having a dedicated team of English-speaking coordinators, consultants, and even an in-house dermatologist in Seoul for post-operative skin care. While this may increase the cost slightly, it eliminates the immense stress of a language barrier and ensures you receive clear, consistent care from your first email to your final follow-up.
Beyond the Quoted Price: Essential Costs to Budget For
The price you are quoted for the surgery itself is just one piece of the puzzle. To create a truly accurate budget, you must account for these additional expenses.
- Consultation Fees: While many clinics offer free online consultations, in-person consultations may carry a fee ($50 – $150), which is often deducted from the final surgery cost if you proceed.
- Anesthesia Fees: This is almost always a separate line item. The cost depends on whether local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is required. Budget approximately $500 – $1,500 for a dedicated anesthesiologist, which is crucial for your safety during major procedures.
- Post-Operative Care: This includes prescription medications, specialized compression garments (for procedures like V-line or breast augmentation), and any required follow-up treatments like deswelling laser sessions.
- VAT (Value-Added Tax): A 10% VAT is applied to cosmetic procedures. As a tourist, you are eligible for a VAT refund on your surgery costs. Your clinic should provide you with the necessary paperwork to claim this refund at the airport upon your departure.
- Flights & Accommodation: The cost of flights will vary dramatically based on your location and time of year. For accommodation, budget for at least 2-3 weeks. Many patients opt for hotels or Airbnb apartments near their clinic for convenience during follow-up appointments.
- Daily Living Expenses: Factor in costs for food, transportation (subway, taxis), and any other personal expenses for the duration of your stay.
Exploring Non-Invasive Procedures in Korea
South Korea is also a global leader in dermatology and non-surgical treatments. If you are looking for rejuvenation without the downtime of surgery, consider the wide array of non-invasive procedures in Korea. These are often much more affordable and can be performed with little to no interruption to your trip.
- Botox/Fillers: Starting from $100 per area.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing (e.g., Fraxel): $300 – $800 per session.
- Thread Lifts: $1,500 – $4,000.
- Aquapeel/Hydrafacial: $100 – $250 per session.
Managing Expectations: Researching Korea Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos
As you vet clinics, their photo gallery is your primary tool. When you review Korea plastic surgery before and after photos, go beyond just the final result. Look for:
- High-Quality, Consistent Lighting: Professional galleries use standardized lighting and angles to give you an honest view of the changes.
- Cases Similar to Yours: Look for patients with a similar starting point to your own (e.g., same ethnicity, age, and anatomical concerns).
- Natural-Looking Results: Pay attention to scarring and whether the final outcome looks harmonious and balanced with the patient’s other features. A great result shouldn’t scream “surgery.”
Conclusion: Your Actionable Next Step
Understanding the full financial scope of getting plastic surgery in Korea is the most critical step in your planning process. By accounting for the procedure, the hidden costs, and your living expenses, you can approach this journey with a realistic budget and avoid financial stress. Your goal now should be to move from general numbers to a specific, personalized plan.
Your Next Step: With this budget in mind, shortlist 3-4 reputable clinics that specialize in your desired procedure. Reach out to them for online consultations. Provide clear photos and be specific about your goals to receive a detailed, preliminary quote. This is the best way to transform this price list into your personal budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to choose a much cheaper clinic in Korea?
While it can be tempting, significantly lower prices are often a red flag. They may indicate a less experienced surgeon, the use of lower-quality materials, or a lack of investment in critical safety infrastructure like emergency power systems and certified anesthesiologists. Your safety is paramount; it is always wiser to invest in a reputable clinic with a proven track record.
How can I verify a surgeon’s qualifications and credentials from my home country?
You can verify a surgeon’s credentials by looking for their board certification. Ask the clinic for the surgeon’s full name and check if they are listed as a “board-certified plastic surgeon” on the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) website. Reputable clinics will be transparent and proud to share their doctors’ qualifications.
Do I need to pay for the entire surgery upfront? What are the typical payment policies?
Most clinics require a deposit (typically 10-20%) to secure your surgery date. The remaining balance is usually due on or before the day of your surgery. Payment is accepted via cash, credit card, or bank transfer. Be sure to clarify the clinic’s specific payment and refund policy in writing before sending any money.
The Ultimate Korea Plastic Surgery Budget & Planning Kit (2025).pdf
Hi, I’m [jeybee]. As a long-time resident of Seoul, I’m passionate about uncovering the authentic, everyday magic of Korea. This blog is my way of sharing my favorite spots, tips, and cultural insights with you, beyond the usual tourist traps.
