The questions below are the ones our editors and community moderators see most often from international patients. Answers are short on purpose. For deeper context, follow the links to the relevant Guide.
Will the surgery cost more because I'm a foreigner?
Reputable clinics charge the same headline price regardless of nationality. What changes is the package: international patients are often quoted bundles that include translation, airport pickup, and recovery accommodation. Always ask for an itemized breakdown so you can opt out of services you do not need.
How much does a typical procedure cost?
Pricing varies enormously by surgeon and complexity. Rough current ranges in Gangnam, in USD equivalent:
- Double-eyelid surgery (non-incisional): $1,500–$3,000.
- Primary rhinoplasty: $5,000–$12,000.
- V-line jaw contouring: $7,000–$15,000.
- Breast augmentation (Motiva): $7,000–$13,000.
These are ballpark only — get a written quote from any clinic you are seriously considering.
Do surgeons speak English?
Some do; most rely on a coordinator-translator. For non-routine procedures or any case with revision history, request a medical interpreter, not just a coordinator. The cost is usually included at KHIDI-registered clinics.
How long should I stay in Korea?
Minimums vary by procedure:
- Non-surgical (botox, filler, laser): same-day to 2–3 days.
- Eyelid or non-incisional surgery: 7–10 days.
- Rhinoplasty: 10–14 days for cast removal and review.
- Major bone-contouring surgery: 14–21 days, longer if you can.
What if I have a complication after returning home?
Before booking, confirm: (a) the clinic offers remote follow-up, (b) their response time and channels, (c) whether they will communicate directly with a doctor in your home country, and (d) the policy for revision flights. The best clinics will write all of this into your consultation summary.
Is general anesthesia safe?
Anesthesia is safe in clinics that follow proper protocols — board-certified anesthesiologist on site, full monitoring, and a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital. Fatalities in Korean cosmetic surgery, while rare, have historically been associated with offices using propofol-only sedation without an anesthesiologist. This is a non-negotiable question to ask.
Are revision surgeries possible if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, but they are surgeon-dependent. Most reputable clinics include limited free revisions for specific defined complications (asymmetry, scar revision) within a fixed window — usually 6–12 months. Revisions for "I changed my mind about the result" are typically charged.
How do I pay?
Most clinics accept international credit cards. Some accept bank transfer or Korean cash (deposit at major Seoul banks is straightforward). Confirm:
- Whether your card has a sufficient single-transaction limit.
- Whether the clinic charges a card surcharge.
- Refund timeline if the procedure is canceled by either party.
Should I trust online reviews?
Treat every review as a single data point. Look for reviews that:
- Are dated at least 6 months post-op (not "I just had it done!").
- Include the surgeon's name, not just the clinic's.
- Acknowledge trade-offs, not just praise.
Single-review euphoria is suspicious. Patterns across many independent reviews are not.
Where do I start?
Start with our Guides category for longer breakdowns of clinic selection and trip planning, then use the community forums to find specific surgeon recommendations. The fastest way to get a confident decision is to combine editorial guides with real member experiences — neither one alone is enough.