Why is there no fixed price for plastic surgery in Korea?
Each clinic sets its own price after a consultation, because the same procedure name can mean very different work. A rhinoplasty that only refines the tip is not the same operation as one that rebuilds the bridge with your own cartilage. Until a surgeon has examined you, any number is a guess.
What changes the price?
- The technique and how many areas are treated
- Materials such as implants, cartilage or fillers
- The type of anaesthesia and who provides it
- Follow-up visits, stitch removal and medication
- Compression garments or other aftercare items
- Whether a revision policy is included
What should a written estimate include?
| Line | What to check |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Exact technique and areas, not just a name |
| Surgeon | Who operates and their specialty |
| Anaesthesia | Type and who monitors it |
| Aftercare | Follow-ups, medication, garments, stitches out |
| Changes | What could change after the consultation, and how you approve it |
| Payment & cancellation | Deposit, refund and cancellation terms |
What costs sit outside the clinic's quote?
Flights, accommodation for your recovery period, local transport and interpretation are usually separate. If you use a coordination service, its fee should be shown separately from medical fees — never mixed into them.
How do I compare quotes from different clinics?
- Ask every clinic for the same items in writing
- Compare techniques and inclusions, not only the total
- Check which follow-up visits are needed before you can fly
- Be careful with prices offered without any consultation
- Never pay a deposit before you have read the written terms
Korea received about 1.17 million foreign patients in 2024, a record high, and most were seen at clinic-level practices in Seoul.
