Introduction
South Korea has gained international acclaim as a leading destination for breast augmentation. The country's plastic surgery hospitals offer a blend of advanced technology, highly skilled surgeons, and a high success rate in breast augmentation procedures. For those considering breast augmentation, especially those residing in or near New York City, exploring the top - ten list of Korean breast augmentation hospitals can provide a wealth of options. In this article, we'll take a closer look at five hospitals from this prestigious list, delving into their features, services, and what makes them stand out.
Top - Tier Korean Breast Augmentation Hospitals
Asan Medical Center, Seoul
Asan Medical Center is a multi - specialty hospital that has received numerous accolades. For 14 consecutive years from 2007 to 2019, it was honored as the most respected hospital in Korea by the Korean Management Association Consulting (KMAC). It also won multiple awards for customer satisfaction and performance in various medical fields, such as organ transplantation and cancer treatment.
In terms of breast augmentation, the hospital performs 2,000 surgeries for breast cancer annually, with 70% of procedures preserving the breast. It is equipped with facilities for organ reconstruction using implants, providing options for those requiring mastectomies. The breast augmentation cost at Asan Medical Center ranges from $15,000 - $17,000.
The hospital's high - tech facilities, experienced medical staff, and dedication to research contribute to its success in breast augmentation. It uses the latest medical technologies and has a team of highly trained plastic surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
JK Plastic Surgery Center, Seoul
JK Plastic Surgery Center is a premium center with a 20 - year history and numerous awards. With over 6,000 medical tourists visiting annually, it has a 100% success rate of all procedures performed in the hospital.
Doctor Kwon Soon - Hong, along with Dr. Kwon Hyeok - moon (an interventional cardiologist with 37 + years of experience), leads the clinic. They specialize in breast augmentation and other related cosmetic surgeries. The price for breast augmentation at JK Plastic Surgery Center is $15,000 per package.
The clinic provides excellent services in luxurious surroundings. It focuses on creating personalized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring that the results meet the patients' expectations. Their success rate and the quality of their services have made them a popular choice among those seeking breast augmentation in Korea.
VG Plastic Surgery, Seoul
VG Plastic Surgery is recognized for high safety and trust. It attracts 1,000 patients annually for various procedures including breast augmentation.
Dr. Im Young Min, the chief physician, has 19 years of experience in plastic surgery and is a member of multiple professional organizations such as the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KPRS), Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Park Sang Wook, another skilled surgeon with nine years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, also contributes to the clinic's expertise.
The clinic offers a range of breast aesthetic procedures to suit different patient needs and preferences, ensuring personalized care. Patient testimonials highlight the professionalism of the staff and the positive experiences at VG Plastic Surgery. The price for their breast augmentation services is available on request.
Severance Hospital, Seoul
Severance Hospital serves 1.6 million outpatients each year, demonstrating extensive experience in patient care. It has been recognized by Newsweek among the world's best hospitals in 2021 and 2022, and featured in Newsweek's world's best smart hospitals list for 2021 and 2023.
The women's clinic at the hospital specializes in breast diseases, offering dedicated care for breast augmentation patients. The breast augmentation cost at Severance Hospital ranges from $10,000 - $15,000.
The hospital's commitment to high - quality care, technological advancement, and patient satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for breast augmentation. Its large patient volume and numerous recognitions are testaments to its excellent medical services.
Banobagi Clinic, Seoul
Banobagi Clinic is the official medical center for the renowned Asian show "Let Me In," which transforms participants' appearances. Annually, 2,000 individuals choose this clinic for their plastic surgery needs, and it has a global patient base from countries like the USA, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The clinic conducts thorough pre - surgery examinations to ensure personalized and safe breast augmentation procedures. It also has partnerships with leading implant manufacturers, offering a wide selection to fit each patient's preferences. The price for their breast augmentation services is available on request.
Banobagi Clinic's popularity, international patient base, and emphasis on safety and personalization make it a top - choice for those seeking breast augmentation in Korea.
Reasons to Choose Korean Breast Augmentation Hospitals
High Success Rate
South Korean clinics perform breast augmentation and other procedures with up to 100% success rate, which is one of the best indexes in the world. This high success rate is due to the advanced techniques, experienced surgeons, and strict adherence to safety protocols in Korean hospitals.
Experienced Doctors
International specialists who perform breast enhancement in South Korea undergo long - term practice in their own country and then improve their skills in Europe or the USA. These doctors are certified by reputable organizations and have performed countless successful procedures.
International Recognition
The clinics where breast augmentation is carried out have special accreditation that allows them to provide the procedure for international patients. Many Korean hospitals, such as Asan Medical Center and Severance Hospital, have received international certifications, ensuring high - quality and standardized medical services.
Advanced Technology
Korean plastic surgery hospitals invest in cutting - edge technology like 3D imaging and robotic surgery, ensuring precise and minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery times. This technology not only improves the accuracy of the surgery but also reduces the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Korea
The average cost of breast augmentation in the Republic of Korea ranges from $2,800 to $4,000. However, prices can vary depending on several factors:
- Chosen Clinic: Clinics with international certifications and a high reputation may charge more. For example, high - end clinics like JK Plastic Surgery Center and Asan Medical Center have higher prices compared to some other clinics.
- Doctor's Experience: Plastic surgeons with more years of experience, who participate in international conferences, develop new techniques, and have positive feedback from patients, may ask for a higher fee.
- Type of Breast Implant: The main types of breast implants applied in South Korea are saline and silicone ones. The cost of silicone implants is usually a little higher compared to the price of saline ones.
The package for breast augmentation in South Korea usually includes the breast augmentation itself, implants, doctor's fee, and medications. The special garment, medical tests, accommodation, transfer, and language assistance are paid additionally.
Procedures and Recovery Process
Types of Breast Augmentation
There are two main types of breast augmentation in Korea:
- Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer: This method involves transferring fat from other body areas to the breasts to increase volume. It uses the patient's own fat, reducing the risk of rejection and offering more natural results. However, it typically achieves a smaller increase in size compared to tear drop implants and requires enough donor fat from other body areas. The success rate for fat survival in the transferred area is 60 - 80%, the duration of the procedure is 3 - 5 hours, and the recovery time is 2 - 4 weeks. It is best for women seeking modest breast enlargement and body contouring when natural results are desired. The cost of breast augmentation with fat transfer in Korea starts from $4,000.
- Breast Augmentation with Implants: Plastic surgeons apply hypoallergenic Korean breast implants which are reliable and safe. There are anatomic - like implants mainly for slim women with little breast (0 - 1 size) and round implants for women with bigger breast (2 - 3 size) or sagging. The implants can be placed under the breast muscle if a woman is planning to have children and breastfeed, or under the mamma gland if she is not planning to have children in the future. Breast augmentation with implants in Korea is considered a simple procedure with a 99% success rate.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which gradually improve over several weeks. Here is a general timeline:
- Day 1 - 2: Arrival in the country, transfer to the hospital, and settle into accommodation. Consult with a plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, and complete necessary medical tests.
- Day 3: Undergo breast augmentation procedure, which lasts 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia. Recover in the hospital post - surgery.
- Day 4: Stay in the clinic for observation and aftercare. Begin gentle movements to aid recovery.
- Week 1: Rest and recover at the accommodation. Wear a surgical bra 24/7 and restrict physical activities.
- Week 2 - 4: Gradually resume light activities. Continue wearing the surgical bra and monitor the healing process.
- Week 4 - 6: Return to work depending on the job nature. Gradually return to normal activities and see visible improvement in breast shape and position.
- Week 12: Return to sports and strenuous activities and see the final results of the breast augmentation.
It's important to note that each patient's case is unique, and recovery times can vary.
Challenges and Considerations
Language Barrier
Some patients reported difficulties in communication as not all staff members speak fluent English. However, many hospitals, especially those catering to international patients, have language support staff or translators to help bridge the communication gap.
Post - Operative Care
While the immediate post - operative care is excellent, some patients felt that long - term follow - up care could be improved. It's advisable for patients to clarify the post - operative care plan with the hospital before the surgery and maintain regular communication with their surgeon.
Travel Distance
For patients coming from far - off countries like those in the Americas (including New York City), the long travel distance can be a disadvantage. However, some clinics offer services like airport transfers and help with accommodation to make the process more comfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top Korean breast augmentation hospitals, such as Asan Medical Center, JK Plastic Surgery Center, VG Plastic Surgery, Severance Hospital, and Banobagi Clinic, offer a combination of high - quality services, experienced doctors, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. The high success rate in breast augmentation procedures, along with the diverse range of services and patient - centered approach, makes Korea an attractive destination for those seeking breast augmentation.
However, potential patients should also consider the challenges such as language barriers, post - operative care, and travel distance. By thoroughly researching the hospitals, understanding the procedures and costs, and being prepared for the recovery process, patients can make an informed decision about their breast augmentation journey in Korea.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Korean hospitals, we encourage you to do further research, consult with medical professionals, and reach out to the hospitals directly to get personalized information. Share this article with others who may be considering breast augmentation to help them make an informed choice.
