Overview of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. It involves inserting implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles. The choice of implant type and size depends on various factors such as individual preferences, desired enlargement, breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type. Breast augmentation has been a popular cosmetic surgery since its introduction in the 1960s and has proven to be clinically safe and effective in bringing volume and fullness to the breasts. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include those concerned about breast size, seeking enhanced appearance, dealing with breast asymmetry, experiencing post - pregnancy or post - weight loss changes, facing age - related volume loss, or requiring reconstruction after mastectomy or injury.
Popularity of Korean Breast Augmentation
Korea has gained a reputation as the plastic surgery capital of the world. There are several reasons for the popularity of Korean breast augmentation:
- Expertise of Surgeons: Korean surgeons are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast augmentation surgeries. They undergo long - term practice in their own country and often improve their skills in Europe or the USA. Many international specialists perform breast enhancement procedures in Korea.
- Advanced Technology: Korean plastic surgery is known for its technological advancements. Hospitals invest in cutting - edge technology like 3D imaging and robotic surgery, ensuring precise and minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery times.
- Quality Implants: The silicone implants used in Korean breast augmentation adhere to medical - grade standards, ensuring optimal durability and functionality, leading to long - term satisfaction.
- Cost - effectiveness: Compared to other countries, breast surgery in Korea is relatively affordable. The average cost of breast augmentation in Korea ranges from $2,800 to $4,000, while in the United States, it is around $15,000.
- Positive Results: Korean clinics perform breast augmentation and other procedures with up to 100% success rate, one of the best indexes in the world. Patients report high satisfaction with their new appearance.
Top Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Korea
Seojin Clinic
At Seojin Clinic, breast augmentation is tailored to each patient's needs. Director Lee Hyungmin provides personalized surgical consultations. The clinic offers a variety of implant options, including Motiva, Mentor, Sebbin, and GCA Diamond Line. It employs three surgery methods - axillary incision surgery, areola to my, and sub - breast incision surgery - customized to suit individual breast conditions, body types, and preferences. Seojin also offers hybrid breast implant surgery, a revolutionary approach combining breast implants and fat grafting for a natural look and feel. The clinic prioritizes patient satisfaction and has advanced technologies and specialized aftercare.
The Plus Plastic Surgery
Headed by Dr. Lee Hoon - young, a board - certified plastic surgeon with vast experience in breast surgery, The Plus Plastic Surgery prioritizes tailoring procedures to the unique physical anatomy, preferences, and lifestyle of each patient. The clinic uses Motiva Ergonomix® breast implants, known for providing a natural look, feel, and movement. It offers three implant placement methods - dual plane breast augmentation, subglandular breast augmentation, and submuscular breast augmentation. The clinic also has a full - hd endoscope equipment, which minimizes the risk of nerve damage, tissue damage, and bleeding for a rapid recovery. It aims to prevent capsular contracture and complications and provides a unique customer safety system and meticulous post - surgery care.
Saero Plastic Surgery
Located in Seoul, with Park Young Kyu as the surgeon having 24 years of experience and 22 years of specialization in plastic surgery. The clinic ensures experienced care for breast augmentation, prioritizes honesty and warmth, and creates a trustful environment for patients. It has language support staff for non - Korean speaking patients and crafts personalized medical plans. The basic breast augmentation with GC Aesthetics® Impleo™ breast implants is offered at a package price of $4,000 (or $3,630).
JK Plastic Surgery Center
With over 6,000 medical tourists visiting annually, JK Plastic Surgery Center in Seoul has a 100% success rate of all procedures performed in the hospital. It is a premium center with 20 - years of history and numerous awards. Doctor Kwon Soon - hong and Dr. Kwon Hyeok - moon (an interventional cardiologist with 37 + years of experience) are the lead doctors. It specializes in breast augmentation and other related cosmetic surgeries, and the price for breast augmentation per package is $15,000.
VG Plastic Surgery
Recognized for high safety and trust, VG Plastic Surgery in Seoul attracts 1,000 patients annually for various procedures including breast augmentation. Dr. Im Young Min is a renowned plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience. The clinic offers a range of breast aesthetic procedures to suit different patient needs and preferences, ensuring personalized care. Dr. Park Sang Wook, a skilled surgeon with nine years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, is also part of the team. The price for procedures is on request.
Breast Augmentation Procedures in Korea
Implant Selection
When it comes to breast implants, there are different types and considerations:
- Silicone Breast Implants: These look and feel natural in the breasts. They are a popular choice as they closely mimic the texture and movement of natural breast tissue.
- Saline Breast Implants: They are firmer and rounder in shape. The saline solution is a salt - water mixture, and these implants are filled during the surgery.
- Motiva Implants: Designed to mimic natural breast tissue dynamics, they offer a soft touch and support reoperation for implant rupture or severe capsular contracture within five years of surgery. They have RFID for secure, non - invasive verification of the electronic serial number.
- Mentor Implants: Use precision filling technology for adjustable silicone gel volume, ensuring ample volume even for women with small rib cages. They come in a wide range of sizes and profiles and have a soft, natural feel.
- Sebbin Implants: Feature an 8 - layer shell for enhanced durability and safety and have shown significantly lower rates of capsular contracture and rupture over 10 years in clinical studies.
The choice of implant shape also matters. Round implants provide a fuller, more voluminous look and are suitable for those with more breast tissue. Anatomical (teardrop - shaped) implants offer a natural slope and contour and are better for those with less breast tissue.
Procedure Steps
- Pre - operation: A patient arrives at the country and transfers to the hospital. They consult with a plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, complete blood count with cancer markers and a proteinogram, and may undergo breast ultrasound or mammogram if necessary.
- Surgery: The breast augmentation procedure is performed. It usually takes 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia (local anesthesia is used for lipofilling). Incisions are made at appropriate positions on or under the breast, such as around the nipple, under the armpit, or in the crease under the breast, and the implants are inserted.
- Post - operation: The patient stays in the clinic for observation and aftercare, starts gentle movements to aid recovery. In the first week, they rest and recover at their accommodation, wear a surgical bra 24/7, and restrict physical activities. Over the next few weeks, they gradually resume light activities, continue wearing the surgical bra, and monitor the healing process. It may take up to 60 days for full rehabilitation, and they can see the final results after 12 weeks.
Breast Augmentation in New York City
In New York City, hospitals like Mount Sinai also offer breast augmentation services. Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. Patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts on a computer monitor before making a decision. The hospital offers different options for breast augmentation, including silicone and saline breast implants, as well as a fat transfer technique called NaturalFill® pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen and inserting it into the breasts.
Comparing Korean and New York City Breast Augmentation
| Aspect | Korean Breast Augmentation | New York City Breast Augmentation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Relatively affordable, with an average range of $2,800 - $4,000, though it can go up to $15,000 depending on factors like implant type and surgeon experience. | More expensive, with an average cost around $15,000. |
| Technology | Uses advanced technology like 3D imaging and robotic surgery, and offers unique techniques such as hybrid breast implant surgery. | Also has advanced technology, such as 3D imaging for visualization, and may offer innovative procedures like NaturalFill® fat transfer. |
| Surgeon Expertise | Surgeons are board - certified, have extensive experience, and often train internationally. | Surgeons are highly qualified, with in - depth knowledge of breast augmentation procedures and access to the latest medical research. |
| Implant Options | Offers a wide range of high - quality implants from well - known brands, and has specific implant shapes for different body types. | Provides a variety of implant options, including silicone and saline implants, and may have access to the latest implant technologies. |
| Aftercare | Many clinics provide comprehensive aftercare, including post - operative massage, but some patients feel long - term follow - up could be improved. | Aftercare is also a priority, with close monitoring during the recovery period and support for any complications. |
Benefits and Considerations
Benefits
- Enhanced Appearance: Breast augmentation can significantly improve the size and shape of the breasts, enhancing overall body contour and boosting self - confidence.
- Correct Asymmetry: It can help correct breast asymmetry, where one breast is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Restore Volume: For those who have experienced volume loss due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, breast augmentation can restore a more youthful breast appearance.
Considerations
- Cost: The cost can vary widely depending on the type of implant, surgeon experience, and location. It's important to have a clear understanding of the total cost, including any additional fees for aftercare, medications, and follow - up visits.
- Recovery Time: The recovery process typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which gradually improve over several weeks. Patients need to plan for time off work and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
- Potential Risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, capsular contracture (a tightening of the scar tissue around the implant), and changes in nipple sensation. It's crucial to discuss these risks with the surgeon before the procedure.
- Long - term Maintenance: Breast implants do not last a lifetime, and replacement surgery may be necessary in the future. There may also be a need for additional procedures, such as breast lifting, as the breasts age or due to pregnancy and weight changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Korean and New York City hospitals offer high - quality breast augmentation services. Korean hospitals are known for their advanced technology, experienced surgeons, and cost - effectiveness, while New York City hospitals provide access to cutting - edge medical research and a wide range of implant options. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to do thorough research, consult with a qualified surgeon, and weigh the benefits and considerations. Whether you choose a hospital in Korea or New York City, the goal is to achieve the desired results while ensuring your safety and satisfaction. If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation, we encourage you to consult with a plastic surgeon, read patient testimonials, and explore different clinics to make an informed decision.
