Introduction
South Korea has gained a reputation as a global hub for cosmetic and plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation. With its advanced medical technology, experienced doctors, and affordable prices, many people from around the world, including those in Albany, are considering traveling to South Korea for breast augmentation procedures. In this article, we will provide an inventory of the ranking list of Korean breast augmentation surgery hospitals, along with the sharing of word - of - mouth hospitals and doctors.
Why South Korea for Breast Augmentation?
There are several reasons why South Korea is a preferred destination for breast augmentation:
- Advanced Healthcare System: South Korea has a cutting - edge healthcare system that uses modern technologies and follows strict quality standards. According to Medigence, many hospitals in South Korea are accredited by international organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOHIA). This ensures that patients receive high - quality medical care.
- Experienced Doctors: South Korean doctors are highly trained and skilled, with many having degrees from premier institutions and decades of experience. They are globally recognized for their holistic approach to handling complex cases with a high success rate. For example, in breast augmentation, they are well - versed in the latest techniques and can achieve excellent results.
- Cost - Effectiveness: The cost of breast augmentation in South Korea is often lower compared to other countries, such as the United States and Australia. According to Medical Departures, breast augmentation in South Korea costs on average AUD $9,600 (UK £5,200; euro 6,500; US 7,400) compared to AUD $16,500 (UK £9,000; euro 11,200; US 12,700) in Australia or New Zealand.
- Variety of Procedures: South Korean hospitals offer a wide range of breast augmentation procedures, including breast implants and autologous fat transfer. Patients can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences.
Ranking List of Korean Breast Augmentation Surgery Hospitals
1. Asan Medical Center
Asan Medical Center in Seoul is one of the most renowned hospitals in South Korea. It is a large multi - specialty hospital that has been honored as the most respected hospital in Korea for 14 consecutive years by the Korean Management Association Consulting (KMAC) from 2007 to 2019. It has also received numerous other awards for its excellence in healthcare, including JCI accreditation and the Korean National Quality Award. With 1,600 physicians and surgeons, 3,100 nurses, 2,680 beds, and 67 operating rooms, it has the resources and expertise to perform breast augmentation procedures with high success rates. The cost of breast augmentation with breast implants starts from $13,740.08 according to Booking Health.
2. Samsung Medical Center
Established in 1994, Samsung Medical Center in Seoul is a leading multi - specialty hospital. It is pathologically advanced and patient - oriented, based on the philosophy of contributing to the health of the nation and providing the best medical services and research facilities. It has 40 departments, 10 specialized centers, and a huge cancer center with 655 beds. The hospital has an overall rating of 9.8/10 for breast augmentation. The price for breast augmentation with breast implants starts from $13,233.74.
3. Kyung Hee University Medical Center
Set up in 1971 with the spirit of “rehabilitation of mankind,” Kyung Hee University Medical Center in Seoul has all medical facilities concentrated in one location. It consists of a western medical school hospital, an oriental medical school hospital, and a dental school hospital. The hospital has a rating of 5.0 (11 ratings) and 1047 beds. It offers high - quality medical services, including breast augmentation, and its doctors are experienced in plastic surgery procedures.
4. Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan
Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan is a leading super - specialty, tertiary - care hospital in the central region of Korea. Founded in 1982, it has some firsts to its credit in the Korean medical field. With 736 beds and a rating of 4.8 (13 ratings), it provides specialized and high - quality medical services. The hospital's plastic surgery department is well - equipped and staffed with experienced doctors who can perform breast augmentation procedures.
5. Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center
Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center in Daegu took its current name after the Dongsan Medical Center was merged with Keimyung University in 1980 and officially became known as such in 1982. It is a multi - specialty hospital with 965 beds and a rating of 4.6 (14 ratings). The hospital offers a variety of medical services, including breast augmentation, and has a team of skilled doctors who are dedicated to providing excellent patient care.
Word - of - Mouth Clinics for Breast Augmentation
1. ID Hospital
ID Hospital in Seoul is a well - known plastic surgery hospital. It has received numerous awards, such as being named the best plastic surgery hospital in Korea in 2021 by the Global Health & Pharma Awards, the best cosmetic surgery hospital in Asia in 2020 by the Asia Pacific Healthcare & Medical Tourism Congress, and many others. The hospital offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, and has a team of highly skilled doctors.
2. BK Plastic Surgery
BK Plastic Surgery in Seoul has also gained a good reputation in the field of plastic surgery. It has won awards such as the best plastic surgery clinic in South Korea award at the Korea Health Industry Awards in 2019, the best plastic surgery center in Korea award at the Medical Korea Awards in 2019, and others. The clinic is known for its advanced techniques and experienced doctors in breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures.
3. Girin Plastic Surgery Korea
Girin Plastic Surgery Korea in Seoul is another popular choice for breast augmentation. The chief surgeon, Song Jae Yong, has 22 years of experience and is a member of multiple professional plastic surgery associations. The clinic is known for providing personalized treatment plans and high - quality results.
Leading Doctors for Breast Augmentation
1. Kwon Soon - Hong
Dr. Kwon Soon - Hong is a leading doctor for breast augmentation at the JK Plastic Surgery Center in Seoul. He has 22 years of experience and a rating of 5 excellent (8 reviews). He specializes in fat graft, body contouring, and breast surgery. His all - inclusive package price for breast augmentation is $15,000.
2. Im Young Min
Dr. Im Young Min is a renowned plastic surgeon and chief physician at the VG Plastic Surgery clinic in Seoul. With 19 years of experience, he is a member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KPRS), the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). He specializes in face and body plastic procedures, including breast augmentation.
3. Kim Dong Gul
Dr. Kim Dong Gul is an experienced and board - certified plastic surgeon in South Korea, specializing in facial contouring, rhinoplasty, lifting & anti - aging, and mammoplasty. He is the president and chief surgeon of the Pop Plastic Surgery hospital in Seoul and is a member of several prestigious societies, including the International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Korean Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Association.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital and Doctor
1. Doctor's Experience and Expertise
The experience and expertise of the doctor are crucial factors. You should look for doctors who have performed a large number of breast augmentation procedures and have a high success rate. Check their educational background, professional memberships, and any awards or recognition they have received. For example, Dr. Kwon Soon - Hong has 22 years of experience in breast - related surgeries, which gives patients more confidence in his skills.
2. Hospital Accreditation and Reputation
Accreditation is an important indicator of a hospital's quality. Hospitals accredited by international organizations such as JCI ensure that they follow strict quality standards in patient care, safety, and medical procedures. Reputation can also be gauged by patient reviews, awards, and the hospital's standing in the medical community. Asan Medical Center, with its numerous awards and long - standing reputation, is a reliable choice.
3. Cost
Cost is also a significant factor, especially when traveling abroad for surgery. While South Korea offers more cost - effective options compared to some other countries, you should still compare the prices of different hospitals and doctors. However, do not sacrifice quality for cost. Make sure that the cost includes all aspects of the procedure, such as pre - operative consultations, the surgery itself, post - operative care, and any necessary medications.
4. Available Procedures and Techniques
Different hospitals and doctors may offer different breast augmentation procedures and techniques. You should choose a hospital and doctor who can provide the procedure that suits your needs. For example, if you prefer autologous fat transfer instead of breast implants, make sure the doctor is experienced in this technique.
Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
The actual breast augmentation surgery normally takes an hour or two. However, several hours will be needed before and after for planning and post - surgery recovery at the medical facility before heading back to the hotel. There are two main methods for breast augmentation: autologous fat transfer and breast implants. In autologous fat transfer, fat is removed from another part of the body by liposuction, cleansed and processed, and then injected into the breasts. This method is only recommended for a small increase in size. With breast implants, patients choose the size and type of implant with their surgeon before the surgery. The implants can be filled with saline, silicone, or sometimes biodegradable products such as soybean oil. During surgery, incisions are made at appropriate positions on or under the breast, either around the nipple, under the armpit, or in the crease under the breast, and the implants are inserted through the incision and the wounds are stitched closed.
Recovery
After surgery, patients will be a little tender and bruised. In comparison to other cosmetic surgery treatments, the recovery time for breast augmentation is fairly quick. Most people can return to work after a week or so. However, they should take things slowly, avoid lifting or stretching too much. They will gradually feel less stiff and should be feeling pretty normal again after a month. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should still be avoided for around six weeks.
FAQs
1. What factors influence the cost of breast augmentation in South Korea?
The cost of breast augmentation varies based on the procedure, surgeon's fees, hospital charges, anaesthesia, medication, and location. Additional factors include the extent of surgery, required implants, and post - operative care.
2. What kind of post - treatment care is provided in South Korean hospitals?
Hospitals provide post - operative care, including wound care, medication management, and follow - up appointments. Support groups and counselling can also address the emotional aspects of the recovery process.
3. Can I book a video consultation with a South Korean doctor before traveling?
Yes, you can. When you contact a patient advisor, you can demand an online consultation with the specialist. They will get in touch with the doctor to check availability. After receiving confirmation, the appointment will be scheduled, and you will receive a payment link to book your session.
Conclusion
South Korea offers a wide range of excellent options for breast augmentation, with world - class hospitals, experienced doctors, and cost - effective treatments. By considering factors such as hospital accreditation, doctor's experience, cost, and available procedures, patients from Albany or other parts of the world can make an informed decision when choosing a hospital and doctor for their breast augmentation procedure. It is also important to follow the pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
If you are considering breast augmentation in South Korea, take the time to research different hospitals and doctors, read patient reviews, and consult with experts. Feel free to share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and explore more about breast augmentation procedures and South Korean medical facilities to make the best choice for your needs.
