Introduction

South Korea has gained a well - deserved reputation as a global hub for cosmetic and plastic surgery, particularly breast augmentation. With a high success rate, experienced doctors, and a variety of advanced clinics and hospitals, it has become a top destination for individuals seeking breast augmentation procedures. This article aims to present a selected ranking list of Korean breast augmentation hospitals, taking into account factors such as hospital reputation, success rate, doctor expertise, and available facilities. By providing this comprehensive information, we hope to assist potential patients in making an informed decision when considering breast augmentation in Korea.

Benefits of Choosing South Korea for Breast Augmentation

South Korea stands out as a premier choice for breast augmentation for several reasons. First, the country has a cutting - edge healthcare system, which translates to access to the latest medical technologies and equipment. For example, many hospitals are equipped with state - of - the - art 3.0T MRI, 64 MD CT, and advanced surgical robots, which ensure more precise and safer procedures.

The doctors in South Korea are highly trained and experienced. They have not only completed long - term practice in their own country but have also improved their skills in Europe or the USA in many cases. They are certified by reputable organizations and have performed countless successful procedures, which significantly increases the success rate of breast augmentation surgeries. As per some sources, South Korean clinics can achieve up to a 100% success rate in breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, one of the best in the world.

Another major advantage is cost - effectiveness. The average cost of breast augmentation in South Korea ranges from $2,800 to $4,000, which is much more affordable compared to the average cost in the United States, which is around $15,000. Additionally, most clinics and hospitals are accredited by international organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOHA), ensuring that they adhere to strict quality and safety standards.

Selected Ranking List of Korean Breast Augmentation Hospitals

1. Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan

Established in 1982, this is a leading super - specialty, tertiary - care hospital in the central region of Korea. It has 736 beds and over 1,000 medical staff, including 130 faculty with national and international training.

The hospital has a rich history of firsts. In 2001, it became the first among Korea's university hospitals to start free onsite cancer education. In 2003, it launched the first 8 - channel multi - detect spiral CT in the country. These milestones showcase its forward - thinking approach to medical innovation.

For breast augmentation, it offers the latest digital equipment and a team of well - trained surgeons. Although it may not be as well - known as some big - name hospitals in Seoul for plastic surgery, its comprehensive medical resources and surgical expertise make it a reliable option.

2. Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center

Since its official establishment as the Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center in 1982, it has been a multi - specialty hospital offering treatments for major medical conditions. It has 26 clinical departments, 915 beds for in - patients, 50 beds in the emergency ward, and 40 incubators in the neonatal ward.

The hospital is equipped with state - of - the - art medical equipment and has a team of expert and talented medical professionals. It was recognized as a medical center for excellence in foreign patient attraction in 2011. Its biobank also sources human bioresources during clinical practice, which can potentially contribute to more personalized breast augmentation procedures in the future.

3. Kyung Hee University – Hospital at Gangdong

Established in 1970, this is a huge multi - specialty hospital that combines a western medical school hospital, an oriental medical school hospital, and a dental school hospital. It has a 14 - storey building with four basement floors and an additional wing, with a total capacity of 800 beds.

The hospital is equipped with advanced medical equipment such as a 3.0T MRI, EMR system, 64 MD CT, rapidarc, and robot navigation. It has specialized centers for treating stroke, brain diseases, rheumatism, and spine. Its specialized teams and interpreters are dedicated to attracting foreign patients, and it has formed a global network for medical cooperation. The hospital's cozy and comfortable environment also makes it a preferred choice for patients undergoing breast augmentation, as a relaxed atmosphere can aid in the recovery process.

4. Asan Medical Center, Seoul

Asan Medical Center has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions. It was named the most respected hospital in Korea for 14 consecutive years by the Korean Management Association Consulting (KMAC) from 2007 to 2019. It was also recognized as the best in various aspects such as global customer satisfaction, successful organ transplantations, and operative mortality rates for certain cancers.

The center has 1,600 physicians and surgeons, 3,100 nurses, 2,680 beds, and 67 operating rooms. It 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 comprehensive options for breast - related treatments, including breast augmentation. The cost of breast augmentation at Asan Medical Center ranges from $15,000 - $17,000.

5. Samsung Medical Center

Founded in 1994, it is one of the most pathologically advanced and patient - oriented hospitals. The hospital has won first place 14 times for the national customer satisfaction index (NCSI), 16 times as the leader in the value of the Korean Customer Satisfaction Index (KCSI), and has been honored 12 times as the main medical brand of Korea.

It has approximately 1400 doctors, 2600 nurses, 200 researchers, 3700 pharmacists, and medical engineers. Its advanced medical technology and patient - centered philosophy ensure high - quality breast augmentation services. The cost for breast augmentation with breast implants here starts from around 13,233.74 according to some sources.

6. Kyung Hee University Medical Center

Established in 1971 with the spirit of “rehabilitation of mankind,” it is a unique center that combines dental, eastern, western, and eastern - western medicine. It has ultramodern equipment such as EMR, 3.0 - tesla MRI, 64 - slice CT, robotic surgery (Da Vinci robot system), and rapidarc (cancer treatment).

The center has been highly rated for customer satisfaction and the quality of medicine and patient safety. It handles over 1,200 surgical cases per year and has successfully conducted the world’s first foot, hand - finger transplantation surgery. This indicates the high - level surgical skills of its medical team, which can also be applied to breast augmentation procedures.

7. Chonbuk National University Hospital

Founded in 1909, it is a reputed national multi - specialty hospital in the Jeollabuk - do region. It has over 1,000 beds and a well - trained staff of over 2,000 medical professionals. The hospital treats about 900,000 outpatients and 360,000 inpatients annually and performs 17,000 surgeries.

It has specialized centers for clinical research, geriatrics, cancer, respiratory diseases, and pediatrics. Its biobank collects various human bioresources related to cancer and non - tumourous diseases, which can potentially contribute to research and better treatment methods for breast - related conditions, including augmentation. The hospital also offers comfortable stay options for patients and their relatives.

8. Gachon University – Gil Medical Center

Since its founding in 1958, initially as a gynecological clinic, it has evolved into a leading 1,600 - bed multi - specialty, tertiary - care hospital. It has added various new - age treatments and highly sophisticated equipment over the years. It is recognized as the first hospital to focus on scientific research and to have the first air ambulance.

The center introduced 'Navio', Korea's first artificial joint robotic surgery system, and started an AI - based cancer hospital in 2016. It has 33 medical departments, including specialties such as cancer care, cardiology, and a specialized women's center. This diverse set of medical resources can provide comprehensive support during the breast augmentation process, from pre - operative health checks to post - operative care.

9. Kang Buk Samsung Hospital, Seoul

Established in 1968 (originally known as Koryo Hospital), it is a multispeciality hospital specializing in 32 departments. It has been highly rated in patient - centered treatment. In 1994, it was awarded the patient satisfaction no. 1 hospital in a hospital survey by the press.

The hospital was selected by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS) in 2012 as the best operational hospital for three kinds of cancer (stomach, colon, and liver cancer) with the lowest death rate of patients within a 30 - day window after the operation. It has also established partnerships with international institutions such as the John Hopkins University Hospital in the USA. Its advanced IT technologies, with medical teams equipped with Samsung Galaxy tabs and notes, ensure smooth communication and informed decision - making during breast augmentation procedures.

10. Kosin University – Gospel Hospital

Established in 1951 for war - ravaged impoverished civilians, it is a super - specialty tertiary hospital with a rich legacy. It has 40 departments and 15 special centers and clinics offering treatments for multiple advanced medical conditions.

The hospital has around 1,000 beds and a highly experienced staff of 1,600 professionals, including 250 medical professors. It is equipped with the latest medical equipment such as oncothermia, PET - CT, X - knife, 3.0T MRI, and computed tomography (CT). Its international health center, including a health promotion center, is dedicated to providing personalized medical care for foreigners, which is beneficial for international patients coming for breast augmentation.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Augmentation Hospital in Korea

1. Success Rate

The success rate of breast augmentation procedures is a crucial factor. As mentioned earlier, South Korean clinics can achieve high success rates, but it still varies among different hospitals. You can check patient reviews, hospital reports, and industry statistics to get an idea of a hospital's success rate. A high success rate indicates the hospital's surgical expertise, the quality of its medical equipment, and the skills of its doctors.

2. Doctor Expertise

Look for doctors with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their educational background, years of practice, and any specialized training they have received. Doctors who have participated in international conferences, developed new techniques, and have positive feedback from patients are generally more reliable. You can also review their portfolios, which may include before - and - after photos of previous patients to assess their surgical skills.

3. Hospital Reputation

A hospital's reputation is built over time through its quality of service, patient satisfaction, and achievements in the medical field. Reputable hospitals are more likely to adhere to high - quality standards and provide better patient care. Consider factors such as awards, accreditations, and the hospital's standing in the medical community. For example, hospitals accredited by JCI or KOHA are more likely to follow strict safety and quality protocols.

4. Cost

The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly among hospitals. While South Korea offers more affordable options compared to some Western countries, it's still important to understand what the cost includes. The price usually covers the surgery itself, implants, doctor's fees, and medications. However, additional costs such as special garments, medical tests, accommodation, transfer, and language assistance may apply. Make sure to get a detailed breakdown of the costs from the hospital and compare prices among different options.

5. Available Facilities

Modern and advanced medical facilities can enhance the safety and effectiveness of breast augmentation procedures. Look for hospitals equipped with the latest imaging technologies, surgical equipment, and post - operative care facilities. For example, hospitals with 3.0T MRI and CT scanners can provide more accurate pre - operative evaluations, while well - equipped recovery rooms can ensure a comfortable and safe recovery process for patients.

6. Post - operative Care

Good post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. Inquire about the hospital's post - operative care services, including wound care, medication management, and follow - up appointments. Some hospitals may also offer support groups or counseling to address the emotional aspects of the recovery process. A hospital that provides comprehensive post - operative care can help minimize complications and ensure a better long - term outcome.

Commonly Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation in Korea

1. What is the typical recovery time for breast augmentation in Korea?

The recovery time can vary depending on the patient's overall health and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, the actual surgery takes 1 - 2 hours. After the surgery, patients may need to stay in the hospital or a hotel for 1 day for observation. In the first week, patients should rest at their accommodation, wear a surgical bra 24/7, and restrict physical activities. Gradually, they can resume light activities in the second to fourth weeks, and return to work depending on the job nature in the fourth to sixth weeks. It usually takes about 12 weeks to return to sports and strenuous activities and see the final results of the breast augmentation. However, each patient's case is unique, and recovery times can vary.

2. What types of breast augmentation techniques are available in Korea?

There are mainly two types of breast augmentation techniques in Korea: breast augmentation with implants and breast augmentation with fat transfer.

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 breasts (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. This method is considered a simple procedure with a 99% success rate.

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 implant - based methods and requires enough donor fat from other body areas. The success rate for fat survival in the transferred area is 60 - 80%, and the recovery time is about 2 - 4 weeks. It is suitable for women seeking modest breast enlargement and body contouring.

3. How much does breast augmentation cost in Korea?

The average cost of breast augmentation in South Korea ranges from $2,800 to $4,000. However, the cost can be affected by several factors, such as the chosen clinic, doctor's experience, and the type of breast implant. Some well - known and accredited clinics may charge higher fees. Plastic surgeons with more experience, who participate in international conferences and have developed new techniques, may also ask for a higher fee. Silicone implants generally cost a little more than saline implants. The package price usually includes the breast augmentation itself, implants, doctor's fee, and medications, while additional costs such as special garments, medical tests, accommodation, transfer, and language assistance are paid separately.

4. Are there any language barriers when getting breast augmentation in Korea?

Some patients may encounter language barriers as not all staff members in Korean hospitals and clinics speak fluent English. However, many popular hospitals and clinics that cater to international patients have language support staff or interpreters to facilitate clear communication. Additionally, some larger hospitals in Seoul and other major cities may have a higher proportion of English - speaking staff, especially in departments dealing with international patients.

5. What should I do to prepare for breast augmentation in Korea?

Before traveling to Korea for breast augmentation, you need to collect and prepare essential documents such as test reports, medical history, doctor referral notes, passport copies, and details of health insurance. You should also consult with a plastic surgeon in advance, either through a video consultation or in - person if possible. During the pre - operative consultation, you can discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have. You may need to undergo some medical tests to exclude contraindications to the surgery, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, diabetes, and syphilis. Once you arrive in Korea, you will go through a preoperative examination, which may include a complete blood count with cancer markers, a proteinogram, and a breast ultrasound or mammogram if necessary.

Conclusion