Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide. South Korea has emerged as a leading destination for this surgery, thanks to its advanced medical techniques, skilled surgeons, and competitive pricing. In this article, we will share the brand ranking list of Korean breast augmentation hospitals. While there may not be Korean breast - augmentation hospitals physically in New York City, many New Yorkers and international patients travel to Korea for this procedure. So, we'll present the top hospitals in Korea and what makes them stand out.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of a person's breasts. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries globally, offering individuals the chance to achieve their desired aesthetic goals. This procedure is highly customizable, tailored to each patient's unique body and personal expectations. It is typically sought by individuals who wish to increase the fullness and projection of their breasts or restore breast volume lost after weight reduction, pregnancy, or aging. Candidates often include those who feel dissatisfied with the natural size or asymmetry of their breasts, seek to enhance their body contour, or wish to improve self - confidence. However, it's important for candidates to be in good physical health, possess realistic expectations, and understand the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
Types of Breast Augmentation Procedures
- Breast Implants: This is the most common method. Implants can vary in size, shape, material, and texture.
- Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater, these implants are typically inserted empty and then filled during surgery, allowing for a smaller incision.
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, they are popular due to their natural feel and appearance. Pre - filled with silicone, they require a slightly larger incision than saline implants.
- Gummy Bear Implants: Known for their stability and firmness, these are a type of cohesive gel implant that maintains their shape even if the outer shell is broken.
- Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation: A less invasive technique that involves liposuction to remove fat from one part of the patient's body (such as the thighs or abdomen) and injecting it into the breasts. This option is appealing to those seeking a more natural enhancement and who prefer to avoid implants.
- Hybrid Breast Augmentation: Combines the use of implants with fat transfer, offering the benefits of both procedures, potentially resulting in a more natural look and feel while still achieving significant volume enhancement.
Surgical Procedure and Techniques
The surgical technique can vary depending on the type of augmentation, the surgeon’s recommendation, and the patient's preference. Common incision locations include:
- Inframammary Incision: Made in the crease under the breast, providing good access for implant placement.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the edge of the areola, potentially allowing for less visible scarring.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made in the armpit, ideal for minimal visible scarring on the breast itself.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon will create a pocket within the breast tissue or chest muscle and place the implant. For fat transfer, the surgeon purifies the extracted fat and injects it into the breast in layers to achieve the desired contour.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the type of procedure, but generally includes a period of rest and limited physical activity. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common immediately following surgery, but they typically subside within a few weeks. Patients may be advised to wear a supportive bra, avoid strenuous activities, and follow specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Top Breast Augmentation Hospitals in South Korea
1. Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan
Established in 1982, this is a leading super - specialty, tertiary - care hospital of the central region of Korea. It has 24 departments, 736 beds, and over 1,000 medical staff including 130 faculty with national and international training. The hospital has many firsts to its credit, such as becoming the first among Korea's university hospitals to start free onsite cancer education in 2001. It also has a registered patent on treatment for pectus carinatum (pigeon breast). It is equipped with the latest digital equipment such as MRIs, CTs, OCs, and PACs, SPECT, and a radiation device for cancer treatment.
2. Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center
Officially known as Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center since 1982, it is 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 expert and talented medical professionals. In 2011, it was recognized as a medical center for excellence in foreign patient attraction.
3. Kyung Hee University – Hospital at Gangdong
Established in 1970, it is a huge multi - specialty hospital comprising a western medical school hospital, an oriental medical school hospital, and a dental school hospital. The hospital is equipped with a 3.0T MRI, EMR system, and 64 MD CT, RapidArc, and robot navigation. Its specialized centers treat stroke and brain diseases, rheumatism, and spine. It has a dedicated team along with interpreters to attract foreign patients and has formed a global network for medical co - operation.
4. Asan Medical Center, Seoul
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 won numerous awards, including being recognized as the best in successful organ transplantations on liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart by the Korea Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS) in 2012. The hospital is selected as a highly research - driven hospital that customizes in anticancer therapy, medical robot system, and medical equipment, u - healthcare, chronic diseases, development of molecular imaging technology, development of infectious disease treatment, adult stem cell - based cell therapy by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2013.
5. Samsung Medical Center
Established in 1994, it is one of the most pathologically advanced and patient - oriented hospitals. Based on the philosophy of contributing to the health of the nation, it provides the best medical services and medical research facilities. The hospital has won first place 14 times for the national customer satisfaction index - NCSI, 16 times 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.
6. Kyung Hee University Medical Center
Set up in 1971 with the spirit of “rehabilitation of mankind”. It has all medical facilities concentrated in one location, including a university hospital, a dental hospital, a Korean medicine hospital, an east - west medical center, and a medical science research institute. It is the first such center that offers treatment by combining dental, eastern, western, and eastern - western medicine. The center houses ultramodern equipment for efficient treatments with the highest quality medical staff and world - class operation rooms. It ranked no. 1 in 2005 for customer satisfaction by the medicine industry and has the highest rating of “quality of medicine and patient safety" by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
7. Chonbuk National University Hospital
Founded in 1909, it is a reputed national multi - specialty hospital in the Jeollabuk - do region. The hospital delivers specialized and sophisticated treatment options, undertakes creative research, and engages in innovative social responsibilities. It has specialized centers for clinical research, geriatrics, cancer, respiratory diseases, and pediatrics. The hospital has over 1,000 beds, treats a large number of outpatients and inpatients, and performs a significant number of surgeries each year. It has also successfully conducted 500 organ transplant surgeries of the cornea, kidney, and liver.
8. Gachon University – Gil Medical Center
Founded in 1958, initially as a gynecological clinic, it is a leading 1,600 - bed multi - specialty, tertiary - care hospital. It has added various new - age treatments along with highly sophisticated equipment to offer world - class service to its patients. It is recognized as the first hospital to focus on scientific research and to have the first air ambulance. In 2016, it started an AI - based cancer hospital.
9. Kang Buk Samsung Hospital, Seoul
Established in 1968, it is a multispeciality hospital specializing in 32 departments. It is known for its focus on patient - centered treatment. It was awarded the patient satisfaction no. 1 hospital in 1994 in a hospital survey by the press. In 2012, it was selected by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRAS) as the best operational hospital for three kinds of cancer: stomach cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer, with the lowest death rate of patients within a 30 - day window after the operation.
10. Kosin University – Gospel Hospital
Established in 1951 for war - ravaged impoverished civilians, it is a super - specialty tertiary hospital. It has 40 departments and 15 special centers and clinics offering treatments for multiple advanced medical conditions. The hospital's infrastructure comprises around 1,000 beds and a highly experienced staff of 1,600 professionals including 250 medical professors. Its international health center is dedicated towards providing personalized medical care for foreigners.
Best Breast Augmentation Clinics in South Korea
1. Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic
Situated in the dynamic district of Gangnam in Seoul, it stands as a leading institution in the field of breast augmentation and aesthetic surgery. Under the expert leadership of Dr. Lee Hyungmin, it has been recognized for its excellence, having been ranked no. 1 in the breast augmentation category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards and was selected as one of the top 100 good doctors in Korea in 2022. With over 2,300 breast surgeries performed, it offers state - of - the - art procedures like hybrid breast augmentation and advanced microscale dual plane techniques. The clinic also uses cutting - edge 3D breast implant modeling technology, allowing patients to visualize expected outcomes.
2. The Plus Plastic Surgery
Set in the dynamic Garosu - Gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, it represents the zenith of world - class cosmetic surgery facilities. Spanning four floors, it provides a seamless continuum of care, from initial consultations to detailed surgeries and postoperative skin care regimens. The surgeons are pioneers in cosmetic surgery, regularly contributing to scholarly journals and engaging in global symposiums. With a patient - first philosophy that emphasizes personalized communication and superior medical care, it is an exemplary choice for breast augmentation.
3. DM Plastic Surgery
Renowned for its expertise in breast augmentation and a wide range of other cosmetic procedures, it boasts a highly skilled team of surgeons who are alumni of the prestigious Yonsei University Hospital and have held leadership positions at the Gangnam Severance Hospital. With a focus on personalized 1:1 consultations, it provides tailor - made treatment plans leveraging years of experience, scientific analysis, and an impressive aesthetic sense. For breast augmentation, it offers state - of - the - art procedures including bella gel breast augmentation, revisional surgeries, and breast augmentation with fat injection.
Why South Korea is a Preferred Destination for Breast Augmentation
1. Advanced Medical Technology
South Korean hospitals and clinics are equipped with the latest medical technology, such as 3D breast implant modeling, MRIs, CTs, and advanced surgical equipment. This technology allows for more precise and natural - looking results in breast augmentation surgeries.
2. Skilled Surgeons
The surgeons in South Korea are highly trained and experienced. Many of them have international training and participate in global medical conferences to stay updated on the latest techniques and trends in breast augmentation.
3. Competitive Pricing
Compared to many Western countries, the cost of breast augmentation in South Korea is more affordable. While the prices can vary depending on the surgeon, clinic, and type of procedure, patients can generally find good value for their money without compromising on quality.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Approach
Korean aesthetics often prioritize a natural and harmonious appearance. Surgeons in South Korea are particularly focused on ensuring the results enhance the patient’s physique in a balanced way, aligning with contemporary Korean beauty standards.
5. High Success Rate
The breast augmentation procedures in South Korea have a high success rate, with patients generally reporting high satisfaction levels with the results. The recovery process is also relatively smooth, thanks to the advanced aftercare and follow - up services provided by the hospitals and clinics.
Cost Consideration
The cost of breast augmentation in South Korea can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience and reputation, the type of implant used (silicone, saline, etc.), the clinic's location, and any additional procedures required. Generally, you can expect to find a wide range in prices, with the lower end starting around ₩7,000,000 and the higher end reaching ₩18,000,000. The quoted price typically includes the surgeon's fees, anesthesia, the cost of the implants, and post - operative care at the clinic. However, patients may need to account for additional expenses such as flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. Planning carefully and creating a detailed budget is essential before proceeding with breast augmentation in Korea to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
1. Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation)
Fat grafting uses a patient's own fat to enhance breast size. This procedure involves liposuction to remove fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The harvested fat is then carefully purified and injected into the breasts to achieve the desired shape and volume. The benefits include a natural look and feel, a dual benefit of body contouring, and a reduced risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift is a viable alternative for those who are more concerned about breast sagging rather than size. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to lift and reshape the breasts, providing a firmer and more youthful appearance. It can improve the position and symmetry of the breasts and enhance self - confidence, and no implants are required.
3. Push - up Bras and Specialty Lingerie
For those interested in non - surgical options, investing in high - quality push - up bras and specialty lingerie can create the appearance of larger, fuller breasts without any medical intervention. These garments are designed to add lift and enhance cleavage, offering a temporary yet effective solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Korea is a premier destination for breast augmentation, offering a blend of advanced techniques, experienced surgeons, and competitive pricing. The top hospitals and clinics in the country have a proven track record of providing high - quality services and achieving excellent results. However, potential patients should thoroughly research surgeons and facilities to ensure safety and quality. It's also crucial to consider alternatives to surgery and determine the best approach for individual needs and preferences. The decision to undergo breast augmentation should be a well - informed one, prioritizing safety, realistic expectations, and a comprehensive understanding of all available options.
If you're considering breast augmentation in South Korea, take the time to consult with multiple surgeons, review their credentials and patient testimonials, and discuss your goals and concerns in detail. This will help you make the best decision for your body and achieve the aesthetic results you desire. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about Korean breast augmentation hospitals and encourage them to explore their options!
