Introduction
South Korea has emerged as a global leader in the field of plastic surgery, and breast augmentation is one of the most sought - after procedures. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive review of the top ten South Korean breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals. Even though the title mentions New York City, it might seem a bit misaligned as these are South Korean hospitals, yet there could be a connection such as an international reputation attracting patients from as far as New York City. We will discuss the key features, services, and reputations of these hospitals to help you make an informed decision if you are considering breast augmentation.
Why Choose South Korea for Breast Augmentation?
South Korea offers a plethora of advantages for individuals seeking breast augmentation. Firstly, the country is home to a large number of highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeons. Many of these surgeons have trained at world - class institutions and are constantly updated with the latest techniques and technologies in the field.
Secondly, South Korea has a well - developed healthcare infrastructure. The hospitals are equipped with state - of - the - art facilities and follow strict safety and hygiene protocols. This ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care during their surgical journey.
Another significant factor is the cost - effectiveness. Breast augmentation in South Korea is generally more affordable compared to many Western countries such as the United States. As reported on Medical Departures, breast augmentation in South Korea costs on average USD 7,400, while in Australia it can be around AUD 16,500 (equivalent to approximately USD 12,700).
Moreover, South Korea has a rich culture and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a surgery holiday. Patients can enjoy their recovery time while experiencing the unique traditions and attractions of the country.
Top Ten South Korean Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgery Hospitals
1. Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan
Established in 1982, this hospital 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. Although not specifically focused on breast augmentation alone, the hospital has a wide range of medical specialities and advanced digital equipment such as MRIs, CTs, and a radiation device for cancer treatment. This indicates that it has the resources and infrastructure to support complex surgical procedures, including breast augmentation.
The hospital also has a strong research focus and is a leading medical - training institute with a clinical medical research center. This commitment to research ensures that the hospital stays at the forefront of medical advancements, which can potentially benefit breast augmentation patients in terms of innovative techniques and better treatment outcomes.
2. Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center
After the merger in 1980 and officially becoming the Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center in 1982, it is a multi - specialty hospital. 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.
In 2011, it was recognized as a medical center for excellence in foreign patient attraction. This recognition shows that the hospital is well - equipped to handle international patients, which is an important factor for patients from New York City or other parts of the world. For breast augmentation patients, the hospital's diverse medical specialities and modern facilities can provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
3. Kyung Hee University – Hospital at Gangdong
This is a huge multi - speciality hospital consisting of a western medical school hospital, an oriental medical school hospital, and a dental school hospital. It is equipped with a 3.0T MRI, EMR system, 64 MD CT, rapidarc, and robot navigation. The hospital's specialised centers treat stroke and brain diseases, rheumatism, and spine, but it also has the resources and expertise to perform breast augmentation procedures.
The hospital has a dedicated team along with interpreters to attract foreign patients and has formed a global network for medical co - operation. This global outlook and patient - friendly approach are beneficial for international patients who may have language and cultural barriers. The hospital's cozy and comfortable environment, surrounded by lush greenery, can also contribute to a more relaxing recovery process for breast augmentation patients.
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, Asan Medical Center is a top - notch multi - specialty hospital. It has won numerous awards, including the prize for global standard management in the social responsibility category by KMAR in 2010 and being selected as a highly research - driven hospital by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2013.
The hospital has 2705 beds and is known for its excellence in various medical fields, including organ transplantation. For breast augmentation, the hospital's high - level medical standards, advanced research, and experienced medical staff can ensure a safe and successful procedure. The hospital's international reputation also gives patients from around the world, including New York City, confidence in choosing it for their breast augmentation.
5. Samsung Medical Center
Established in 1994, Samsung Medical Center is one of the most pathologically advanced and patient - oriented hospitals. It has won first place 14 times for the national customer satisfaction index (NCSI) and 16 times as the leader in the value of the Korean customer satisfaction index (KCSI). The hospital has approximately 1400 doctors, 2600 nurses, 200 researchers, 3700 pharmacists, and medical engineers.
With a focus on providing the best medical services and medical research facilities, Samsung Medical Center is likely to offer high - quality breast augmentation services. The hospital's patient - centric approach and innovative medical practices can lead to better patient experiences and outcomes in breast augmentation procedures.
6. Kyung Hee University Medical Center
Set up in 1971 with the spirit of “rehabilitation of mankind,” the Kyung Hee University Medical Center (KHUMC) has all medical facilities concentrated in one location. It includes a university hospital, a dental hospital, a Korean medicine hospital, an east - west medical center, and a medical science research institute. KHUMC is the first such center that offers treatment by combining dental, eastern, western, and eastern - western medicine.
The center is equipped with ultramodern equipment such as EMR, 3.0 - tesla MRI, 64 - slice CT, robotic surgery (Da Vinci robot system), and rapidarc (cancer treatment). For breast augmentation, the hospital's combination of different medical approaches and advanced technology can provide a more holistic and effective treatment plan. The center also provides services in English, Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese, which is convenient for international patients.
7. Chonbuk National University Hospital
Founded in 1909 by the government of South Korea, Chonbuk National University Hospital (CBNU) 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 has specialised centers for clinical research, geriatrics, cancer, respiratory diseases, and pediatrics.
CBNU has successfully conducted 500 organ transplant surgeries of the cornea, kidney, and liver, which indicates its surgical expertise. For breast augmentation patients, the hospital's diverse specialities and large - scale medical staff can provide comprehensive support during the entire treatment process. The hospital's focus on treating all patients regardless of their socio - economic status also shows its commitment to patient care.
8. Gachon University – Gil Medical Center
Founded in 1958 as a gynecological clinic, Gachon University – Gil Medical Center is now a leading 1,600 - bed multi - specialty, tertiary - care hospital. It has added various new - age treatments and highly sophisticated equipment over the years. The hospital is recognized as the first hospital to focus on scientific research and to have the first air ambulance.
In 2014, it ranked among Korea's top 10 research - focused hospitals. With its specialties in cancer care, cardiology, cerebral center, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology, the hospital has a wide - ranging medical expertise that can be beneficial for breast augmentation patients. The hospital also has an international healthcare center to treat overseas patients, providing help with visa, pick - up from the airport, and accommodation, which is very convenient for international patients.
9. Kang Buk Samsung Hospital, Seoul
Established in 1968 (originally known as Koryo Hospital), Kang Buk Samsung Hospital is a multispeciality hospital specialising in 32 departments. It was awarded the patient satisfaction no. 1 hospital in 1994 in a hospital survey by the press. In 2012, it was selected by HIRAS (Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service) as the best operational hospital for three kinds of cancer: stomach cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer.
The hospital is top - rated in 11 areas of the treatment propriety index by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and HIRAS. It has also created 5 specialised centres, including a breast and thyroid cancer centre. For breast augmentation, the hospital's focus on patient - centered treatment and high - quality surgical results can give patients confidence in the procedure. The hospital's advanced IT technologies, such as equipping medical teams with Samsung Galaxy tabs and Galaxy notes, also enhance the quality of patient care.
10. Kosin University – Gospel Hospital
Established in 1951 for war - ravaged impoverished civilians, Kosin University – Gospel Hospital (KUGH) 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.
The hospital is equipped with latest medical equipment such as oncothermia, PET - CT, X - knife, 3.0T MRI, and computed tomography (CT). The international health center, including the health promotion center, is dedicated to providing personalised medical care for foreigners, especially those speaking English, Russian, and Mongolian. This patient - centric approach and the availability of advanced medical equipment make it a good option for breast augmentation patients, especially international ones.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
When selecting a South Korean breast augmentation plastic surgery hospital, there are several key factors that you should take into account:
Surgeon Expertise
The experience and specialization of the plastic surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a significant amount of experience in breast augmentation procedures. You can check their credentials, educational background, and patient reviews. For example, some of the top breast augmentation doctors in South Korea, such as Kwon Soon - Hong at JK Plastic Surgery Center and Young Min Im at VG Plastic Surgery, have extensive experience and positive patient reviews, as reported on Bookimed.
Hospital Accreditation
Accreditation is a sign of a hospital's commitment to quality and safety. South Korean hospitals follow healthcare standards set by organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOHIA). Make sure the hospital you choose is accredited by these or other recognized bodies. For instance, Asan Medical Center has received JCI accreditation, which indicates that it meets international healthcare standards.
Technology and Equipment
Advanced technology and equipment can significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of breast augmentation procedures. Look for hospitals that are equipped with the latest imaging systems, surgical tools, and post - operative care facilities. For example, Kyung Hee University – Hospital at Gangdong is equipped with a 3.0T MRI, EMR system, 64 MD CT, rapidarc, and robot navigation, which can provide more accurate diagnosis and precise surgical procedures.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you valuable insights into the hospital's patient experience. You can find these reviews on various websites, including medical tourism platforms and hospital review sites. Positive reviews about the quality of care, communication with the medical staff, and the overall surgical outcome can be a good indication of a hospital's reliability.
Cost and Financing Options
While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is still an important consideration. Compare the prices of breast augmentation procedures at different hospitals, but also make sure to consider the value for money. Some hospitals may offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable. For example, many South Korean hospitals offer package deals that may include flights, accommodation, and post - operative care, which can help you plan your budget more effectively.
Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure can be performed using two main methods: autologous fat transfer or breast implants. The autologous fat transfer method involves removing fat from another part of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) by liposuction, cleansing and processing it, and then injecting it into the breasts. This method is only recommended if you want a small increase in breast size. On the other hand, breast implants are more commonly used for significant size increases. The implants can be filled with saline, silicone, or sometimes biodegradable products such as soybean oil.
During the surgery, 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. The implants are then inserted through the incision, and the wounds are stitched closed. The actual surgery normally takes an hour or two, but several hours are needed before and after for planning and post - surgery recovery at the medical facility before you head back to your hotel.
Recovery
After breast augmentation surgery, you will be a little tender and bruised. However, compared 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. You should take things slowly, avoid lifting or stretching too much. You will gradually feel less stiff and should be feeling pretty normal again after a month. However, you should still avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for around six weeks.
It is important to follow your surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully, which may include wearing a supportive bra, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments. This will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Korea offers a wide range of excellent breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals. Each of the top ten hospitals mentioned in this article has its own unique strengths, such as advanced technology, experienced surgeons, high - quality patient care, and international recognition. When considering breast augmentation, it is crucial to thoroughly research these hospitals and carefully evaluate the key factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital accreditation, technology, patient reviews, and cost.
If you are interested in breast augmentation at one of these South Korean hospitals, we encourage you to reach out to them directly or consult a medical tourism agency. You can also gather more information by reading additional patient reviews and case studies. By making an informed decision, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive surgical experience. So, take the first step towards your dream breasts and explore the options available at these top - notch South Korean hospitals!
