Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure sought by many individuals aiming to enhance their physical appearance and boost self - confidence. South Korea has gained international acclaim for its advanced plastic surgery techniques, experienced surgeons, and state - of - the - art medical facilities. While the title mentions New York City, we will primarily focus on highly - rated Korean breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in South Korea, factors to consider when choosing a hospital, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Top - Rated Korean Breast Augmentation Hospitals
1. Asan Medical Center, Seoul
Asan Medical Center is a 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 won numerous other awards for its global customer satisfaction, research, and social responsibility. The hospital is known for its cutting - edge medical technology and a team of highly skilled surgeons. In the field of breast augmentation, they can offer a wide range of techniques and high - quality implants. With a large number of 2705 beds, it can handle a high volume of patients and provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
2. Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
Established in 1994, Samsung Medical Center is based on the philosophy of contributing to the health of the nation by providing the best medical services and research facilities. It has won first place 14 times for the National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) and has other outstanding achievements in patient satisfaction and medical quality. In breast augmentation, the hospital uses advanced technologies to ensure precise and safe procedures. The large number of around 1400 doctors, 2600 nurses, 200 researchers, and 3700 pharmacists and medical engineers (as per 2016 data) indicates its ability to provide top - notch care.
3. Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul
Set up in 1971 with the spirit of “rehabilitation of mankind,” Kyung Hee University Medical Center combines dental, eastern, western, and eastern - western medicine. It has ultra - modern equipment such as EMR, 3.0 - tesla MRI, 64 - slice CT, robotic surgery (Da Vinci robot system), and RapidArc (cancer treatment). The center's surgeons have a high success rate in breast augmentation procedures, and it also provides services in multiple languages for international patients. It was ranked no. 1 in 2005 for customer satisfaction by the medicine industry.
4. Soonchunhyang University Hospital – Cheonan
This is a leading super - specialty, tertiary - care hospital in the central region of Korea. It was founded in 1982 and has many firsts to its credit, such as being the first among Korea's university hospitals to start free onsite cancer education in 2001. The hospital has 24 departments, 736 beds, and over 1,000 medical staff including 130 faculty with national and international training. Its experienced plastic surgery team can offer breast augmentation procedures with high - quality care.
5. Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu
After the merger in 1980 and official naming in 1982, Keimyung University – Dongsan Medical Center 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 a team of expert medical professionals. In breast augmentation, they focus on patient - centered treatment and ensuring a successful outcome.
Leading Surgeons in Korean Breast Augmentation
1. Kwon Soon - Hong
Dr. Kwon Soon - Hong is a leading doctor for breast augmentation with 22 years of experience at the JK Plastic Surgery Center in Seoul. He has received an “excellent” rating based on 8 reviews. His long - term experience in the field of breast augmentation indicates his proficiency and ability to handle different cases with precision.
2. Im Young Min
Dr. Im Young Min is a renowned plastic surgeon and chief physician at the VG Plastic Surgery clinic. With 19 years of experience, he is a member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KPRS), Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). His membership in multiple professional organizations shows his commitment to staying updated with the latest techniques and best practices in plastic surgery, especially in breast augmentation and other face and body plastic procedures.
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 and a member of several prestigious societies, including the International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. His expertise in mammoplasty makes him a top choice for breast augmentation procedures.
4. Francis Jeon
With 26 years of experience at the Evita Clinic in Seoul, Dr. Francis Jeon has an “excellent” rating. The price for breast augmentation at his clinic ranges from $4,000 - $5,000. His long - standing practice and the specific pricing details provide valuable information for patients considering breast augmentation.
5. Song Jae Yong
Dr. Song Jae Yong is the chief surgeon of the Girin Plastic Surgery clinic. He is a Korea University alumni and a member of multiple plastic surgery - related associations, including the Korean Society of Plastic Surgery and the Breast Plastic Surgery Research Association. His extensive professional background and memberships suggest his high - level skills in breast augmentation procedures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Korean Breast Augmentation Hospital
1. Surgeon Expertise
The surgeon's experience and specialization are of utmost importance. Board - certified surgeons who have specialized in breast augmentation for many years are more likely to achieve better results. Check the surgeon's CV for details about their education, scientific research, and languages spoken. Look for surgeons who have positive patient reviews and a high success rate in breast augmentation procedures. For example, Dr. Kwon Soon - Hong's 22 years of experience and positive patient reviews make him a reliable choice.
2. Hospital Accreditation and Safety Record
Accredited hospitals are more likely to follow strict safety and quality standards. In South Korea, many hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOIHIA). Hospitals like Asan Medical Center have received JCI accreditation, which is a sign of meeting international healthcare standards. A good safety record can give patients peace of mind during the breast augmentation process.
3. Technology and Innovation
Korean plastic surgery is known for its technological advancements. Hospitals that invest in cutting - edge technology such as 3D imaging and robotic surgery can provide more precise and minimally invasive breast augmentation procedures with faster recovery times. For instance, Kyung Hee University Medical Center's use of the Da Vinci robot system in surgeries is an example of technological innovation in the field.
4. Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into the patient experience at a particular hospital. Look for reviews regarding the quality of care, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall satisfaction with the breast augmentation results. Websites like Bookimed and other medical review platforms can be useful sources for finding such reviews.
5. Cost
The cost of breast augmentation varies between hospitals and depends on factors such as the surgeon's fees, the type of implants used, and the complexity of the procedure. While it is important to consider cost, it should not be the only determining factor. Make sure to compare prices among different hospitals while also taking into account the quality of care and the reputation of the surgeon. For example, Dr. Francis Jeon's price range for breast augmentation at the Evita Clinic is relatively clear, allowing patients to make more informed decisions.
Advantages of Choosing a Korean Hospital for Breast Augmentation
1. High Success Rate
South Korean hospitals and surgeons generally have a high success rate in breast augmentation procedures. The overall success rate for breast augmentation in South Korea is reported to be between 95 - 98%. This is due to the extensive experience of the surgeons, advanced technology, and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
2. Cost - Effective Treatment
Compared to some Western countries, breast augmentation in South Korea can be more cost - effective. For example, breast augmentation in South Korea costs on average US$7,400, while in the US it can cost around US$12,700. This cost difference can make it an attractive option for international patients.
3. Experienced and Certified Experts
Many Korean plastic surgeons are highly trained and certified. They have years of experience in performing breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures. Surgeons like Dr. Im Young Min, who is a member of multiple international professional organizations, are a testament to the high - level expertise available in South Korea.
4. Modern Healthcare Technologies
Korean hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technologies. These technologies enable more accurate diagnoses, better surgical planning, and less invasive procedures. For example, the use of 3D imaging can help patients visualize the expected results of breast augmentation before the surgery.
5. Data Privacy and Transparency
South Korean hospitals are known for respecting patient data privacy and providing transparent information about the treatment process, costs, and potential risks. This allows patients to make well - informed decisions about their breast augmentation procedure.
Procedure Details and Recovery Time
1. Procedure Details
The actual breast augmentation surgery usually takes 1 - 2 hours. Before the surgery, the patient will choose the size and type of implant with the surgeon. There are two main methods for breast augmentation: autologous fat transfer and using implants. The autologous fat transfer method involves removing fat from another part of the body by liposuction, cleansing and processing it, and then injecting it into the breasts. This method is suitable for patients who want only a small increase in size. 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, and the implants are inserted through the incisions and the wounds are stitched closed.
2. Recovery Time
The recovery time for breast augmentation can vary depending on the patient's overall health and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, most patients can return to work after about a week. They will be a little tender and bruised after surgery. It is important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for around six weeks. Gradually, patients will feel less stiff and should be back to normal after about a month. It is recommended that patients maintain regular contact with their surgeon for a few months after surgery to speed up recovery and ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the criteria for ranking these hospitals for breast augmentation in South Korea?
To rank these hospitals, several factors are considered, including popularity for the procedure, infrastructure, availability of the procedure, experienced doctors, technology used, cost, facilities provided, and success rate. For example, a hospital with state - of - the - art technology, highly experienced surgeons, and a high success rate is likely to be ranked higher.
2. Can I book a video consultation with a specialist in South Korea before I decide to travel?
Yes, it is possible. When you contact a patient advisor, you can demand an online consultation with the specialist. The advisor will get in touch with the doctor to check their availability. After receiving confirmation, the appointment will be scheduled, and you will receive a payment link to book your session.
3. What documents do I need to carry when traveling to South Korea for medical treatment?
You should carry essential documents like test reports, records, doctor referral notes, medical history, passport copies, residence/driver’s license/bank statement/details of health insurance. You may also need travel insurance paper, currency/forex card, and an international SIM card. It is advisable to check with the concerned authority for any extra documents required.
4. How can I obtain a medical visa in South Korea?
The processing of obtaining a medical visa starts with the submission of medical records and the referral certificate signed by the registered medical expert. Relevant documents explaining the details of the treatment, signed by the concerned hospitals or doctors, and a declaration from the patient or family member are also required. The process is done under the strict supervision of the South Korean embassy, and the person accompanying a patient can be granted a medical dependent visa.
Conclusion
South Korea offers a wealth of options for those seeking breast augmentation plastic surgery. The top - rated hospitals such as Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, and others, along with leading surgeons like Kwon Soon - Hong and Im Young Min, provide high - quality services and advanced techniques. When choosing a hospital, it is essential to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital accreditation, technology, patient reviews, and cost. By making a well - informed decision, patients can achieve their desired results in breast augmentation while also ensuring their safety and satisfaction.
If you are considering breast augmentation in South Korea, we encourage you to further research the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article. You can also reach out to medical tourism agencies or directly to the hospitals for more detailed information. Take the time to compare your options and make the choice that is best for you.
