Table of contents

• Cost of Face Contouring in Korea
• What Is Usually Included in Cost of Face Contouring in Korea
• Factors Influencing the Cost of Face Contouring in Korea
• Comparing the Cost of Face Contouring: Korea vs the Rest of the World
• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Face Contouring?
• Cost of Coming To Korea for Face Contouring

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Are you considering enhancing your facial features with one of Korea’s renowned cosmetic procedures? Known for its cutting-edge techniques and experienced practitioners, Korea has become a leading destination for face contouring. The financial commitment for such a transformative journey typically ranges from 19,000,000 KRW to 24,000,000 KRW, translating to approximately $13,072 to $16,512 USD. With this in mind, understanding the comprehensive cost breakdown can help you make an informed decision about pursuing face contouring in this hub of medical excellence.

Procedure Price	Korean Won (₩)	USD ($)
Low Price	₩19,000,000	$13800
High Price	₩24,000,000	$17400

Exchange rate as of 2025-05-22: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD

Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.

Cost of Face Contouring in Korea

Face contouring is a popular cosmetic procedure in Korea, renowned for its advanced techniques and skilled practitioners. When considering this transformative surgery, it's essential to understand the financial commitment involved.

In Korea, the cost of face contouring typically ranges from 19,000,000 KRW to 24,000,000 KRW. When converted to USD, this amounts to approximately $13,072 to $16,512, given the exchange rate of 1 KRW = 0.000688 USD. These numbers reflect a standard price range, though the exact cost can vary based on the specific clinic, surgeon expertise, and the complexity of the procedure involved.

It's important to note that securing your procedure date often requires a financial commitment in the form of a deposit. Typically, clinics in Korea ask for a 10% upfront deposit to book your surgery appointment. This practice ensures the clinic and the surgical team can plan effectively to provide the best care possible.

What Is Usually Included in Cost of Face Contouring in Korea

When considering face contouring in Korea, it's essential to understand what elements are generally included in the overall cost of the procedure. Here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect:

1. Pre-surgery Preparations:

   • One of the crucial components covered in the cost is the pre-surgical phase, which often includes medical evaluations and necessary blood tests. These initial health checks ensure that the patient is fit for surgery and allow the medical team to tailor the procedure to the individual’s health needs.

2. Surgical Procedures:

   • Depending on the specific type of face contouring, procedures can include advanced techniques or comprehensive face reshaping packages. Options such as chin and cheek implants might be part of the process for those undergoing facial augmentation surgery.

3. Post-surgical Care:

   • Post-operative care and follow-up appointments are critical for monitoring the patient's recovery. This can also include guidance on managing swelling and tracking the healing process to ensure the best results.

4. Accommodation and Travel:

   • Travel and accommodation arrangements can sometimes be part of the package, especially for international patients seeking medical tourism options. This might involve organizing flights and hotel stays, ensuring the patient's comfort and convenience throughout the process.

5. Overnight Stays:

   • Many surgical packages include costs for overnight hospital stays. These are often necessary for monitoring immediately after surgery and confirm that patients receive immediate medical attention if required.

6. Add-on Procedures and Health Tests:

   • Often, additional procedures may be suggested or required to complement the primary face contouring. The cost may include these add-on procedures and any necessary health tests to check for complications or to provide a complete transformation.

By understanding these cost components, patients can better prepare themselves financially and make informed decisions about undergoing face contouring in Korea. This breakdown helps in planning and budgeting for the procedure, ensuring a smoother and more transparent medical experience.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Face Contouring in Korea

The cost of face contouring in Korea can be influenced by several key factors. Primarily, the location of the clinic plays a significant role, with clinics situated in the Gangnam district of Seoul typically charging higher due to the area's prestige and demand. Additionally, the surgeon's experience and reputation are crucial; highly experienced and reputed surgeons often command higher fees. Lastly, the specific techniques and technology employed during the procedure can also impact the cost, as advanced methods and state-of-the-art technology may lead to increased expenses.

Comparing the Cost of Face Contouring: Korea vs the Rest of the World

Face contouring has become a popular procedure sought after by many for achieving a desired facial symmetry and aesthetic. It's crucial to understand the varying costs of this cosmetic surgery across different countries, along with potential risks, specifically in destinations known for medical tourism.

Cost of Procedure in the USA

In the United States, the cost of face contouring varies significantly based on the extent of the procedure and the specific surgeon or clinic. A realistic estimate would be between $15,000 and $30,000 USD. The costs in the USA often reflect the high standard of care, detailed aftercare programs, and the reputable expertise of surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgeries.

Cost of Procedure in Mexico

In Mexico, which is a growing hub for medical tourism due to its proximity to the US and cost-effective medical care, face contouring surgery typically ranges from $3,000 to $4,200 USD. Many clinics in Mexico offer comprehensive packages that may include lodging and post-operative follow-ups. However, potential risks include variability in medical standards and the need for thorough research to ensure credible practices and certifications.

Cost of Procedure in Turkey

Turkey is renowned for its advancements in cosmetic surgery. The cost of face contouring here varies from $1,500 to $2,100 USD. Turkey's medical facilities are equipped with advanced technology and experienced surgeons. Patients are advised to ensure that clinics are officially recognized and that post-surgical care standards align with international benchmarks to mitigate risks. It's essential for patients to also consider language barriers and the necessity of prolonged stays for follow-up care.

Cost of Procedure in Thailand

Thailand offers face contouring procedures between $3,600 and $9,000 USD. As a prominent destination for medical tourism, Thailand provides quality healthcare services along with luxurious recovery settings. Nonetheless, patients should exercise caution regarding the thoroughness of consultations and the possibility of unrecognized clinics. Ensuring that all medical facilities adhere to international safety standards is crucial to minimizing potential risks.

For those considering face contouring abroad, especially in countries specializing in medical tourism, it's vital to conduct extensive research on potential surgeons, their experience, and certifications to ensure a safe and satisfactory surgical experience.

Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Face Contouring?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for face contouring.

1. THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For face contouring focused on prominent cheekbones, you can discuss THEPLUS Plastic Surgery’s cheekbone rotation and repositioning approach, which is described as moving the cheekbone slightly forward rather than routinely cutting and removing bone. The aim is a slimmer, more balanced midface while preserving bone and seeking to limit the cheek-drooping concern associated with more aggressive reduction methods; larger bone structures are assessed for an individualized approach.

• URL: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Cheekbone approach:
  • Cheekbone surgery includes reduction or repositioning for a softer facial outline, slimmer side profile, and balanced midface.
  • The clinic describes a bone-preserving rotation and repositioning technique intended to maintain skin firmness and avoid aggressive bone removal when appropriate.
  • Your plan can be tailored when your underlying bone structure is larger or requires a different contouring strategy.
• Facial contouring options:
  • Full face contouring
  • Square jaw surgery
  • Chin surgery
  • Facial implants for added projection and definition
• Surgical team and professional roles:
  • Dr. Kim is described as a board-certified plastic surgeon with research awards related to 3D implants, with expertise in rhinoplasty and facial contouring.
  • Dr. Kim runs annual educational sessions for other plastic surgeons.
  • Dr. Jeong is identified as President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and participates in professional lectures, panels, and educational sessions.

2. Made Young Plastic Surgery

For surgical face contouring, Made Young Plastic Surgery offers cheekbone reduction, including a metal-free cheekbone reduction option, alongside V-line, jaw-reduction, and chin procedures that can be considered when you want to address facial proportions across more than one area. You receive direct consultation and diagnosis from the medical team before a procedure, with the clinic describing a safety system centered on dedicated anesthesiology monitoring and structured aftercare.

• URL: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Face contouring procedures:
  • Cheekbone reduction and metal-free cheekbone reduction
  • V-line surgery and metal-free V-line surgery
  • Jaw reduction surgery
  • Chin surgery (genioplasty)
• Anesthesia and procedural monitoring:
  • Full-time board-certified anesthesiologists are on site.
  • The clinic describes a 1:1 monitoring model in which one anesthesiologist continuously monitors one person during a procedure.
  • Its cross-check system involves multiple anesthesiologists in emergency assessment and response.
  • The clinic states that procedures have full CCTV coverage for transparency.
• Consultation and aftercare:
  • Medical-team consultation and diagnosis are provided before treatment.
  • A separate dedicated aftercare center provides systematic post-procedure care.
• Related facial services:
  • Surgical face, neck, forehead, and double-chin lifting procedures
  • Non-surgical lifting options including thread lift, Shurink, Ultherapy, and skin boosters
  • Rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty
  • Eye procedures including double-eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, blepharoplasty, and canthoplasty

3. Banobagi Plastic Surgery

For cost-conscious face contouring research, you can consider Banobagi Plastic Surgery’s dedicated facial-contouring center within a multi-specialty plastic-surgery clinic established in 2000 by plastic-surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital. The clinic describes 1:1 customized treatment and states that it avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgery.

• URL: Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Clinic background:
  • Established in February 2000 by four medical professionals who were plastic-surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital.
  • Operates a six-story main building and five-story annex with dedicated centers across multiple plastic-surgery fields.
• Relevant services:
  • Dedicated facial contouring center
  • Related centers for wrinkle surgery, eye surgery, nose surgery, body contouring, breast surgery, filler/special surgery, and obesity care
• Care approach:
  • The clinic describes providing 1:1 customized treatment supported by professional medical equipment in each field.
  • It states that it does not recommend unnecessary or excessive surgeries for hospital profit.

Cost of Coming To Korea for Face Contouring

Traveling to South Korea for face contouring, a popular procedure among medical tourists, involves several key expenses that potential patients should consider. These expenses fall into several categories, each contributing to the overall cost of the medical tourism experience.

Flights

One of the primary costs associated with traveling to Korea for face contouring is airfare. Depending on your location, round-trip flights to South Korea can vary widely. For travelers coming from major U.S. cities or Europe, economy-class tickets typically range from $800 to $1,500. It's advisable to book flights well in advance and be on the lookout for discounts or off-peak travel options to optimize costs.

Accommodation

South Korea offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to different budgets. From luxurious hotels in Seoul to more affordable guesthouses and hostels, prices can vary from $50 to $300 per night. For medical tourists, some clinics might offer package deals that include accommodation, providing convenience and potentially reducing overall expenses.

Local Transportation

Once in Korea, you'll need to consider the cost of local transportation. South Korea has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including subways and buses. A subway ride in Seoul, for instance, costs around $1. However, if you prefer private transportation, taxis are readily available and generally inexpensive compared to Western countries. Some clinics may also provide shuttle services for their international patients.

Meals and Daily Expenses

The cost of meals in Korea can be quite reasonable, especially if you explore local markets and traditional eateries. Expect to spend about $5 to $15 per meal at modest restaurants or street food stalls. Of course, dining at high-end restaurants will incur higher costs. Additionally, budgeting for daily necessities such as snacks or shopping for souvenirs should be considered.

Medical Expenses

Apart from travel-related costs, the primary expense is the face contouring procedure itself. Korea is known for competitive prices in cosmetic surgery, but prices can still vary depending on the clinic and surgeon's reputation. It's important to research and understand what's included in the quoted price—such as pre-operative assessments, surgery, anesthesia, and post-operative care.

Overall, while traveling to Korea for face contouring involves an upfront investment, many find the combination of high-quality medical care and the opportunity to experience a new culture to be well worth the cost. Proper planning and budgeting can ensure that your medical journey is as seamless and cost-effective as possible.