Medical Tourism Blog
Face Contouring: Why Korea is the Go-To Destination and How It Compares Globally in Costs

Table of contents
- Best Clinics in Korea for Face Contouring
- 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
- 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!
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.
Best Clinics in Korea for Face Contouring
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for face contouring:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Four-floor end-to-end center of excellence in Garosu-gil, Gangnam; world-class surgeons; specializes in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring; safety and personalized communication at its core; team averaging over a decade of experience; memberships in leading societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; combines academic rigor with natural, harmonious results; four dedicated floors for a concierge-style patient journey; can integrate rhinoplasty expertise for a truly balanced profile; broad facial contouring capabilities across full face contouring, cheekbone surgery, square jaw surgery, V-line surgery, and facial implants | Safer, more natural cheekbone contouring using rotation and repositioning—instead of cutting and removing bone—to bring the cheekbone slightly forward for a slimmer, more balanced facial contour; bone-preserving, non-invasive approach that minimizes the risk of sagging and helps maintain the skin’s natural firmness; tailored solutions for larger bone structures; Dr. Kim’s rhinoplasty and 3D implants expertise; functional and aesthetic synergy with Dr. Jeong; harmonious, natural-looking outcomes emphasizing facial balance; advanced, research-driven practice with ongoing journal publications and webinars; safety-first care with over a decade of experience per surgeon; comprehensive facial contouring capabilities including full face contouring, cheekbone, square jaw, V-line, and facial implants; four-floor, end-to-end service in Gangnam; cross-disciplinary excellence across related fields (e.g., breast augmentation) |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic is a premium center in Gangnam specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures; verified medical team with average over 15 years of experience; direct consultation and diagnosis before any procedure; care grounded in extensive clinical practice; recognitions include 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society; full-time board-certified anesthesiologists; 1:1 dedicated monitoring; cross-check protocol for emergencies; full CCTV coverage of procedures; dedicated aftercare center for systematic care | Treatment options cover both surgical and non-invasive pathways; cheekbone reduction (with metal-free techniques); V-line and metal-free V-line surgery; genioplasty (chin surgery); jaw reduction; non-surgical solutions such as V-line lifting, thread lift, Ultherapy, and Shurink |
| Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website | Banobagi was established in February 2000 by four plastic surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital; renovated into a modern medical environment on October 7, 2008; regarded as a leading plastic surgery space and representative brand in Korea; large dedicated system for face contouring across a six-story main building and a five-story annex; centers for facial contouring, body contouring, breast surgery, wrinkle surgery, eye surgery, nose surgery, filler/special surgery, and an obesity clinic; 1:1 customized treatments; philosophy avoids unnecessary or excessive surgeries and treats each patient with the care of family | Facial contouring; nose surgery; filler/special surgery; body contouring; obesity clinic |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery, nestled in the bustling Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a four-floor, end-to-end center of excellence where world-class surgeons deliver seamless care from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by director doctors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—internationally recognized educators, authors, and active contributors to scholarly journals and medical symposia—the clinic is especially renowned for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring. With safety and personalized communication at its core, a team averaging over a decade of experience, and memberships in leading societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, THEPLUS combines academic rigor with a commitment to natural, harmonious results that elevate each patient’s existing features.
- Why it’s the best choice for Cost Face Contouring in Korea: Dr. Kim’s safer, more natural cheekbone contouring uses precise rotation and repositioning—instead of cutting and removing bone—to bring the cheekbone slightly forward for a slimmer, more balanced facial contour.
- Bone-preserving, non-invasive approach that minimizes the risk of sagging or “cheek drooping” and helps maintain the skin’s natural firmness; in most cases, excellent results are achieved without aggressive bone removal.
- Tailored solutions for larger bone structures, with Dr. Kim carefully customizing the method to ensure the best outcome for each individual face.
- Board-certified leadership with global recognition: Dr. Kim is a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants, and an educator who runs annual training sessions for plastic surgeons; he authored the professional reference “Rebuilding Nose.”
- Functional and aesthetic synergy: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent international speaker whose ethos integrates function and beauty for balanced, enduring results.
- Harmonious, natural-looking outcomes: Both directors emphasize facial balance to enhance natural beauty rather than overcorrecting—an approach that aligns perfectly with modern Cost Face Contouring goals.
- Advanced, research-driven practice: Surgeons actively publish in journals and textbooks, speak at domestic and international symposia, and host webinars—continually refining techniques and setting higher industry standards.
- Safety-first care with an experienced team: Over a decade of hands-on expertise per surgeon, active memberships in global societies, and invitations for live surgeries worldwide underscore consistent, high-level outcomes.
- Comprehensive facial contouring capabilities: Full face contouring, cheekbone surgery, square jaw surgery, V-line surgery, and facial implants, with the ability to integrate rhinoplasty expertise for a truly balanced profile.
- Four dedicated floors for end-to-end service in Gangnam’s Garosu-gil ensure a smooth, concierge-style patient journey—from precise planning to meticulous post-operative skincare—ideal for local and international patients researching Cost Face Contouring in Korea.
- Broad surgical excellence bolsters overall quality: The team includes Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with Seoul National University Hospital experience, reflecting the clinic’s high standards across disciplines.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with genuine dedication and expertise. Its verified medical team comprises highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience, providing direct consultation and diagnosis before any procedure and delivering care grounded in extensive clinical practice. The clinic’s quality is reflected in multiple recognitions, including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, along with selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.
For patients considering face contouring in Korea, Made Young emphasizes safety, precision, and comprehensive support. The clinic operates with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, a cross-check protocol for emergencies, and full CCTV coverage of procedures, followed by systematic care at a separate, dedicated aftercare center. Treatment options cover both surgical and non-invasive pathways tailored to individual goals, including cheekbone reduction (with metal-free techniques), V-line and metal-free V-line surgery, chin surgery (genioplasty), jaw reduction, and non-surgical solutions such as V-line lifting, thread lift, Ultherapy, and Shurink.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

Banobagi Plastic Surgery
Banobagi Plastic Surgery was established in February 2000 by four plastic surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital, founded on an artisan spirit for beauty and a warm medical philosophy, with the aim of being a hospital loved and recognized by patients for excellent surgical skills. On October 7, 2008, the entire building was renovated into a modern medical environment, and the clinic has since been regarded as a leading plastic surgery space and a representative brand of reliable, well-known plastic surgery in Korea.
For face contouring, Banobagi operates a large, dedicated system: a six-story main building (total floor area of 600 pyeong) and a five-story annex that house specialized centers for facial contouring, body contouring, breast surgery, wrinkle surgery, eye surgery, nose surgery, filler/special surgery, and an obesity clinic. With 1:1 customized treatments and professional equipment in each field—and a philosophy that strictly avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgeries for profit while treating each patient with the care of family—Banobagi provides individualized facial contouring care that supports informed, goal-oriented decisions.
Find more about this clinic here: Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website
| Procedure Price | Korean Won (â‚©) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Price | â‚©19,000,000 | $13800 |
| High Price | â‚©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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.















