Korea is famous for cosmetic surgery?

Korea is indeed the cosmetic surgery capital of the world, and many foreigners living here consider procedures. Here's what you need to know:

Popular procedures and approximate costs: Double eyelid surgery: 1,000,000-3,000,000 won. Rhinoplasty: 3,000,000-7,000,000 won. Jaw reduction: 5,000,000-15,000,000 won. Fat grafting: 2,000,000-5,000,000 won. Botox: 50,000-200,000 won per area. Filler: 200,000-500,000 won per syringe. Liposuction: 3,000,000-8,000,000 won depending on area.

Before considering surgery: Research extensively. Don't rush into any procedure. Consult at least 3 different clinics before deciding. Be wary of clinics that pressure you during consultations. Check the surgeon's credentials: Board certification in plastic surgery is essential. Look for reviews on RealSelf, Korean forums, and ask in expat communities.

Finding a good clinic: Gangnam has the highest concentration of clinics, but not all are equal. Look for clinics with the surgeon's real name and credentials posted. Avoid "ghost surgery" risks by confirming your surgeon will perform the actual operation. ID Hospital, Banobagi, THE PLUS are well-known clinics popular with foreigners. Many clinics have English, Chinese, and Japanese coordinators.

Important considerations: Recovery time varies. Double eyelid: 1-2 weeks. Nose: 2-4 weeks. Jaw: 4-8 weeks. Your health insurance (NHIS) does NOT cover cosmetic procedures. Get everything in writing: surgeon name, procedure details, costs, revision policy. Ask about the revision policy upfront in case you're not satisfied with results. Some procedures require time off work. Plan accordingly.

Red flags to avoid: Extremely cheap prices compared to market average. Clinics that won't let you meet the actual surgeon before the procedure. High-pressure sales tactics during consultation. No clear revision or refund policy.