Online consultation with Korean plastic surgeons and clinics before you travel (chat, video, interpretation)

The biggest change in medical travel to Korea in the last few years is that you no longer have to fly in blind. You can consult a Korean plastic surgeon, dermatologist or clinic online — by chat or by video call, in English, Japanese or Chinese — before you book a flight or pay anything. On Mimi you consult the clinic and the doctor from home, in your language, with real-time medical interpretation. This guide walks through exactly what happens, what it costs, and how to get the most out of it.

Two ways to consult

Chat consultation (MimiTalk)

A private, one-to-one message thread between you and the clinic. You write in your language, the clinic reads it in Korean, replies in Korean, and you read the reply in your language — all translated in real time. You can attach photos. There is no time slot and no fee; the clinic usually replies within its business hours. Use it for questions about methods, prices, dates and logistics, and to get a written quote.

Video consultation with a doctor

A scheduled online call with the doctor who would treat you. Live medical interpretation runs during the call, so you speak and hear in your own language. Afterwards you receive a written summary of what was discussed. Video consultations are best for surgical decisions: the doctor sees your face or the treatment area, explains what is realistic, and confirms the plan and the price. Some doctors charge a consultation fee shown before booking; new members currently receive a free consultation voucher during the launch promotion.

How real-time medical interpretation works

Mimi's interpretation is built for medical conversations: it uses clinic-specific glossaries so procedure names, materials and medical terms are translated consistently, and it keeps the conversation history so nothing is lost between messages. In video calls, speech is transcribed and translated live for both sides. You still have a human clinic coordinator in the thread; interpretation makes the conversation possible, the clinic answers the questions. Our interpretation guide compares this with in-house coordinators, hired interpreters and agencies, and lists what to check on the day of your visit.

What to prepare

• Clear photos as the clinic requests (front and side for face, the area of concern for body or skin)
• What you want to change and what you want to keep
• Your medical history: previous surgeries, medications, allergies, conditions such as diabetes or blood-clotting issues
• Your travel window and how long you can stay
• The questions you want answered — see the list below

Questions worth asking every clinic

1. Which method do you recommend for me and why?
2. Which doctor would perform the procedure, and what is their specialty?
3. What is the total price, and what does it include (anaesthesia, tests, follow-ups, materials)?
4. How many days should I stay in Korea, and what is the recovery like?
5. What are the main risks for my case, and what is the revision policy?
6. How do you handle follow-up once I am back home?

From consultation to booking

1. Start a chat consultation from a clinic or procedure page, or send one quote request to several clinics (see how to get quotes from Korean clinics).
2. Compare the replies and book a video consultation with the doctor at the clinic you prefer.
3. Confirm the plan, the price and the surgery date in the app.
4. Book flights and accommodation, then keep the same chat thread for pre-operative instructions and follow-up.

What Mimi does not do

Mimi does not diagnose, prescribe or give medical advice, and does not take a commission on your treatment. Clinics answer you directly; Mimi provides the platform, the verification of clinics and doctors, and the interpretation.