How much does plastic surgery cost in Korea? A price guide for international patients

Korea is one of the most popular destinations in the world for plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology, and price is the first thing most people ask about. This guide explains how pricing works in Korean clinics, what changes the number, and where to find current starting prices. Live price ranges entered by clinics on Mimi are on each category guide linked below.

How Korean clinics price a procedure

Most Korean clinics quote a package price per procedure that usually includes the surgeon's fee, the operating room, standard anaesthesia, and the routine follow-up visits within the first weeks. Things that are commonly quoted separately are:

• Pre-operative tests (blood test, X-ray or 3D CT for facial contouring)
• Special implants or materials (for example rib cartilage in rhinoplasty, premium breast implants)
• Combination procedures added during consultation
• Overnight stay in the clinic, prescriptions, compression garments
• A named "designated surgeon" surcharge at some larger clinics

Always ask for a written itemised quote that says what is included. Clinics on Mimi are used to this request from international patients.

What moves the price up or down

• The method. A non-incisional double eyelid costs far less than an incisional one with ptosis correction; a tip-only rhinoplasty costs less than a full rhinoplasty with rib cartilage.
• Revision vs. first surgery. Revision surgery is almost always priced higher because it takes longer and is technically harder.
• The surgeon and the clinic. A well-known specialist at a large Gangnam clinic charges more than a smaller clinic with a comparable outcome. Both are common on Mimi.
• Anaesthesia. Sedation ("sleep anaesthesia") and general anaesthesia add cost compared with local anaesthesia.
• Season and promotions. Clinics run promotions for specific procedures, especially in slower months.

How VAT and refunds work for foreigners

Cosmetic procedures in Korea carry 10% VAT. Foreign patients have been able to claim a refund of the VAT on certain cosmetic procedures at departure under a tax-refund scheme that has been extended several times; whether the refund applies and how to claim it depends on the clinic being registered for it and on the rules in force at the time of your visit. Ask the clinic before paying and keep all receipts.

Typical price tiers by category

Rather than quoting fixed numbers that go out of date, Mimi shows the starting prices clinics have entered, refreshed daily, on each category guide:

• Double eyelid and eye surgery — usually the most affordable surgical category
• Rhinoplasty — wide range depending on materials and revision
• Facial contouring — among the highest, as bone surgery under general anaesthesia
• Breast surgery — implant choice drives the price
• Liposuction and fat grafting — priced per area
• Facelift and lifting — thread lifts are entry level, surgical facelifts are premium
• Botox, fillers and skin treatments — priced per unit, syringe or session
• Hair transplant — priced per graft
• LASIK, SMILE and lens implants — per eye or both eyes
• Dental implants and veneers — per tooth

How to get an accurate quote before you fly

1. Decide the procedure and the result you want, and take clear photos as the clinic instructs.
2. Send a quote request so several clinics reply with estimates, or message the clinics you like directly.
3. Ask each clinic what the quote includes: anaesthesia, tests, follow-ups, materials, aftercare.
4. Book a video consultation with the doctor for anything surgical, so the plan and the price are confirmed by the surgeon.
5. Get the final quote in writing in the app before you book your flight.