From Tokyo to Seoul: A Real Journey for Plastic Surgery in Korea (A Patient Story & Guide for International Visitors)

용훈 정
Sep 25
3 min read

Journey for Plastic Surgery in Korea

Introduction: Why Patients Travel to Korea

South Korea has become the world’s top destination for plastic surgery, attracting international patients from Japan, China, the US, and beyond. With highly skilled surgeons, competitive pricing, and natural-looking results, more people are choosing Seoul and Busan for procedures like double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and facelifts.

But what does the journey actually look like for an international patient? Let’s follow Aya, a 27-year-old woman from Tokyo, who decided to undergo double eyelid surgery in Korea — and learn from her experience.

Step 1: Overwhelmed by Choices

Aya explains: “I wanted natural results, but when I searched online for Korean clinics, it was overwhelming. Prices were unclear, and I worried about safety.”

This is a common issue. With hundreds of clinics in Seoul, especially in Gangnam, international patients often struggle to identify which clinics are safe and transparent.

Step 2: Finding Support in Her Own Language

Aya found KoreanPlasticSurgery.info, a platform offering free multilingual consultation.She sent her photos and medical history in Japanese, and within 24 hours, she received:

A list of verified clinics that specialize in double eyelid surgery
Transparent cost estimates (ranging $1,200–$2,000)
A personalized explanation of the pros and cons of each method (incisional vs. non-incisional)

👉 For Aya, having a consultant who could speak her language gave her confidence to move forward.

Step 3: Online to Offline — Traveling to Seoul

Once Aya selected a clinic, she booked her trip to Seoul. Most patients stay 7–10 days for consultation, surgery, and recovery.Her package included:

Airport pickup service
Hotel recommendations near Gangnam
Translation support during clinic visits

Step 4: In-Person Consultation and Surgery

At the clinic, Aya met her surgeon face-to-face. The doctor explained her eye anatomy and showed her expected results with digital imaging.She chose the non-incisional method for a more natural fold with faster recovery. Journey for Plastic Surgery in Korea.

On the surgery day:

The procedure took about 1 hour under local anesthesia.
She stayed in the recovery room for 2 hours before being discharged.
Swelling was noticeable at first, but reduced within 5 days.

Step 5: Aftercare and Recovery

Aya’s clinic provided:

Ice packs and anti-swelling treatment
Follow-up appointments on Day 3 and Day 7
Stitches removal after 5 days

By Day 10, Aya was confident enough to walk around Seoul, enjoying shopping and sightseeing while healing.

Step 6: The Results

Aya shares: “The results look so natural, my friends said I look more refreshed but couldn’t tell I had surgery. The whole process was smoother than I expected.”

Her before-and-after photos were also provided by the clinic for her medical records.