Explore Top Trends in Plastic Surgery Korea for Your Aesthetic Goals

2025-06-01

Thinking about plastic surgery Korea? In this article, you’ll learn why South Korea is a global leader in cosmetic surgery. We cover top procedures, costs, recovery, and patient experiences. Discover why people from all over the world choose Korea for their plastic surgery needs.

 

Key Takeaways

  • South Korea is a leader in facial plastic surgery, known for its advanced techniques and high volume of procedures per capita, particularly in the Gangnam district.
  • Noonopi Plastic Surgery emphasizes personalized care and advanced techniques, offering specialized procedures in the fields of facial rejuvenation, that enhance youthful natural change while ensuring minimal scarring.
  • Learn more about virtual consultations, accommodation, recovery management, and cost of plastic surgery in Korea.

Why South Korea is the Global Hub for Facial Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery Korea
Dr. Park from international meeting held in Korea

South Korea has firmly established itself as the global epicenter of facial plastic surgery. With advanced techniques and unparalleled expertise in facial contouring procedures, South Korean plastic surgeons are at the forefront of the industry. The Gangnam district in Seoul, in particular, is renowned for its concentration of high-quality plastic surgery clinics, attracting patients from all corners of the world.

The country’s reputation for excellence in cosmetic procedures is further bolstered by data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), which shows that South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgery cases per capita globally. This high volume of procedures is driven by societal pressures to maintain beauty for success in work and personal life.

In 2025, anti-aging remains one of the primary reasons people seek plastic surgery in Korea. Both surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments—such as Botox, Xerf skin tightening, and BBL laser—are popular choices for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance.

International patients are drawn to South Korea not only for its cutting-edge techniques but also for the comprehensive care and impressive outcomes.

Specializations at Noonopi Plastic Surgery

A consultation room at a plastic surgery clinic in South Korea

At Noonopi Plastic Surgery, specialization and personalized care are at the core of every procedure. The clinic offers advanced techniques such as the high SMAS facelift and blepharoptosis surgery, both designed to provide natural and lasting rejuvenation. These procedures focus on targeting deeper SMAS structures, ensuring a youthful appearance with minimal visible scarring. For those seeking a less invasive option, the mini neck lift targets mild facial sagging with shorter incisions, offering quick recovery and natural-looking results.

Noonopi’s board-certified plastic surgeons emphasize customized care, tailoring each cosmetic surgery to the unique facial features and ethnic characteristics of their patients. From double eyelid surgery to sub-brow lift, forehead lift—which reduces wrinkles, improves frown lines, and elevates the eyebrows—and upper blepharoplasty, Noonopi’s range of services is designed to meet the diverse needs of their clientele, ensuring each patient receives the best possible outcome. Many of these advanced procedures can be performed under IV sedation anesthesia, minimizing recovery time and allowing for outpatient treatment.

Korean doctor
Dr. Park

Choosing the Right Surgeon in Korea

Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important steps in your plastic surgery journey in Korea. Board certified plastic surgeons bring a wealth of experience and adhere to the highest standards of safety and care. When researching a plastic surgery clinic, look for surgeons with strong credentials, positive patient reviews, and a proven track record in the specific procedure you are considering.

A personalized consultation is essential to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the surgeon’s approach. With Dr. Park—a board-certified plastic surgeon and International Member of the Aesthetic Society (U.S.)—you can feel confident knowing you're in expert hands.in expert hands. 

Dino Elyassnia
Dr. Park has shared and discussed facelift techniques with Dr. Dino Elyassnia in San Francisco, California

Preparing for Your Surgery in Korea

Preparation for surgery at Noonopi Plastic Surgery involves several crucial steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience. A thorough medical evaluation and personalized consultation are essential to determine candidacy and plan the best surgical approach. Video consultations with Dr. Nk Park via WhatsApp provide convenience and accessibility for international patients.

Pre-surgery guidelines include:

  • Stopping smoking and alcohol consumption at least one week before surgery
  • Discontinuing certain medications, especially those that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, as advised by the clinic
  • Removing contact lenses on the day of surgery to prevent any complications during the procedure
  • Arranging transportation and accommodation in advance to ensure a comfortable stay in South Korea

Medical Evaluation and Consultation

A comprehensive medical evaluation is paramount to ensure patient safety and successful surgery outcomes. During the initial consultation, patients receive a detailed cost estimate, clarifying the total expected expenses and helping them plan their finances effectively. General anesthesia is an important consideration in the overall process.

To accommodate international patients, Noonopi Plastic Surgery offers virtual consultation options with Dr. Nk Park. Utilizing platforms like WhatsApp and FaceTime, these consultations provide a convenient way to discuss concerns, understand procedural details, and receive personalized advice without traveling to Korea initially.

Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Read more about pre-op checklist

Seoul City Tour

Patients undergoing non-incisional double eyelid surgery are advised to stay in Seoul for at least three days, though five days is preferred for optimal recovery. For more invasive procedures like a facelift, a minimum two-week stay is recommended. Since recovery requires an extended stay in Seoul, you'll want to make the most of your time here—click the link to explore our Seoul city tour guide.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

Post-surgery care is as critical as the surgery itself. Immediate post-operative care involves managing swelling and ensuring proper healing. Utilizing ice packs as much as possible, while avoiding direct skin contact, is essential to reduce swelling and aid in recovery. Noonopi Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive postoperative care, including free wound dressing, shampoo service if needed, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote faster recovery and reduce swelling.

Long-term recovery varies depending on the procedure:

  • Swelling can take 1-4 weeks to resolve.
  • Full recovery can take up to 1-3 months.
  • Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  • Monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection or complications is important.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consistent skincare routine helps preserve the results of the surgery.

Stitches are typically removed during follow-up appointments in Korea. However, in some cases, dissolvable buried sutures may be used for the patient’s convenience.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Immediately after surgery, managing swelling is a priority. Patients are advised to use ice packs frequently but with a barrier to prevent direct contact with the skin. Having someone assist for the first 48 to 72 hours post-surgery is crucial for support and monitoring.

Noonopi offers additional post-operative care, including:

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance recovery and improve surgical outcomes
  • Comprehensive support for patients
  • Help place food delivery orders on your behalf

Long-Term Recovery

Long-term recovery timelines vary. For instance, swelling from procedures like chin shaving can take 2-3 weeks to normalize, while full recovery time might extend to 6-12 months. Other procedures like nose corrections typically achieve a normal look within a few weeks.

It is crucial to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any issues. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and consistent skincare routine helps maintain the surgery results, ensuring long-term satisfaction. Additionally, it is important to schedule follow up appointments to ensure everything is on track.

Popular Procedures at Noonopi Plastic Surgery

Noonopi Plastic Surgery offers a range of popular procedures designed to enhance facial aesthetics and rejuvenate appearances. 

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty 

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty in Korea
Case of Upper bleph with Ptosis correction

This addresses droopy or sagging upper eyelids, improving both function and appearance, while lower eyelid blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and excess skin or fat in the lower eyelid area.

Scarless lower blepharoplasty

lower blepharoplasty Korea
Case of lower blepharoplasty without skin incision

Because there is no skin incision, this procedure is the number one preferred choice among international patients. With proper preparation, surgery can often be performed during the first visit, and since no stitches need to be removed, there is no need for a return visit to the clinic.

Under-eye fat grafting 

Under-eye fat grafting
Case with brow lift, lower blepharoplasty, and fat grafting in upper and lower eyelids

This is another favored procedure, which restores volume and treats hollowness and dark circles under the eyes. The procedure is designed to create a youthful and healthy look by restoring volume in the under-eye area. The process typically takes about 60 minutes and results in a significant improvement in the appearance of the under-eye area, enhancing overall facial aesthetics. Patients benefit from a more youthful and refreshed look, making this procedure a popular choice at Noonopi.

Mini neck lift

double chin surgery korea
Case of mini incision neck lift for double chin treatment

This is a procedure that improves the contour of the neck and reduces sagging skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Facelift

facelift korea
Case of facelift, neck lift, and brow lift
nasolabial fold treatment surgery
Case of facelift, neck lift, fat graft. Post-op 16 days

Dr. Park specializes in the high SMAS facelift, a technique learned from world-renowned masters. He is one of the few surgeons in Korea known for creating natural hairlines and earlobe contours—hallmarks of high-end surgical technique

upper lip lift korea
Case of an upper lip lift. 
Note how the lower teeth were visible before the surgery, 
while the upper teeth are visible after the procedure.

Cost of Korean Plastic Surgery

The cost of plastic surgery in Korean clinics can vary significantly. When a company or plastic surgery agency is involved, the price often increases due to commission fees. At Noonopi, we offer the same transparent pricing to both Korean and international patients. We are one of the very few clinics in Korea where international patients visit us directly without relying on third-party agencies. As a result, you can receive surgery at a fair and reasonable cost from Dr. Park, a highly experienced surgeon who began his surgical career in 2009 and completed fellowship training in facial reconstructive surgery.

noonopi plastic surgery
fellowship trained plastic surgeon in korea

Safety and Accreditation

Accreditation certificates displayed in a plastic surgery clinic.

Safety and accreditation are paramount at Noonopi Plastic Surgery. The clinic adheres to strict international safety standards and has received accreditation from the Korean Ministry of Health. This ensures that all procedures are performed with the highest level of care and precision.

Infection control measures and established emergency protocols are in place to safeguard patient health. Noonopi also offers consultations in English and other languages, ensuring effective communication for foreign patients and reinforcing their commitment to patient care.

Summary

In conclusion, Noonopi Plastic Surgery in South Korea stands out as a premier destination for facial plastic surgery. The clinic’s dedication to advanced techniques, personalized care, and adherence to international safety standards ensures that patients receive the highest quality of treatment. From initial consultation through post-surgery recovery, Noonopi’s board-certified plastic surgeons guide patients with expertise and compassion.

Choosing Noonopi means opting for a clinic that prioritizes natural beauty and patient satisfaction. With a wide range of procedures tailored to individual needs and ethnicities, Noonopi helps patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals with precision and care. Whether you’re considering a facelift, blepharoplasty, or under-eye fat grafting, Noonopi Plastic Surgery is equipped to deliver exceptional results, making your journey to rejuvenation a seamless and rewarding experience.