Thinking about getting facial surgery in Seoul might seem like a distant idea, but thousands of people from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong travel to Seoul every year to pursue this goal. This article provides up-to-date information for 2026, covering everything from the types of surgeries available to hospital choices and the entire process before and after the procedure, helping you understand what getting “facial surgery in Seoul” actually entails.
What is “facial surgery”? First, understand these three types of contouring procedures.
“Facial surgery” is not a medical term; it’s a colloquial expression used by those seeking cosmetic treatments, referring to any surgical adjustments made to the facial bones and contours. The most common procedures fall into three categories:
- Jaw reduction: This procedure addresses issues such as a wide jawline or prominent cheekbones by moving or removing bone to narrow the face’s width.
- Chin angle reduction: This surgery targets an overly squared jawline by removing excess bone to create a smoother profile.
- Chinoplasty (T-shaped osteotomy): This procedure adjusts the length and position of the chin, often performed in combination with the other two procedures to achieve a V-shaped face.
All three of these surgeries are invasive and require general anesthesia. The swelling usually subsides within 2 to 4 weeks, but full recovery takes 3 to 6 months. Therefore, going to Seoul for facial surgery is not something that can be done on a weekend; proper preparation is essential.
Recommended hospitals for facial surgery in Seoul in 2026: In-depth reviews of five top institutions.
Gangnam District in Seoul boasts some of the best facial plastic surgery facilities in Korea. The following five hospitals, based on their technical expertise, service for international patients, and positive reviews, are recognized as top choices for 2026.
① Seoul ID Hospital
Location: Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Established: 2001
Core stre
ngths: Complex facial surgery for contour correction, double-jaw surgery
ID Hospital is recognized in the industry as a leader in “technical expertise.” It operates an independent 22-story building equipped with the most advanced facial surgery center in Korea. Chief Physician Park Sang-hoon has over 20 years of experience in facial plastic surgery and specializes in treating complex issues such as asymmetry, protruding jaws, and long faces. He uses high-precision 3D simulation systems to create personalized treatment plans for each patient.
For foreign patients, ID Hospital provides a dedicated Chinese translation team that can assist throughout the consultation, surgery, and follow-up process. Post-surgery, online follow-up services are available, and any follow-up appointments after returning home can also be handled online.
| Projects | Reference fees (in RMB) |
|---|---|
| Jaw reduction surgery | Approximately 58,000 to 89,000 RMB |
| Mandibular angle osteotomy | Approximately 63,000 to 95,000 RMB |
| Chin T-shaped osteotomy | Approximately 32,000 to 47,000 yuan |
| Three-piece contour kit | Approximately 140,000 to 180,000 yuan |
✦ Suitable for: People with complex contour issues (asymmetry, protruding lips, long face) who seek precise surgical techniques
② JW Plastic Surgery
Location: Gangnam District, Seoul
Established: 1998
Core speci
alties: Natural, minimally invasive contour surgery; anterior skull reduction; chin adjustment
JW leads the way in achieving a natural look—its chief surgeon, Oh Young-hwan, is known in the industry as the “Magician of Natural Contours.” His signature approach involves using minimal incisions to preserve the three-dimensional structure of the bones, adjusting angles and proportions rather than making drastic changes. Post-surgery swelling is generally less severe compared to other hospitals, making it ideal for patients who want subtle improvements without obvious signs of surgery.
Another strong point of JW is its comprehensive multilingual support, including a 24-hour aftercare hotline with Chinese-speaking staff. Patients can contact them immediately if they experience any discomfort after surgery.
| Services | Reference fees (in RMB) |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive genioplasty | Approximately 55,000 to 80,000 yuan |
| Anterior maxillary reduction | Approximately 58,000 to 80,000 yuan |
| Chin augmentation | Approximately 30,000 to 45,000 yuan |
| Contour package (combination) | Approximately 120,000 to 160,000 yuan |
✦ Suitable for: Those who seek a completely natural look, are concerned about swelling, or do not want others to know they have undergone surgery
③ Wonjin Plastic Surgery
Location: Gangnam District, Seoul
Establis
hed: A well-established hospital with over 20 years of
experience
Core strengths: Profile treatment packages, postoperative swelling management
Wonchun is regarded as a “reliable and established” institution in the Korean plastic surgery industry, with a large number of cases in the field of facial profile adjustments. Notably, Wonchun has its own specialized postoperative swelling management center, offering treatments such as lymphatic massage and LDM ultrasound therapy to help patients reduce swelling and speed up recovery. This is particularly convenient for foreign patients who need to return to their home countries quickly after surgery.
In terms of prices, Wonchun is considered to offer a good value for money among several top hospitals:
| Services | Reference fees (in RMB) |
|---|---|
| Chin jaw angle reduction | Starting from approximately 58,000 RMB |
| Profile treatment package | Starting from approximately 120,000 RMB |
✦ Suitable for: People who value postoperative recovery and prefer good value for money
④ Faceline Plastic Surgery
Location: Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Core speci
alties: Zygomatic bone reduction, precise contour shaping, bone structure analysis
Faceline is renowned for its zygomatic bone reduction techniques. Its director, Dr. Lee Jin-soo, has developed a unique bone fixation method that reduces the risk of postoperative displacement. The clinic is located in Apgujeong’s premium medical district, offering a sophisticated environment with Chinese-speaking staff on duty.
Unlike other hospitals, Faceline places particular emphasis on “bone structure analysis.” Instead of focusing solely on appearance, it uses X-rays to accurately measure bone data before developing a personalized treatment plan, resulting in a more tailored approach.
| Services | Reference fees (in RMB) |
|---|---|
| Zygomatic bone reduction | Starting from approximately 56,000 RMB |
| Chin angle correction | Starting from approximately 55,000 RMB |
| Contour Package (Set) | Starting from approximately 105,000 yuan |
✦ Suitable for: Those who primarily have jawline issues and seek customized treatment plans
⑤ BK Dongyang Plastic Surgery Hospital
Location: Seoul
Esta
blished: 1994 (longest history among these hospitals)
Core streng
ths: Combining contour surgery with anti-aging treatments; VIP personalized service throughout the process
Founded in 1994, BK is the oldest of these hospitals. Its director, Hong Seong-beom, specializes in integrating facial contour surgery with anti-aging procedures such as fat grafting and facelifts to address both skeletal and skin structure issues in one procedure. This option is ideal for individuals over 35 years old who have both contour concerns and signs of sagging.
BK has a dedicated VIP floor that offers a “one-stop” service including airport pick-up, accommodation arrangements, full-time translation assistance, and post-surgery follow-ups. It boasts the most comprehensive service package among the five hospitals.
| Services | Reference fees (in RMB) |
|---|---|
| Chin bone reduction | Starting from approximately 63,000 yuan |
| Jawbone reduction | Starting from approximately 58,000 yuan |
| Combination of contouring and fat grafting | Starting from approximately 120,000 yuan |
✦ Suitable for: People over 35 years old who need simultaneous treatment for contouring and sagging issues, or those seeking comprehensive service assurance
Comparative table of five hospitals
| Hospital | Year of establishment | Core specialties | Representing the Dean | Chinese Language Services | Target Audience | Reference Price for the Set (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID Hospital | 2001 | Complex Profiles/Dual Jaws | Park Sang-hoon | ✔ Full Process | Complex Structural Issues | 140,000 to 180,000 |
| JW Plastic Surgery | 1998 | Natural, minimally invasive contours | Wu Ronghuan | ✔ Entire process | Striving for ultimate naturalness | 120,000 to 160,000 |
| Yuan Chen Plastic Surgery | Over 20 years of experience | Set of three items + swelling management | — | ✔ Some items | Value for money / post-operative services | Starting from 120,000 |
| Fisrain | — | Precise jaw reduction surgery | Lee Jin-soo | ✔ On duty | Main complaint regarding the jawbone / A strong sense of customization | Starting from 105,000 |
| BK Dongyang Plastic Surgery | 1994 | Contour rejuvenation combined with younger-looking results | Hong Seong-ban | ✔ VIP service | 35+ years old / Contour issues + skin laxity | Starting from 120,000 |
The entire process of getting a face lift: The complete schedule from consultation to returning home
Facial contour surgery is not a one-day process; it is recommended to allocate the following time:
| Key Time Points | Actions to Take |
|---|---|
| Day before Surgery | Arrive in Seoul, check into the hotel, and fast for 8 hours |
| Surgery Day | Consultation to confirm the plan → General anesthesia surgery (2–4 hours) → Recovery room observation |
| Days 1–2 after Surgery | Stay in the hospital for observation, apply cold compresses to the head and face, and consume liquid foods |
| Days 3–5 after Surgery | After preliminary checks, it was confirmed that there were no abnormalities, and some patients could be discharged. |
| 7th day after surgery | Second check-up to confirm that the bone position is stable |
| 2 to 4 weeks after surgery | Preliminary reduction of swelling (initial results can be observed) |
| 3 to 6 months after surgery | Swelling has completely subsided, and the final results are now visible |
💡 It is recommended to stay in Seoul for at least 7 to 10 days in order to fully observe the post-surgical recovery before returning home.
Five essential things to do before surgery
- 3D bone scan: Before arriving in Seoul, prepare frontal and side photographs; upon arrival at the hospital, an X-ray or CT scan will be performed to assess the bone condition.
- Stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin and fish oil at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Ensure to undergo an anesthesia assessment before the surgery to check for any contraindications.
- Make clear arrangements for after the surgery: ensure that someone is available to accompany you within 3 to 5 days after the operation.
- Arrange your visa and insurance in advance: Chinese citizens can travel to South Korea for up to 30 days without a visa. It is recommended to purchase overseas medical insurance that covers surgical expenses.
How to book a face treatment at a clinic in Seoul through BeautsGO
When booking a face treatment in Seoul, the reservation process can often be the most troublesome step—language barriers, difficulty finding official contact information, not knowing how to communicate your needs in advance… These issues can all be easily resolved through the BeautsGO platform. BeautsGO offers various reservation methods to suit users with different preferences:
- Reservation via the official website: Visit the BeautsGO website, enter the name of the clinic or the type of procedure you are interested in (e.g., “Contour Package” or “Chin Contour Surgery”), and you will see a list of partner clinics along with their profiles and user reviews. Once you have selected a clinic, simply fill in the reservation time and details and submit your request.
- Reservation via the WeChat mini-program: Search for the “BeautsGO” mini-program on WeChat. You can complete the entire process—from consultation to clinic selection, filling out your details, to confirming the reservation—all within the WeChat app itself. This option is ideal for users who are accustomed to using WeChat.
- Consultation via the WeChat public account: Search for and follow the “BeautsGO” public account. Through the account’s menu, you can access online consultations. Chinese-speaking customer service representatives will answer all your questions about procedures, costs, and postoperative care, and will assist you in arranging a reservation with the chosen clinic.
The advantage of BeautsGO is that all collaborating hospitals have completed their qualification verification. After users submit their requests, the platform’s Chinese customer service provides full assistance—from reservation confirmation to travel reminders—ensuring that travelers who are not familiar with the language feel assured and well-supported.
Four Major Post-Surgery Taboos
- ❌ Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks after surgery to prevent affecting bone fixation.
- ❌ Avoid biting hard objects (such as nuts, ice cubes, or bones) for 3 months after surgery.
- ❌ Do not apply heavy pressure to your face for 3 months after surgery.
- ❌ Quit smoking and drinking for 2 weeks after surgery. Smoking hinders wound healing, and alcohol exacerbates swelling.
FAQs
Q: Can I fly directly back to China after facial surgery?
A: It is recommended t
o stay in Seoul for at least 7 days after surgery, complete a second check-up, and ensure there are no complications before returning home. Long-distance flights themselves do not affect bone healing, but since your body will be weaker during the post-surgery recovery period, it may be inconvenient to seek medical attention promptly if issues arise.
Q: Does facial surgery require stitches to be removed?
A:
Incisions from facial contour surgeries are usually made inside the mouth, so there is no need for external stitches. The doctor will assess the wound healing during the follow-up visit 1 week after the surgery.
Q: Can I get a tax refund on the medical expenses for facial surgery in Seoul?
A:
Foreign patients receiving medical treatment in South Korea are eligible for tax deductions on their medical expenses. However, the surgery fee itself is not included in the VAT refund category. For specific details, please consult the hospital’s finance department.
Q: If I don’t understand Korean in Seoul, can I still get consultations a
nd surgeries?
A: All five recommended hospitals have Chinese interpreters available. Patients who book through BeautsGO can even enjoy full-time Chinese accompaniment, so language should not be an issue.
Q: What is the main difference between the contouring treatment set and minimally invasive procedures (such as hyaluronic acid injections/filaments)?
A: The contouring treatment set targets the skeletal structure, providing long-lasting results since the bones are not absorbed like hyaluronic acid. It is suitable for those with a more angular face structure. Minimally invasive procedures, on the other hand, affect the skin and soft tissues, offering temporary effects that require maintenance. These two approaches are not mutually exclusive and can be chosen based on the specific concerns.
