For many people considering getting a facial procedure in Seoul, the biggest question is: how much budget should they prepare? Airfare, accommodation, surgery costs, post-operative care… none of these are cheap, and it’s easy to exceed the budget if you’re not careful. This article breaks down every expense associated with a facial procedure in Seoul, from departure to return home, so you can plan with a clear budget and proceed without worry.
I. Overview of facial procedure costs in Seoul: A comparison of three budget tiers
Before delving into the details, let’s first give you an overall idea. The total budget for a facial procedure in Seoul (including surgery, airfare, accommodation, meals, and miscellaneous expenses) can be roughly divided into three categories:
| Budget Tier | Surgical Scope | Total Cost (RMB) | Suitable Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Budget-Friendly Option | Single Procedure (Chin/jawline or cheekbone) | Approximately 60,000 to 90,000 RMB | First-time attempt, limited budget |
| 💰💰 Comfort version | Two-piece or three-piece set | Approximately 100,000 to 180,000 yuan | Seeking overall improvement |
| 💰💰💰 Premium version | Three-piece set + custom composite treatments | Over 180,000 yuan | Desiring personal consultation by a top specialist |
Note: The above amounts are estimated total budgets, including round-trip airfare, post-surgery accommodation (about 7–10 days), and daily expenses. For detailed breakdown of the surgery costs alone, see below.
II. Detailed Breakdown of Surgery Costs
(I) Reference Prices for Individual Surgical Procedures
| Surgical Procedure | Cost Range (RMB) | Cost Range (Korean Won) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaw Reduction Surgery | 32,000 to 80,000 RMB | 6 million to 15 million Korean Won | The cost varies depending on the extent of reduction and the method of bone removal. |
| Chin angle osteotomy | 35,000 to 90,000 yuan | 7 million to 16 million Korean won | The greater the amount of bone removed, the higher the cost |
| Chin T-shaped osteotomy | 24,000 to 60,000 yuan | 4.5 million to 11 million Korean won | The design of the procedure affects the final price |
| V-Line surgery (chin angle + chin) | 70,000 to 130,000 yuan | 13 million to 24 million Korean won | Combo packages usually come with discounts |
| Double-jaw surgery (upper and lower jaw combined) | Over 150,000 yuan | Over 28 million Korean won | Specific for bone-related issues; requires a longer stay in the hospital |
(II) Pricing tiers for the contour package
The contour package (jaw reduction + angleoplasty of the mandible + T-shaped chin reduction) is the most popular combination at Seoul do cheeks clinics, but prices vary significantly among hospitals:
| Tiered pricing | Package prices (in RMB) | Corresponding hospital locations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic version | 80,000 to 110,000 yuan | Medium-sized medical institutions | Three basic orthopedic procedures, cost-effective option |
| Customized version | 110,000 to 160,000 yuan | Well-known brand plastic surgery clinics | 3D pre-operative simulation, performed by chief physicians |
| President’s Premium Edition | Over 160,000 yuan | Top brands such as ID Hospital | Performed entirely by the president, with a postoperative swelling reduction center available |
(III) Hidden costs that are easily overlooked
- Anesthesia fee: General anesthesia is additional and costs approximately 500 to 1,500 yuan (some hospitals include this in the package)
- Admission and hospitalization fees: Contour osteotomy usually requires 1 day of hospitalization, with costs ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 yuan
- Postoperative swelling reduction care: LDM ultrasound lymphatic drainage, facial ice compresses, etc., cost 2,000 to 5,000 yuan per session (3 to 5 sessions required)
- Follow-up visits and suture removal: Some hospitals provide these free of charge, while others charge 500 to 2,000 yuan
- Emergency medications and painkillers: Preparation costs range from 500 to 1,000 yuan
- Translation of accompaniment fees: If independent translation accompaniment is required, the cost for the entire day is approximately 1,500 to 3,500 yuan.
III. Airfare and accommodation: Besides the surgery fee, how much else will it cost?
(I) Airfare costs
| Departure city | Regular direct flight (round-trip) | Price increases during peak seasons | Recommended time to book tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 800 to 1,500 yuan | +30% to 50% | 6 to 8 weeks in advance |
| Shanghai | 700 to 1,300 yuan | +20% to 40% | 6 to 8 weeks in advance |
| Guangzhou/Shenzhen | 600 to 1,200 yuan | +20% to 40% | 4 to 6 weeks in advance |
| Chengdu/Chongqing | 900 to 1,600 yuan | +30% to 50% | 6 to 8 weeks in advance |
| Taipei (Taoyuan) | TWD 4,000 to 7,000 | +25% to 45% | 6 weeks in advance |
⚠️ Special reminder: Facial swelling is significant after the procedure, so it is recommended not to book your return flight too early. Wait at least 7 to 10 days after the surgery to give yourself some flexibility.
(II) Accommodation costs
For facial surgery, it is recommended to stay in Seoul for 9 to 12 days (1 day before the surgery + the day of the surgery + 7 to 10 days for recovery). When choosing accommodation, consider both its proximity to the hospital and its comfort:
| Accommodation Types | Cost per night (RMB) | Total cost for 10 days | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-operative recovery apartment (Jiangnan District) | 500–900 RMB | 5,000–9,000 RMB | Equipped with a kitchen for easy preparation of liquid meals, located near the clinic |
| Business hotel (Jiangnan/Xinsha) | 350–700 RMB | 3,500 to 7,000 yuan | Good service and quiet environment, ideal for post-operative recovery |
| Homestays/short-term rental apartments | 200 to 450 yuan | 2,000 to 4,500 yuan | High cost-performance ratio for long-term stays; guests can prepare their own meals |
| The hospital owns its own post-operative apartments | 400 to 800 yuan | 4,000 to 8,000 yuan | In case of emergencies, you can contact the hospital directly for peace of mind |
(III) Daily meal expenses
For about 1 to 3 days after the procedure, only liquid foods such as tofu pudding, rice soup, and porridge are allowed. Gradually, you can transition to soft foods. Estimated meal costs:
- During the liquid food phase (1–3 days): Purchasing porridge and tofu from supermarkets costs approximately 50–100 yuan per day.
- During the soft food recovery phase (4–7 days): Meals from convenience stores or takeaways cost around 100–200 yuan per day.
- During the normal eating phase (starting from day 8): Restaurants and cafes in the Jiangnan area cost approximately 150–300 yuan per day.
- Total meal expenses for 10 days: Approximately 1,500–2,500 yuan.
IV. Schedule and budget for the Seoul facial procedure
| Number of days | Itinerary plan | Estimated expenses (in RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Incheon → Check into accommodation in Gangnam District → Preoperative blood test (about 200 yuan) → Anesthesia assessment | Transportation: 200 yuan + Accommodation: 600 yuan |
| Day 2 (Surgery Day) | Fast in the morning → Report to the hospital → General anesthesia surgery (lasting 3–4 hours) → Observation in the recovery room → Stay in the hospital for 1 night | Main expenses for the surgery |
| Days 3–4 | Postoperative follow-up visits, cold compresses on the face, bed rest, and liquid diet | Accommodation: 1,200 yuan + Nursing care: approximately 2,000 yuan |
| Days 5–7 | Peak swelling period (most swollen on day 5); 1–2 sessions of lymph drainage care; light walks | Accommodation: 1,800 yuan + Nursing care: approximately 3,000 yuan |
| Days 8–9 | Swelling has reduced by about 40%; follow-up appointment confirms bone stability; first set of post-surgery photos can be taken | Accommodation: 1,200 yuan + Miscellaneous fees: 500 yuan |
| Day 10 | Final follow-up appointment; confirmation that it is safe to fly → Trip to Incheon Airport → Return home | Transportation: 200 yuan |
V. Summary table of total costs for the three budget options
| Cost categories | Economical version (single procedure) | Comfortable version (three-piece set) | High-end version (customized) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery fees | 35,000 to 55,000 yuan | 80,000 to 120,000 yuan | 140,000 to 180,000 yuan |
| Anesthesia and hospitalization costs | 5,000 to 8,000 yuan | 8,000 to 12,000 yuan | 12,000 to 18,000 yuan |
| Postoperative care expenses | 3,000 to 5,000 yuan | 5,000 to 10,000 yuan | 10,000 to 20,000 yuan |
| Round-trip airfare | 800 to 1,500 yuan | 800 to 1,500 yuan | 800 to 1,500 yuan |
| Accommodation for 10 nights | 2,000 to 4,000 yuan | 4,000 to 7,000 yuan | 6,000 to 9,000 yuan |
| Food and living expenses | 1,500 yuan | 2,000 yuan | 2,500 yuan |
| Translation/escort services | 2,000 to 3,000 yuan | 2,000 to 3,000 yuan | (Usually included in the service) |
| Total budget | Approximately 60,000 to 80,000 yuan | Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 yuan | Approximately 170,000 to 230,000 yuan |
VI. Saving money without taking risks: 3 effective ways to reduce your budget
- Choose the right promotional period: Some hospitals offer package discounts during specific months (March to April, September to October), which can save 15% to 25% compared to paying for each service individually. It’s important to check the details in advance.
- Live near the hospital: Renting an apartment near Jiangnan Hospital allows you to walk to follow-up appointments, saving a lot on taxi fares. You can save 500 to 1,500 yuan in transportation costs over 10 days.
- Self-care after surgery: Some hospitals teach patients how to apply ice packs at home. You don’t have to pay for these services at the clinic every time; you can decide how often to use them based on your condition, thus controlling your expenses more flexibly.
VII. These 3 things must not be cut from your budget under any circumstances
- 🩺 Comprehensive pre-operative examinations: ECG, routine blood tests, and coagulation function tests are all essential, with costs ranging from 500 to 1,500 yuan—this is the minimum requirement for safety;
- 🏠 Don’t choose a accommodation that is too far away: After surgery, swelling can make it difficult to move around, so living more than 30 minutes away from the hospital can be very inconvenient; trying to save money might actually result in more trouble;
- 📋 Translation and communication fees: It is crucial to have accurate translations for confirming the surgical plan and for post-operative communication. The cost of misunderstandings due to language barriers is much higher than the cost of translation services.
VIII. Three ways to book through BeautsGO: Convenient and cost-effective
If you are still struggling with questions like “how to contact the hospital, how to confirm the costs, or how to handle communication issues,” we recommend booking in advance through BeautsGO—it can save you a lot of time and reduce communication costs. Here are three ways to do this:
Method 1: BeautsGO official website
- Search for “BeautsGO” in your browser to access the official website;
- Choose “Plastic Surgery” → Filter by “Seoul / Body Contouring / Face Procedures”;
- Review the cost details, doctor profiles, and user reviews for each partner clinic.
- After selection, fill out the reservation details online and wait for confirmation from the Chinese customer service.
- Upon confirmation, you can request an official fee estimate to use as a budget before departure.
Method Two: BeautsGO WeChat Mini Program
- Open WeChat, search for “BeautsGO”, and find and open the mini program.
- On the home page, select the “Plastic Surgery” category to view the list of partner clinics.
- Click on the clinic of your interest to view detailed information and cost ranges.
- Submit the reservation form directly within the mini program—the entire process is in Chinese.
- Real-time communication with customer service is available online to confirm the appointment time and pre-operative preparations.
Method Three: BeautsGO WeChat Official Account
- Search for “BeautsGO” in WeChat, find the official account, and follow it.
- Click “Consultation Appointment” in the menu bar to enter the consultation page;
- Describe your facial treatment needs and approximate budget to the Chinese customer service in text or via images;
- The customer service will recommend suitable clinics and assist in making contact, verifying fees, and confirming appointment times;
- After arriving in Seoul, you can continue to communicate with the customer service through their official WeChat account to handle any last-minute changes or issues.
Each of these three methods has its own advantages: the website is ideal for thorough comparisons before travel, the mini-program is convenient for quick checks during spare time, and the WeChat account is best for one-on-one communication in Chinese. Choose the method that suits you best based on your preferences.
IX. Common Budget-related Questions and Answers
Q1: How long does it take for the swelling to subside after the surgery? How many days is
it advisable to stay?
A: The peak period of swelling after cheekbone and jawline surgery usually occurs between days 3 and 5, with significant improvement starting from day 7. It is recommended to stay for at least 10 days; if your budget is limited, 8 days may be sufficient. However, it is best to book a night flight on the return trip, as delays might occur en route.
Q2: How much cash is advisable to bring to Seoul?
A: While ma
jor surgical expenses can generally be paid by card, costs for nursing care, follow-up visits to small clinics, and meals may require cash. It is recommended to bring approximately 10,000 yuan in Korean cash (equivalent to around 1.8 million Korean won) for daily expenses; you can use UnionPay or Visa cards for other transactions.
Q3: Can I claim a tax refund for contouring surgery?
A: Medical exp
enses are not eligible for tax refunds, but you can claim a refund at the airport for cosmetics and medications purchased before and after the surgery if the total cost exceeds 15,000 Korean won. The tax rate is approximately 10%.
Q4: Can travel insurance cover these expenses?
A: General
travel insurance typically does not cover plastic surgery. However, some overseas medical insurance plans may cover the costs of complications such as infections after surgery. Be sure to check the details of your insurance policy before traveling.
Q5: Is it possible to exceed the budget?
A: Th
e most common reasons for overspending are “extended post-operative hospital stays,” “additional nursing services,” and “last-minute purchases of other items.” It is recommended to prepare an extra 10%–15% on top of the budget to ensure a more flexible travel experience.
