How Much Is Full Face Plastic Surgery in Korea?
South Korea, particularly the Gangnam district of Seoul, is globally recognized as the epicenter of aesthetic innovation and plastic surgery. The concept of a "full face" plastic surgery is the pinnacle of this expertise, involving a combination of procedures designed to create a harmonious, balanced, and idealized facial appearance.
For those considering this transformative journey, the most pressing question is often about the investment required. The price for full face plastic surgery in Korea is not a single, fixed number; it's a highly customized quote based on a patient's unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Understanding the cost requires looking beyond a simple price tag. The total investment is a sum of multiple complex surgeries, with the most significant costs coming from intricate bone work like facial contouring. The surgeon's skill, the clinic's prestige, and the specific techniques used all play a role.
This guide, current for 2025, is designed to demystify the costs. We will break down the prices of the most common procedures included in a full face makeover, explain how clinics create "package" deals, uncover the potential hidden fees you need to budget for, and provide a clear picture of the total investment for this life-changing experience.
What does "full face plastic surgery" in Korea typically include?
This combination approach is designed to create overall facial harmony, which is a core principle of Korean plastic surgery. The goal is to ensure that all the facial features are in proportion and balance with one another. A typical full face plan might consist of:
- Facial Contouring: This is the most complex and defining part, often involving bone surgery to create a slimmer, more "V-shaped" jawline and softer cheekbones.
- Rhinoplasty: The nose is surgically altered to complement the new facial shape, often involving bridge augmentation and tip refinement.
- Blepharoplasty: The eyes are addressed, typically with double eyelid surgery and sometimes ptosis correction or canthoplasty to create a brighter, more open appearance.
- Ancillary Procedures: Often, fat grafting is added to provide volume to areas like the forehead or cheeks, or a chin implant (genioplasty) is used for better projection.
The exact combination is determined during a detailed consultation with the surgeon.
What is the average cost range for a full face makeover?
The wide range in cost is due to the high degree of customization. A patient requiring only minor adjustments will be on the lower end of the scale. A patient needing complex revision surgeries or extensive bone work from a celebrity-status surgeon will be on the higher end. The final price is heavily influenced by three main factors: The specific procedures included: More surgical components mean a higher price.
The complexity of each procedure: A simple rhinoplasty costs less than a complex one requiring rib cartilage grafts. The surgeon and clinic's reputation: Famous "star" surgeons and luxury clinics in the heart of Gangnam command premium prices.
What is the cost breakdown for common procedures?
Understanding the individual costs helps you see how the total price is built. Here are the typical standalone price ranges for common procedures at reputable clinics in Seoul.
Procedure | Estimated Standalone Cost (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|
V-Line Surgery (Jaw + Chin) | $8,000 - $15,000+ | The most complex and expensive component. |
Zygoma Reduction (Cheekbone) | $6,000 - $10,000 | Often combined with V-line surgery. |
Rhinoplasty (Primary) | $4,000 - $9,000 | Cost increases with complexity (e.g., using cartilage grafts). |
Double Eyelid Surgery | $2,000 - $5,000 | Price depends on incisional vs. non-incisional technique. |
Facial Fat Grafting | $2,500 - $5,000 | Adds volume and a youthful look. |
Are there package discounts for getting multiple procedures?
Clinics heavily incentivize combination surgeries. There are major efficiencies for the clinic when performing a full face makeover in a single session. They save on operating room time, anesthesia costs, and administrative overhead. These savings are passed on to the patient in the form of a package deal.
When you receive a quote for a full face procedure, it will be presented as a single discounted price, not just the sum of the individual parts. This is the standard business practice and one of the main financial benefits of committing to a full makeover at once.
What are the common "hidden fees" or extra costs?
A reputable clinic will be transparent about these, but you must ask. Be sure to budget for:
- 10% VAT: As a foreign patient, you are often eligible for a tax refund on this at the airport upon departure, but you must pay it upfront. Ask the clinic if they participate in the tax refund program.
- Post-op Care: While some follow-up appointments are included, specialized de-swelling treatments or extra scar care may cost more.
- Accommodation: You will need to stay in Korea for at least 2-4 weeks for recovery. Budget for a hotel or a specialized post-op recovery facility.
- Translator Fees: While most major clinics have in-house translators, some may charge an extra fee for their services.
- Medications: The cost of prescription painkillers and antibiotics is usually separate.
How can I get an accurate quote for my specific case?
Clinics cannot give you a real quote without seeing you. The process for getting an accurate price is:
- Contact the Clinic: Reach out via their website or a trusted facilitator.
- Submit Photos: You'll be asked to send clear, well-lit photos (front, side, 45-degree angles).
- Get a CT Scan: For any facial contouring, a CT scan is mandatory. You can often get this done in your home country and send the files, or have it done in Korea.
- Consultation: The surgeon will review your materials and have a virtual or in-person consultation to discuss your goals and finalize the surgical plan.
After these steps, you will receive a formal, itemized quote detailing the procedures, the total cost, and what is included.
Planning a full face surgery in Korea is a major decision. Placidway is a global leader in medical tourism, connecting patients with pre-vetted, high-quality hospitals and board-certified surgeons in South Korea. Explore your options, get transparent quotes, and plan your transformative journey with a trusted partner.
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