The Ultimate Guide to Tummy Tuck in South Korea

Last fact-checked: 11 November 2020

Wish you could get rid of that sagging stomach but can't afford the steep prices at home? Then you may want to consider getting an affordable tummy tuck in South Korea and save at least 50% with Medical Departures. 

A tummy tuck can help if your stomach has become stretched after pregnancy or weight gain. Often, if you have lost elasticity in your skin, it doesn’t just ping back into shape–and no amount of exercise of dieting will change that. A tummy tuck can trim away this excess loose skin, leaving your tummy flat and smooth again.

It’s worth knowing that a tummy tuck procedure on its own will not remove fat–and you will probably need an additional procedure, like liposuction, to get rid of the fat.

Why Should I Have a Tummy Tuck in South Korea?

South Korea has one of the world’s highest plastic surgery rates per capita. International patients should be confident that the quality of facilities and experience of the surgeons here are on par or better than back home, especially when booking with one of our partner clinics listed on our site.

While the country has been receiving a modest number of patients from nearby Asian countries for a while, medical tourism is really just beginning to take off as the government invests heavily in the infrastructure and promotes the country to international clients. Now patients will be greeted by a Medical Tourism Information Center at the arrivals lounge at Seoul’s international airport,  where new arrivals can find and book their desired cosmetic procedures.

For anyone that doesn’t know much about South Korea, it is a truly modern, advanced nation. The country is considered more advanced than most Western countries–with some of the highest-speed internet anywhere in the world, and there are more MRI and CT scanners per capita than in Germany.

Prices are competitive here, too–slightly higher than some Asian countries like Thailand or Malaysia, but considerably less than Western countries, but price isn’t everything and anyone considering cosmetic surgery anywhere, even at home, should do their own research.

Medical Departures takes this aspect seriously–running criminal and legal records checks and confirming doctor qualifications and professional memberships. We also collect online patient testimonials and do onsite visits, publishing everything on our website with high definition clinic photos and virtual video tours. We know there isn’t a guarantee on the outcome of any surgery, but at least if you ensure your doctor and clinic’s reputation and credentials are decent then there’s not much else you can do.

What’s Involved in a Tummy Tuck Procedure in South Korea?

During surgery, a long incision will be made across the abdomen, excess fat and tissue removed, the skin pulled tight and stitched in place.

The exact length of the tummy tuck surgery will depend on how much skin you have removed, but it should take between one and three hours.

Doctors deploy different techniques used during the surgery, which may be due to your surgeon’s personal preferences as much as to your circumstances. The surgeon will try and hide incisions in inconspicuous places, for example, where the scars can be hidden under clothing, like bikini bottoms.

What Is the Recovery Time After a Tummy Tuck?

After tummy tuck surgery you will be swollen, sore, bruised and stiff. This is major surgery and you will be surprised how much you use your abdominal muscles and you will need to take it easy. You may be wearing a compression garment that helps control swelling and surgical drains to remove fluid away from the wound.

You should keep the wound clean and dry and won’t be allowed to bathe or swim until the wounds have healed. Your surgeon will let you know when you can shower. You will probably not be up to doing much for a couple of weeks after surgery but you should do your best to walk around as much as you can, as this really does help to reduce swelling and help with healing.

If you have a sedentary job then you can go back to work after a few weeks if you feel up to it, but for some people, it may be up to six weeks. You should avoid any vigorous activities and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.

How Much Can I Save on a Tummy Tuck in South Korea, Compared to Australia?

Tummy tucks cost around 50% less in South Korea compared to Australia or New Zealand. For up-to-date prices, as well as clinic photos, surgeon profiles, patient reviews and other useful information, check out these three leading clinics in South Korea::

• Oracle Clinic (Cheongdam)
• The Plus Plastic Surgery
• View Plastic Surgery

How Do I Get Started?

Find out more about our quality-checked surgeons and clinics.

Ready to book? See below for ways to arrange an appointment or chat with our Customer Care Team if you’ve any questions about tummy tucks in South Korea.

Sources:

Shen, Lucinda. Here are the vainest countries in the world. Business Insider. 2016. 
https://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-the-vainest-countries-in-the-world-2015-8?r=UK

New medical tourism support center opened at Incheon Int’l Airport. Korea.net. 20 December 2018. http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Travel/view?articleId=166500

Tummy Tuck. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed:11 November 2020.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892

Image by Mendhak