How to prepare for your plastic surgery consultation in Korea

Korea is recognized as having the most advanced plastic surgery techniques and technologies, and houses the best plastic surgeons in the world. With Korea pioneering the beauty industry, there’s no doubt why millions travel from around the world to Korea for plastic surgery.

Getting plastic surgery is a life-changing experience. So before coming to Korea for your plastic surgeries, it’s extremely important to prepare yourself thoroughly in order to get the best results from your surgeries. Here are some tips on how and what you should prepare for your plastic surgery consultation in Korea.

1. Learn about the procedures

Before packing your bags and heading for your plastic surgery consultation in Korea, begin your journey by first researching online. Research in depth about the surgeries you are looking to get through the internet. Go through the basics of the surgeries such as procedures, stitch removal process, potential risks and complications, recovery process etc. In addition, note down any queries that you have for the plastic surgeon. 

2. Know what you want

Stare at yourself in the mirror and think thoroughly about what you want to achieve from your surgeries. Think about what you like, what you don’t like, what you want to change and identify your problem areas. You wouldn’t want to look exactly like your ideal someone but instead, aim to enhance your features for a more beautiful you.

3. Gather reference photos

A picture is worth a thousand words so search through the internet for pictures of your ideal features – nose, lips, breast size or body shape etc. Bring these pictures along with you to help express what you want to your plastic surgeon during the consultation. But keep in mind that everyone is born with different features, so don’t expect your doctor to make you look exactly like your ideal.

4. Research your chosen plastic surgeons

Read through our article for tips to help you choose the right plastic surgeon for yourself. Scour through forums such as Realself, Purseforum, apps such as Gangnam Unni (only in Korean) and Babitalk (only in Korean) for more information and to get real patient reviews but do take what you find with a pinch of salt. Shortlist a few doctors and plastic surgery clinics and read through their patient reviews to learn more about their work.

5. Schedule your appointment beforehand

Time is of essence especially if you are traveling from another country. So contact the plastic surgery clinics that you have shortlisted and get an online consultation before going down. Futhermore, online consultations are usually free so email or DM them to ask for prices and schedule your appointment beforehand.

6. Language barriers and translators

Unless you can speak fluent Korea, you might find it hard to understand or express what you want to the plastic surgeons. This can result in inaccurate expectations and hinders you from achieving what you want from your surgeries. So make sure that the plastic surgery clinic has english-speaking consultants, or hire a translator or go through intermediaries providing medical concierge services.

7. Have an open mind

While it is important to educate yourself on the surgery as much as possible, remember that your plastic surgeon is still ultimately the expert! You need to trust your plastic surgeon’s expertise, experience and recommendations while asserting your personal needs and opinions. If you can’t agree or trust what he/she recommends, then he/she might not be the right plastic surgeon for you.

8. Make sure you are in good health

Plastic surgery, just like any other surgeries, will require you to be in good health – physically and mentally. You may not be a good candidate for plastic surgery if you have serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, heart disease, or depression.