The cost of an arm lift (brachioplasty) in South Korea typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Pricing varies depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the lift (mini vs. extended). In the United States, the average cost is $11,000 (per ASPS). This means an arm lift in South Korea is about 73% less than in the U.S.
South Korean clinics usually include the initial consultation, pre-op blood tests, post-op medication, follow-up visits, and 24/7 patient support. Meals during clinic visits and personalized care plans are also standard. In the U.S., the price often covers only the surgeon’s fee, with anesthesia, hospital charges, and aftercare billed separately. Always confirm what’s included with your chosen clinic.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | The USA | |
| Arm lift (brachioplasty) | from $2,000 | from $3,497 | from $8,000 |
Medically reviewed by
Fahad MawloodBoard-certified plastic surgeon with a Ph.D. in Plastic Surgery – Dr. Im leads VG Plastic Surgery in Seoul, specializing in natural-looking aesthetic results.
Dr. Seung‑Hyung Noh is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has extensive experience in revision surgery for major aesthetic procedures. He is known for managing complex revision cases that call for sound judgment and precise technique.
He earned his medical degree from Hanyang University College of Medicine. He completed training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Hanyang University Hospital. He also completed a clinical training program at Columbia University in New York.
His approach puts safety, balance, and natural results first. He avoids overtreatment and uses the least necessary intervention. He is a full member of major Korean plastic surgery societies, including KSPRS.
Dr. Nam Jae Sung specializes in facial plastic reconstruction, bringing precision and expertise to arm lift procedures at VG Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Kwon Hyeok-moon is an Interventional Cardiologist with 37+ years of experience. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine in 1984 and MS in 1988 from Yonsei University and completed a Research Fellowship at Mayo Clinic & Mayo Foundation in 1997. His areas of interest include Angina Pectoris, Myocardial Infarction, Coronary Artery Intervention, and more, and he has authored several papers examining various cardiac treatments and surgical procedures.
Currency | South Korean Won (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | April, May & June or September, October & November. |
Language | Korean (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | none required for stays under 90 days or less |
Time difference with Europe | 9 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 9 hours |
Capital | Seoul |
Medical tourism center | Seoul |
Popular resorts | Gangwon-do, Gyeongju, Boseong, Jeju |
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Korean government. The Korean authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 1 billion a year for medical tourists attraction.
According to Mark Britnell, hospitals dominate the health system. 94% of hospitals are privately owned.
In South Korea, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Today, South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 states. None visa is required for stays under 90 days or less. To stay longer in this country, you need a visa. What states need a visa for treatment in South Korea and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to South Korea require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
According to ASPS statistics, 17.7 mln cosmetic surgeries and 5.8 mln reconstructive procedures have been performed in 2018. Among cosmetic procedures the most popular are:
Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.