Liposuction in Republic of Korea: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

Liposuction is a plastic operation to remove a certain amount of fatty tissue through small punctures on the skin using specialized equipment. The lipo is divided into different types depending on the area should be operated (abdominal liposuction, buttock liposuction, neck lipo, knee liposuction, and so on).

The main indication for the surgery is excess fat that deforms the body contours. Surgeons perform liposuction locally, in particular on the abdomen, thighs, knees, neck, buttocks, etc.

The procedure is suitable for people who have excess weight with BMI (body mass index) under 35. For overweight people, lipo is an excellent option to get a perfect body and regain your figure factly.

Liposuction is best for people with the right skin tone and elasticity because it forms a new contour of the body without wrinkles.

A person must be over 18 years old and have good health status. Those with severe chronic illnesses cannot undergo this procedure.

Before liposuction, a patient undergoes the lab tests. They include blood and urine analysis, ECG.

A plastic surgeon examines a patient and discusses the volume of intervention. Then an anesthesiologist determines the type of anesthesia.

If there are no contraindications, the liposuction is assigned the next day.

Doctors conduct liposuction under local or general anesthesia. The anesthetic type depends on the location of the problem area and its size.

Then a plastic surgeon starts liposuction. A specialist uses a thin tube-shaped instrument called a cannula. Through the 3-6 mm incisions, fat is pumped out.

The procedure is carried out very slowly and carefully to avoid the nerves and vessel injuries, to save asymmetry of body contours.

The liposuction of one area takes 1-1.5 hours. If a doctor operates several areas, the duration of the procedure is prolonged up to 5 hours.

In some cases, specialists perform abdominoplasty after abdomen liposuction. It helps to achieve a better result and avoid asymmetry.

Find out more information on the lipo surgery process in the video.

Just after the surgery, a doctor places a special bandage on the operating area. It speeds up the recovery of tissues, reduces swelling, and improves skin retraction. This bandage is prescribed to be worn for 4-10 weeks.

The hospitalization after liposuction is 2 days in most cases. If there are no complications, and the area for surgical intervention is small, a patient is discharged after the procedure. In other cases, liposuction takes up to 2 days.

A patient stays in the country for 10 days. The sutures are removed in 7 days. A patient can return to the usual lifestyle in 2-3 weeks.

To maintain the new body shape, it is necessary to keep a diet and lead an active lifestyle — otherwise, the overweight returns.

Liposuction results are not noticeable until the swelling decreases. In some cases, this process may take several months. Most of the edema (swelling caused by fluid retention) reduces in about 4 weeks, and the area where the fat has been removed becomes less extensive.

People keeping fit usually get excellent and consistent results. Those gaining weight after the procedure may find that their fat distribution changes. For example, people who previously have had fat accumulation in their thighs may find that their buttocks are becoming a new problem area.

Any serious surgery is associated with a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

The risk of complications is usually related to the procedure extensiveness and surgeon’s skills.

The following risks, unpleasant side effects or complications are possible:

• bruising — can last for several weeks
• inflammation — may take up to 6 months
• thrombophlebitis — a blood clot in a vein formation
• contours roughness — if the skin has low elasticity, the skin may look saggy and wavy
• numbness — the affected area may feel numb, but usually, it is temporary
• infections — rarely, skin infection may occur after liposuction surgery; sometimes it needs to be treated surgically, with the risk of scarring
• kidney or heart problems — as fluids are injected during the operation, changes in fluid levels in the body can cause kidney or heart problems (therefore, there is a limit on the amount of fat removed)
• pulmonary embolism — fat enters the blood vessels and lungs, blocking blood circulation in the lungs
• allergic reaction — the patient may be allergic to drugs or materials used during the surgery
• skin burns — the cannula movement can cause injuries on the skin that is especially characteristic for ultrasonic and laser liposuction.

The lipo is performed on the following body areas:

• stomach and body sides
• buttocks
• breasts
• knees
• neck and chin area
• upper thighs
• back and shoulders.

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.

South Korea is also a well-known country globally due to high-skilled doctors that undergo internships in American and European institutions. Patients from Russia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and US prefer treatment inSouth Korea to other places.

Highly developed medical centers and first-rate therapeutic services at affordable prices attract people from all over the world. About 1 mln international patients travel to Korea annually. So South Korea is among Top 10 countries with the most developed medical tourism sector.

South Korea is a top destination for medical tourists because of low-costs. You may save up to 40% on services in South Korea compared to European countries or the USA due to the average local citizens' income and general price policy within the country.

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:

• ID card
• confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
• certificate of income and availability of funds
• insurance policy for a stay in South Korea (original and copy)
• 2 photos (5x6)
• visa receipt
• booking of flight and hotel
• medical opinion about the need for treatment.