SAERO Plastic Surgery
SAERO Plastic Surgery
Republic of Korea, Seoul
Park Young Kyu
25 years of experience
Surgeon's portfolio
The cost of otoplasty (ear surgery) in South Korea generally ranges from $2,600 to $5,500. Prices vary depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, whether one or both ears are treated, and the complexity of reshaping. In the United States, the average cost is $5,500 (per ASPS). Otoplasty in South Korea is typically about 25% less than in the U.S.
South Korean packages usually include the surgical procedure, local anesthesia, pre-op consultation, post-op medications, and follow-up visits. In the U.S., the quoted price often covers only the surgeon’s fee, with anesthesia, facility, and aftercare billed separately. Always confirm what’s included at your chosen clinic.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | The USA | |
| Otoplasty (ear surgery) | from $2,600 | from $2,304 | from $4,000 |
| Ear lift surgery | from $3,000 | from $2,304 | from $4,000 |
| Ear Reconstruction | from $3,800 | from $2,293 | from $22,000 |
| Prosthetic ear | - | from $3,000 | from $8,500 |
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Dr. Park is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in otoplasty, recognized for his precision and patient-centered care.
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. Yoon Eul-sik is an experienced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with 35+ years of experience and membership in several prestigious societies, including The Korean Medical Association, Korean Society of Association of Microsurgery, and American Society of Plastic Surgery. He specialises in Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Facial Rejuvenation, Fraxel Lasers, Cosmetic Breast Surgery, and Liposuction.
Dr. Kim Jung Hue is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Seoul, South Korea. He is the Director at Pop Plastic Surgery Clinic. He graduated from Catholic University and completed his plastic surgery training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul.
Dr. Kim is a member of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons Association, and the Korean Society of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons. He has performed thousands of procedures with a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction.
Written by Mariia Mytrofankina
Written by Kateryna Zamkovska
When considering Otoplasty (ear surgery), it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Ear reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore the form and function of a damaged or missing ear.
A prosthetic ear is an artificial device designed to replace the appearance of a natural ear.
Ear lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reshaping and lifting the ears for aesthetic enhancement.
Standard Korean otoplasty packages bundle the surgical procedure with pre-operative screenings, local or general anesthesia, and essential post-operative care. These comprehensive offerings typically include personalized recovery kits, multilingual translation services, and follow-up visits for stitch removal within 7 to 14 days at accredited Seoul clinics.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While base prices range from $2,600 to $5,500, the real value in Korea lies in high-volume expertise. At JK Plastic Surgery Center, surgeons handle over 6,000 international patients annually. This massive scale often allows premium clinics to include luxury hotel partnerships and specialized deswelling teas that smaller practices bill as extras.
Patient Consensus: Patients value having on-site interpreters and clear medication schedules. Many recommend confirming if revision policies for minor asymmetry are included in the initial package price to avoid future costs.
The top-rated clinics for otoplasty in Seoul include SAERO Plastic Surgery, VG Plastic Surgery, and JK Plastic Surgery Center. These institutions are recognized for high success rates, board-certified surgeons like Dr. Park Young Kyu, and specialized protruded ear correction services in the Gangnam district.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While large hospitals like ID Hospital attract the most medical tourists, smaller centers like SAERO often provide higher continuity of care. Dr. Park Young Kyu at SAERO handles everything from initial consultation to stitching. This direct involvement explains why patients report such high satisfaction scores.
Patient Consensus: Patients are often surprised by the inclusion of dedicated on-site interpreters and stress that recovery is quicker than expected. Most feel comfortable returning to work within 10 days of their surgery.
Otoplasty in the Republic of Korea typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity of the ear correction. Surgeons usually perform the procedure under local anesthesia combined with IV sedation for adults, ensuring a pain-free, relaxed state without the risks of general anesthesia.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Leading Korean specialists like Dr. Park Young Kyu at SAERO Plastic Surgery utilize modified monitored anesthetic care. This specialized approach offers deeper relaxation than standard local numbing. Our data shows this technique is preferred in high-volume Gangnam clinics to reduce post-operative nausea and speed up discharge.
Patient Consensus: Patients frequently express relief at how manageable the process is under sedation. Many report feeling minimal pain and appreciate having dedicated translators guide them through the preparation steps.
Otoplasty results in the Republic of Korea are considered permanent as the procedure physically reshapes or removes ear cartilage. Most patients enjoy lifelong outcomes. While aging affects skin elasticity, the underlying structural changes created by board-certified surgeons remain stable for decades without requiring revision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinics in Seoul like JK Plastic Surgery Center achieve high stability by combining cartilage scoring with permanent internal sutures. Data shows that clinics serving high volumes, such as VG Plastic Surgery with 1,000 patients annually, prioritize these multi-step techniques to prevent the ears from `springing` back to their original shape.
Patient Consensus: Patients report high satisfaction with ears remaining pinned back 10 years after surgery. Success depends on following recovery steps and protecting the ears during sleep for the first few months.
Otoplasty recovery in South Korea typically facilitates returning to desk work within 7 to 10 days. Patients observe peak swelling by day 3, with stitches removed between days 7 and 10. Full ear contour refinement generally requires 6 to 8 weeks in Seoul-based clinics.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While US protocols often reduce headband use after 2 weeks, leading Korean clinics like SAERO or VG Plastic Surgery frequently mandate 6 to 8 weeks of wear. This stricter adherence to compression helps ensure permanent antihelical fold recreation and minimizes the risk of cartilage memory relapse.
Patient Consensus: Expect heavy bandaging and significant itching during the first 10 days. Most travelers report minimal pain manageable with standard medication but recommend sleeping on the back for at least 1 month.
Otoplasty recovery in South Korea requires wearing a compression headband 24/7 for the first 14 days to stabilize ear position. Patients must avoid sleeping on their side, wearing glasses, or using headphones for 4 weeks to prevent cartilage shifting or incision tension.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Top Seoul clinics like SAERO Plastic Surgery and VG Plastic Surgery provide custom-fitted surgical helmets or ear guards. These are more effective than standard elastic bands found elsewhere. Using these specialized South Korean recovery tools significantly reduces the risk of ears shifting during sleep.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that missing even one night of headband use can cause noticeable shifts. Many recommend strictly following the 10-day no-hair-wash rule to ensure the delicate incisions heal without infection.
Otoplasty in the Republic of Korea is typically performed on patients aged 5 and older. By this stage, ear cartilage is approximately 85% developed and stable enough for reshaping. Many Korean clinics recommend surgery before age 7 to prevent peer-related psychological stress before school starts.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many high-volume Seoul centers focus on aesthetic symmetry, specialized clinics often combine otoplasty with earlobe reduction for younger patients. Dr. Park Young Kyu at SAERO Plastic Surgery, who has international training at Columbia University, emphasizes avoiding overtreatment in children. We see a trend where independent surgeons are preferred over large chain clinics for pediatric cases to ensure personalized ethical care.
Patient Consensus: Families often report that having an on-site interpreter reduces the stress of coordinating pediatric care. Most patients note that while the procedure is quick, managing swelling for 1 to 2 months requires patience during the recovery phase.