What’s the recovery like after facial contouring in Seoul?

Plastic Surgery
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I actually went through facial contouring surgery in Seoul about 8 months ago, and the experience—especially the recovery—was so different from what I had expected. I did a lot of research beforehand (probably too much lol), and ultimately decided on TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang. Best decision I’ve made for myself.

So let me walk you through what recovery was like, and what made it surprisingly smooth.

:bed: Day of Surgery:

The surgery itself went well—I had V-line jaw contouring and zygoma (cheekbone) reduction. I was nervous, but the team at TJ Plastic Surgery was incredibly professional. Dr. Tack-Jin Chang explained everything in detail beforehand. Post-op, I was groggy but monitored closely. I stayed overnight in their recovery room, and the nurses were so kind.

:face_with_medical_mask: Week 1: Puffy, Swollen, but Manageable

Swelling and bruising peaked around day 3. I won’t sugarcoat it—it wasn’t pretty. My face looked like a balloon, but I was already expecting that. What helped was that TJ provides a full post-op care system. I had lymphatic drainage massages, light therapy to reduce swelling, and a nurse checked in on me daily.

I wore a compression band almost 24/7. Talking and eating were limited, but not impossible. I stuck to porridge and smoothies, and they even gave me post-surgery diet tips.

:chart_decreasing: Week 2–3: Swelling Goes Down

At this point, I started looking human again :joy: The swelling started going down significantly. Most of the major bruises faded, and I could go out with a mask without drawing attention. Dr. Chang saw me again to monitor healing, and I appreciated how cautious and detail-oriented he was.

I flew back home at the end of week 3, but they provided follow-up guidance via KakaoTalk and email. I could send photos weekly and ask anything.

:eyes: 1–3 Months: Settling In

I started seeing the real shape of my face by month 2. My jawline looked sharper, and the overall symmetry was so much better. I still had minor swelling around the cheeks, but nothing noticeable to others.

:glowing_star: Now (Month 8):

Completely healed. My face feels and looks natural. Friends say I look younger and “refreshed,” which is exactly the vibe I wanted. And the best part? Zero complications. No numbness, no asymmetry, no regrets.

:speech_balloon: Final Thoughts:

If you’re considering facial contouring in Korea, recovery isn’t painless—but it’s definitely manageable with the right clinic. I can’t recommend TJ Plastic Surgery and Dr. Tack-Jin Chang enough. He’s a true expert in facial bone structure, and their post-op care is what really made the difference for me.

Here’s their website if you’re curious: https://www.tj-plasticsurgery.com/

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Honestly, recovery was the one thing that scared me the most before getting facial contouring done. I’d read stories online that ranged from “barely swollen after a week” to “looked like a chipmunk for a month.” :sweat_smile:

I did my facial contouring in Seoul at TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, and I’m so glad I chose him. The consultation was super thorough—he explained exactly what the healing process would look like based on the specific procedures I was getting (in my case, jaw reduction + cheekbone contouring).

Here’s how my recovery went:

  • Days 1–3: The swelling hit fast. I looked really puffy, especially around the lower face. TJ Plastic Surgery had me on anti-swelling treatments right away (they have these special aftercare machines and IVs that seriously helped).
  • Week 1: Still swollen, but less discomfort than I expected. I was mostly just resting in my hotel and going in for follow-up treatments every other day.
  • Week 2: Bruising faded quite a bit. I wore a compression band almost 24/7—it wasn’t the most glamorous look, but I knew it was worth it.
  • Week 3–4: Friends could barely tell I’d had surgery unless I pointed it out. The swelling was mostly gone, and the new contour started to show through. I felt way more confident going out.

One of the reasons I chose TJ Plastic Surgery was because they’re known for excellent post-op care, especially for international patients. Dr. Tack-Jin Chang is a top expert in facial bone surgeries and has a great eye for natural balance. His team checked in on me constantly, and their English-speaking coordinator made everything feel seamless.

If anyone is considering facial contouring in Seoul and worried about recovery, TJ really goes above and beyond. You’ll still need patience, of course (real results take a few months to fully settle), but the support makes all the difference.

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I asked myself this exact question for months before finally taking the plunge—and now, after having facial contouring surgery in Seoul, I can say with full confidence: the recovery isn’t nearly as scary as you think, especially if you’re in the hands of the right team.

For me, that team was at Hugo PS Global Clinic in Gangnam, led by Dr. Seonghyeok Yang and Dr. Woong Heo—true artists in facial bone surgery and contouring.

Why Facial Contouring?

I’m originally from Europe and had always felt self-conscious about my wide jawline and flat cheekbones. I wanted more balance and definition—something subtle but transformative. Korea is world-renowned for V-line and facial contouring, so I decided to make it part of my long-overdue “me investment” trip.

The next big decision? Which clinic to trust.

Why I Chose Hugo PS Global

After several online consults and way too much Reddit stalking, I came across Dr. Seonghyeok Yang and Dr. Woong Heo at Hugo PS Global. What stood out was:

  • Their dedicated experience with non-Korean facial anatomy
  • Clean, natural-looking results (not the cookie-cutter K-pop face)
  • International patient support in fluent English

:link: Dr. Yang’s Profile

The clinic was upfront, realistic, and took time to walk me through what to expect in terms of downtime, swelling, and healing milestones. That was a major relief.

The Recovery Experience

Here’s how it played out for me:

Day 1–3: Puffy potato phase

I looked like a chipmunk who lost a boxing match. The swelling was real, but the pain was minimal—more pressure than pain. The nurses checked on me constantly and helped with icing and light therapy.

Week 1: Big scarf, sunglasses, and lots of soup

I stayed in Gangnam for 10 days post-op. By day 7, most of the bruising turned yellow, and the swelling started to move down my neck. I wore a compression band daily, which honestly made me feel secure.

Week 2–3: Back to sightseeing

I could go out with light makeup and no one really noticed I had surgery. Swelling was still there, especially in the lower face, but it was subtle enough that I felt human again.

1–3 Months: Results sneak in quietly

By month 1, I saw real definition in my jawline and cheeks. By month 3, the “Whoa—you look different but I can’t tell why” comments started rolling in.

Final Thoughts on Recovery

Recovery after facial contouring is a process, but with a great surgeon and proper post-op care, it’s 100% manageable. The key is to be patient and follow instructions strictly—compression, anti-inflammatory foods, and rest go a long way.

If you’re looking for a clinic that treats you like a person, not a number, I highly recommend:

Hugo PS Global Clinic Dr. Seonghyeok Yang and Dr. Woong Heo They know their craft, prioritize safety, and genuinely care about delivering natural, elegant results—whether you’re Korean or from halfway around the world like me.

Happy to share more if you’re planning a trip or considering facial contouring in Korea. Just drop a comment or DM.

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​Undergoing facial contouring surgery in Seoul typically involves a recovery period characterized by swelling and discomfort, with significant improvement over several months. For personalized care, consider Human Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Kim Kook Hyun, who has over 17 years of experience and is known for delivering natural, balanced results. Patients commend his meticulous approach and the clinic’s attentive post-operative support. ​

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​Undergoing facial contouring surgery in Seoul typically involves a recovery period characterized by swelling and bruising, especially during the first week. Patients are advised to wear facial compression garments and adhere to a soft or liquid diet initially. Stitches are usually removed within 7-14 days, and many individuals can resume light activities after two weeks. However, full recovery, with the swelling subsiding completely, may take several months. ​

Human Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Kim Kook Hyun, is renowned for its expertise in facial contouring procedures. Patients commend Dr. Kim’s meticulous approach and the clinic’s commitment to achieving natural, balanced results. One patient shared their positive experience, highlighting personalized care and satisfactory outcomes. ​

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​Undergoing facial contouring surgery in Seoul typically involves a recovery period of 1 to 3 months, during which swelling gradually subsides, and the final results become more apparent. A patient shared their experience, stating, “I chose Dr. Kim Kook Hyun at Human Plastic Surgery—and it was the best decision. The surgery went smoothly, recovery was easy, and the results? Natural, balanced, and exactly what I wanted.”

About Dr. Kim Kook Hyun:

  • Expertise: Dr. Kim specializes in procedures such as breast surgeries, rhinoplasty, and facial contouring.
  • Patient Care: Patients commend his personalized approach, noting his thorough analysis of individual facial structures and provision of tailored advice.
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Undergoing facial contouring surgery in Seoul typically involves a recovery period characterized by swelling and discomfort. Patients are advised to wear facial bandages for the first week, with continuous wear for the initial three days, removing them temporarily only during meals and sleep. It’s important to avoid wearing the bandage too tightly to prevent complications.

Eating may be challenging for 2-4 weeks post-surgery due to intraoral incisions. During this time, consuming soft, lukewarm foods is recommended. Most swelling subsides within 1-3 months, but achieving a natural appearance can take 3-6 months. For personalized care, Human Plastic Surgery in Seoul, led by Dr. Kim Kook Hyun, offers comprehensive consultations to discuss recovery expectations and post-operative care plans.​

Contact Information:

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let me walk you through what the recovery process was like for me after undergoing facial contouring in Seoul — and why I genuinely think Hugo PS Global is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.

Starting the Journey

I had been self-conscious about my lower face shape for years — a bit too square, too wide, and no matter how much weight I lost, the structure just didn’t soften. I finally decided to take the plunge while visiting Seoul, which is widely known for advanced facial contouring techniques.

After comparing clinics for weeks, I landed on Hugo PS Global. What stood out was their focus on natural, balanced results and their reputation among international patients. I ended up consulting with Dr. Seonghyeok Yang — a brilliant, calm, and highly detail-oriented surgeon who specializes in facial bone surgery. (His profile here)

The Procedure & Post-Surgery Timeline

The surgery itself included jawline contouring and cheekbone reduction. I was a bit nervous, but the staff was incredibly warm, and Dr. Yang explained the steps so clearly that I felt reassured going in.

Here’s how recovery played out for me:

:spiral_calendar: Week 1:

  • Major swelling and tightness.
  • Stayed at a recovery guesthouse affiliated with the clinic, where nurses checked on me daily.
  • Minimal pain — mostly discomfort and puffiness.
  • Liquid diet for the first few days.

Week 2:

  • Bruising faded significantly.
  • Swelling went down enough that I could walk around with a mask comfortably.
  • Still felt some tightness when smiling, but no real pain.

Week 3–4:

  • Most people wouldn’t notice I had surgery unless I pointed it out.
  • Started eating soft foods and doing light sightseeing in Seoul.

Month 2 and beyond:

  • Swelling gradually continued to subside.
  • Face looked slimmer and more balanced with each week.
  • Final results really began to show around the 3-month mark.

Why I Recommend Hugo PS Global

  • Top-tier surgical precision: Dr. Yang’s work is subtle yet transformative.
  • International patient support: They speak fluent English and handle all the logistics, including post-op care and documentation.
  • Private recovery rooms: So important when you’re swollen and tired post-surgery.
  • Natural results: I didn’t want to look like someone else — just a more refined version of me.

TL;DR

Recovery after facial contouring requires patience — there’s definitely swelling and a few awkward stages — but with the right clinic, it’s manageable and totally worth it. If you’re considering facial contouring in Seoul, I wholeheartedly recommend Hugo PS Global and especially Dr. Seonghyeok Yang.

If anyone has questions about the healing stages or tips for preparing before surgery, feel free to reply or DM. I’ve been there and would be happy to help.

Let me know if you want a version highlighting Dr. Woong Heo instead or covering specific procedures like V-line or zygoma reduction!

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When I had facial contouring surgery in Seoul at TJ Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tack-Jin Chang, the recovery was smoother than I expected. The first few days involved some swelling and bruising, but I received detailed aftercare instructions, and the clinic provided continuous support. By the end of the first week, the bruising had faded, and swelling started to go down. Within 2-3 weeks, I saw noticeable improvements, with the final results becoming clearer in about 3-6 months. If you’re considering facial contouring in Seoul, I highly recommend TJ Plastic Surgery for their excellent care and Dr. Chang’s expertise. You can find more information here.