I had been thinking about surgery for years. I wanted natural enhancements, not a complete transformation. After researching for months, I realized Korea had:
World-class surgeons with years of experience
Advanced techniques that leave minimal scarring
More affordable pricing compared to the U.S. or Europe
But I also knew that not every clinic is trustworthy, and I had heard horror stories of people getting rushed into procedures at big commercialized hospitals. So, I took my time and eventually chose 1mm Plastic Surgery—and it was one of the best decisions I made.
5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Clinic in Korea
** Avoid the “Big Name” Tourist Clinics**
Many people assume that clinics with the most ads or celebrity endorsements are the best, but some of them treat foreigners like walking wallets. Prices are often inflated, and surgeons may barely be involved in your consultation.
Instead, I looked for boutique clinics with a strong surgical team—that’s how I found 1mm Plastic Surgery. The doctors there are hands-on from the first consultation to post-op care, and they focus on customized, natural results.
Meet the doctors: Dr. Eon Rok Do, Dr. Hong Jin Kim, and Dr. Young Su Na
** Be Clear About What You Want (But Trust Your Surgeon!)**
I came in with reference photos but kept an open mind. Korean surgeons are known for their balanced, natural approach, so instead of just copying an Instagram nose, I asked Dr. Eon Rok Do what would work best for my face.
He made subtle changes to my plan that I never would’ve considered—but the results turned out way better than what I originally had in mind.
** Recovery Is No Joke (Plan for At Least 2 Weeks!)**
People underestimate the downtime after plastic surgery. Here’s a rough timeline based on my experience:
Week 1 – Major swelling, bruising, and discomfort (I stayed indoors 90% of the time).
Week 2 – Swelling starts going down, but you’ll still look puffy.
Week 3-4 – You start feeling like yourself again, and the results look more natural.
Month 3-6 – Final results settle in!
Tip: 1mm Plastic Surgery provides amazing post-op care, including laser treatments to reduce swelling faster. That made a huge difference for me.
Budget for Hidden Costs (It’s Not Just the Surgery Price!)
Korean surgery prices are lower than in the West, but you need to factor in extra costs like:
Compression garments & medication
Lymphatic massages (if needed for liposuction or facial surgery)
Hotel & food costs while you recover
Some clinics try to upsell unnecessary treatments, but 1mm Plastic Surgery was very transparent about pricing—no surprises!
** Choose a Clinic With English-Speaking Staff**
This is super important if you don’t speak Korean. My clinic had a fluent English-speaking coordinator who explained everything from pre-surgery instructions to aftercare tips.
Some clinics rely on third-party translators, which can lead to miscommunication about your surgery. That’s why I highly recommend clinics with in-house English support, like 1mm Plastic Surgery.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
1000% YES. My experience at 1mm Plastic Surgery was smooth from start to finish, and my results look natural, refined, and exactly what I wanted.
If you’re considering surgery in Korea, make sure to:
Choose a reputable, patient-focused clinic (not just a famous one).
Be realistic about recovery time—plan for at least 2 weeks in Korea.
Pick a clinic with English-speaking staff to avoid communication issues.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I know how overwhelming this process can be, but I’m happy to share my experience