Breast Augmentation in Korea —Gangnam, Seoul · 25 years · 13,054+ cases.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do international patients come to Korea (Gangnam) for breast augmentation, and what should they expect at Umnagumo?

A. Korea — and the Gangnam district of Seoul in particular — has an exceptionally dense concentration of breast-surgery practices, and Seoul has become an established destination for international patients. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery opened in Gangnam in 2003, treats the breast only, and counts more than 13,054 breast surgeries in its own records, covering primary breast augmentation, breast revision, capsular contracture correction, implant rupture management, and post-mastectomy reconstruction. The clinic offers all three incision approaches (trans-axillary / peri-areolar / inframammary) and the major implant brands used in Korean breast surgery (Motiva, Mentor, Sebbin), with subfascial, subpectoral, and dual-plane placement all available under a single roof. Trans-axillary cases are dissected under endoscopic visualization, and anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, a different specialist from the operating surgeon. The clinic accepts English-language inquiries, the typical Seoul stay is 7–10 days, and follow-up after you return home is arranged by English-language video call.

Q. What should international patients check before booking breast augmentation in Korea?

A. Choosing a Korean breast augmentation clinic comes down to medical infrastructure rather than price or location alone. It helps to ask who will actually operate and whether that surgeon also sees you at consultation, who administers anesthesia and whether it is a board-certified anesthesiologist, which incisions, implant layers, and implant brands are on offer, whether you can talk to the surgeon directly in English, and what follow-up looks like once you are home. At Umnagumo, operations are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Soonchan Eom and Dr. Junghyun Nam, and anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Q. Where is Umnagumo Plastic Surgery located, and can I consult in English?

A. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery is located on the 6th floor of SB Tower, 318 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — a few minutes' walk from Nonhyeon Station (Seoul Metro Line 7, Exit 6) and Sinnonhyeon Station (Sinbundang Line, Line 9). The clinic is approximately 45 minutes from Incheon International Airport (ICN) by car. English-language consultations and correspondence are available. From the initial video consultation through in-person surgery, post-operative monitoring, and long-term follow-up after you return home, every step is supported in English.

Q. How much less does breast surgery in Korea cost compared with the United States, UK, or Australia?

A. Pricing depends on the implant selection (Motiva, Mentor, or Sebbin) and the procedure (primary augmentation, revision, or reconstruction); the clinic publishes its price board openly rather than quoting case by case in private. After the pre-arrival video consultation, we provide a written English-language estimate covering the surgical fee, anesthesia, recovery monitoring, and the first post-operative ultrasound, so the total — including flights and accommodation in Seoul — can be compared concretely against quotes from other countries. The current price board is on our pricing page and is updated daily against KRW exchange rates.

Q. Do you perform breast revision surgery and breast reconstruction as well?

A. Yes. Revision surgery and post-mastectomy reconstruction are core areas of practice at Umnagumo. Across more than 13,054 breast surgeries (clinic count), we have built dedicated protocols for capsular contracture correction, implant rupture management, en-bloc capsulectomy, implant exchange, bottoming-out repair, double-capsule revision, and tissue-flap reconstruction. Dr. Eom evaluates capsule condition, residual implant status, and tissue damage in detail before proposing a tailored correction plan. International patients are encouraged to send pre-arrival photographs, prior operative records, and current implant details for a substantive assessment.

Q. What is trans-axillary breast augmentation, and why does Umnagumo focus on it?

A. Trans-axillary breast augmentation inserts the implant through a small incision in the armpit (axilla), following the natural skin folds. Because the incision is not on the breast itself, there is no incision line on the breast, and the armpit scar usually settles into the natural folds over 6–12 months, although healing differs from person to person. Umnagumo has performed trans-axillary breast augmentation since 2005, and it is the approach we use most often for primary augmentation when the anatomy suits it. It is also a frequent choice in revision cases.

Q. How long should I plan to stay in Korea, and how do follow-ups work after I return home?

A. A typical stay is 7–10 days. Day 1 covers in-person consultation, pre-operative examinations, and final design. Surgery is on Day 2. Days 3–7 cover wound checks, suture management, and the first post-operative ultrasound. Once you are back home, long-term follow-up continues by English-language video call, and the schedule is set with you before you leave Seoul. Urgent questions during recovery can be sent at any time via WhatsApp.

Q. Which implant brands do you use, and how do I know mine is authentic?

A. Umnagumo uses only authentic implants from Motiva (Establishment Labs, Costa Rica) and Mentor (Johnson & Johnson, USA), both FDA-approved, and from Sebbin (France), which is CE-marked. Implant selection — round vs. anatomical, smooth vs. textured, profile, projection, and volume — is decided after in-person measurement, in consultation with you. Every patient receives the manufacturer-issued certificate of authenticity with the implant serial number on the day of discharge, which can be verified directly against the manufacturer's registry.

Q. What does the booking process look like for international patients?

A. Reach out via WhatsApp at +82-10-3116-5545. A video consultation is then scheduled to discuss goals, review measurement photos, and walk through implant and approach options. A written quote and a recommended Seoul stay window are provided. A reservation deposit secures your surgery date. On arrival, the in-person consultation and final design happen on Day 1, and surgery on Day 2.

Q. How can I contact the clinic?

A. Phone (English): +82-10-3116-5545. WhatsApp is the preferred channel for international patients and reaches the same line. Office hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–18:30, Saturday 10:00–16:00, closed Sundays and public holidays (lunch break 13:00–14:00 weekdays). Address: 6F, SB Tower, 318 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06054.