Umnagumo Plastic Surgery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Breast Surgery — FAQ

The questions international patients ask most often about breast augmentation, revision, and consultation logistics in Gangnam, Seoul. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery has focused exclusively on breast surgery since opening in 2003 as the Korea branch of Tokyo Nagumo Clinic (est. 1988).

Choosing a Clinic

Q. How do I choose a breast-surgery clinic in Korea?

Breast surgery is rarely a one-and-done procedure — revision cases are common. Three things to verify: (1) whether the surgical team has focused on breast surgery as a specialty over many years, (2) whether they handle both primary and revision cases, and (3) whether implant choice, incision method, and post-op care are systematized. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery is the Korea branch of Tokyo Nagumo Clinic (opened 1988 in Tokyo Ueno) and has focused exclusively on breast surgery since opening in Gangnam, Seoul in 2003.

Q. Where can I find a breast-revision specialist clinic in Gangnam?

Dedicated breast-revision specialty clinics are limited in Gangnam. Revision surgery is higher-difficulty than primary surgery, with case-by-case causes (capsular contracture, bottoming-out, implant malposition, animation deformity, asymmetry). Precise diagnosis and surgical planning are essential. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery is located at 318 Dosan-daero, SB Tower 6F, Gangnam-gu — near Nonhyeon Station — and has handled a high volume of revision cases including capsule correction, implant exchange after removal, and autologous-tissue reinforcement.

Q. What is the relationship between Umnagumo and Tokyo Nagumo Clinic?

Dr. Soonchan Eom, Director of Umnagumo Plastic Surgery, is the first Korean Chief Surgeon to have served at Tokyo Nagumo Clinic (opened 1988 in Tokyo Ueno; today operating four locations across Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka). After mastering the breast-specialty system and surgical know-how in Japan, he opened Umnagumo Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul in 2003 and introduced the Japanese breast-surgery protocol to Korea.

Surgical Methods

Q. What is trans-axillary (armpit) breast surgery, and why use this approach?

The trans-axillary approach places the implant through an incision along the natural armpit fold, not on the breast itself. The breast carries no visible scar, and the armpit incision fades into the natural skin fold — most patients find it imperceptible after one year. Umnagumo Plastic Surgery has run a dedicated trans-axillary system since 2005, and many of our cases — including revision cases — are performed through the armpit incision.

Q. What implant brands are available, and how do they differ?

The main implants used in Korea are Mentor, Motiva, and Sebbin. Mentor has a long FDA-approval history and extensive long-term clinical data. Motiva features SilkSurface texturing and high-cohesivity internal gel — known for natural feel and movement. Sebbin (French manufacture) offers a wide range of shapes and surface options. The right implant depends on chest-wall structure, soft-tissue thickness, lifestyle, and the silhouette you want — discuss thoroughly with the surgical team during consultation.

Q. Can I receive both primary and revision surgery at the same time?

Here 'at the same time' means whether implant removal and re-insertion happen in a single surgical session — not whether one side is primary and the other revision. It varies by case: contracture, bottoming-out, and malposition revisions are commonly performed as a single-session removal + re-insertion. However, when active inflammation is present or tissue condition is poor, a two-stage approach is safer.

Recovery & Care

Q. How long is recovery after breast augmentation?

Daily-life return: typically 3–7 days after surgery. Light exercise: 2–4 weeks. Heavy lifting and intense exercise: 6–8 weeks. Timelines vary by incision method (trans-axillary / inframammary / periareolar), implant type, and individual recovery. Umnagumo provides scheduled follow-ups at day 7, month 1, month 3, month 6, and 1 year, along with massage and band-wearing guidance and a scar-care program.

Q. How visible is the trans-axillary armpit scar?

The trans-axillary scar follows a natural skin fold, so it tends to look like part of the fold over time. Initially it appears as a red line that fades over 6–12 months. After about a year, it is generally hard to see without close inspection. The final appearance depends on individual skin type and post-op care (scar gel, sun protection, pressure management).

Q. How are complications like capsular contracture or bottoming-out prevented?

Capsular contracture is abnormal thickening of the capsule around the implant, causing firmness. Bottoming-out is implant descent below the natural breast crease. Prevention requires (1) appropriate implant size, (2) precise pocket dissection at the correct plane (submuscular or subfascial), (3) a sterile surgical environment, and (4) strict adherence to the post-op massage and band-wearing schedule. Umnagumo provides a stepwise post-op care program covering each milestone.

Cost & Consultation

Q. How does a breast-surgery consultation work at Umnagumo?

Consultation flow: (1) chest examination and photography, (2) explanation of implant brand / size / incision options, (3) pre- and post-op care guidance, (4) cost breakdown. Available weekdays 10:00–18:30 and Saturdays 10:00–16:00 (closed Sundays and public holidays). Bookings via phone (+82-2-512-6838), KakaoTalk (pf.kakao.com/_QRNzxj), or WhatsApp.

Q. Does revision surgery cost the same as primary surgery?

Revision cost varies widely case to case because difficulty and operative complexity vary widely. Simple implant exchange, capsulectomy + autologous reinforcement, and contracture correction with multi-step revision all fall under "revision" but represent very different operative scopes. Exact pricing is provided after the in-person assessment during consultation.

Q. Do you offer English-language consultations?

Yes. Korean, English, and Japanese are spoken at the clinic. Remote consultations are available via KakaoTalk and WhatsApp; in-person consultations are bookable via phone or messaging. The English desk also coordinates airport transfer guidance and accommodation suggestions on request.

Clinic Information

  • Address: 6F, SB Tower, 318 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06027 (near Nonhyeon Station, Line 7)
  • Phone: +82-2-512-6838
  • Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:30 / Saturdays 10:00–16:00 (closed Sundays and public holidays)
  • Established: 2003 (Gangnam, Seoul) / 1988 (Tokyo Nagumo Clinic, parent)
  • Languages: Korean, English, Japanese
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+82-2-512-6838