Breast Augmentation in South Korea

MyMediTravel offers 34 Medical Centers in South Korea, with many offering Breast Augmentation procedures - see below for the complete list, along with estimated prices. The price of a Breast Augmentation will vary according to each individual’s case, with the type of implant chosen and will be determined based on photos and an in-person assessment with the doctor. For a bespoke quote and to discuss further with a member of our patient support team, Click Here to submit your Free Quote.

Most common reasons to have breast augmentation:

• You may be unhappy about the size or shape of your breasts.
• Your breasts may be uneven in size (asymmetrical).
• Your breasts may have changed in appearance, for example, after having children.
• You may need to have reconstructive breast surgery, for example, after having a Mastectomy (where one or both breasts are surgically removed).

Most breast implant procedures are carried out to:

• Make the breasts larger, make the breasts firmer - with age, breast shape changes and the breasts gradually begin to droop (ptosis).
• Even out breasts of unequal sizes or irregular breasts.
• Reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy.

Breast implants can be used for two purposes:

1. To reconstruct the breast mound following a mastectomy (the surgical removal of the breast).
2. Cosmetic - to enhance the size and shape of the breast.

Types of breast implant

There are two different types of breast implants (silicone and saline) and there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant. The most suitable implant for you will depend on your individual circumstances and your personal preference.

1. Silicone Gel Implants - filled with a silicone substance that can vary in its firmness and consistency. They are pre-filled before they are inserted and are the most common implant material.

Advantages of silicone gel implants include:

• A long history of safe use.
• Less likely to wrinkle than other types of implant.
• Available in round or tear-drop / breast-shaped (anatomical) shapes.
• A very soft and pliable (supple) implant filler, allowing for movement and gives a natural feel.
• Some types of silicone gel have a textured surface, which may decrease the chances of causing problems, such as hardening.

Cohesive gel implants have a silicone shell made of several layers that make the implant strong and durable. The filler used for cohesive gel implants has a thick consistency, which means that if the implant were to rupture (split), the silicone would stay inside and the implant would retain its shape.

Like other types of silicone gel implants, cohesive gel implants have a soft, natural feel. They are also unlikely to wrinkle or fold due to their ability to retain their shape and integrity.

2. Saline implants - consist of a strong silicone shell, filled with a sterile salt water solution. They are either pre-filled or can be filled through a valve once they have been inserted into the breast.

Advantages of saline implants include:

• A long history of safe use.
• A soft texture and a natural feel.
• As the saline solution is similar to your body fluids, it can be safely absorbed and excreted by the body if the implant ruptures (splits).

Disadvantages of saline implants include:

• Potential to rupture or deflate at an earlier stage than other implants.
• More prone to wrinkling or folding.
• Possible to deflate over time.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast implant surgery is sometimes carried out as day surgery, which means you will be able to go home the same day. However, in some cases you may need to stay in hospital overnight. Depending on the procedure you are having, the operation should take between one to one-and-a-half hours to complete.

Breast implant surgery starts with your surgeon making an incision (cut). Your surgeon will discuss with you the exact location of the incision before the procedure. It will depend on the shape and size of your breasts and where you would like the scars to be.

There are three different types of incision, which are located in different places:

• Inframammary fold - the most common type of incision; a small cut is made in the fold underneath each breast, so scarring is hidden.
• Periareolar incision - the incision is made around the nipple and usually causes minimal scarring, but sensation in the nipple may be affected.
• Axillary incision - the incision is made in your armpit area and may result in more obvious scarring.

Fitting the implants

After the incision has been made, the implants can be fitted. The implant can either be positioned between your breast tissue and your chest muscle (subglandular) or behind your chest muscle (submuscular). In some cases, the surgeon is able to place the implant partly behind the breast and partly behind the muscle (dual plane operation).

Once the implants are in place, the incisions will be sealed using sutures (stitches), which will usually be covered with a dressing.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery for reconstructive purposes is slightly different from surgery carried out for cosmetic reasons. Reconstructive surgery is often carried out after a mastectomy (where one or both breasts are surgically removed, usually after breast cancer).

For reconstructive surgery, as well as using prosthetic (artificial) breast implants, natural tissue implants may also be used. This is where skin, tissue and muscle are taken from another part of your body and are used to create a new breast. Tissue may be taken from the abdomen (tummy), back, thigh, buttock,

Another option involves using a tissue expander that consists of an outer shell made of silicone. The tissue expander is inserted under your chest tissue and gradually inflated using saline (sterile salt water) over a period of a few months. After the expander has stretched the skin and muscle enough to create healthy new tissue, it can be replaced with a silicone implant or left in.

Women who have had one breast or both breasts removed (a single or double mastectomy) can choose to have immediate or delayed reconstruction.

Additional factors to consider:

1. Recovery time and Risk: After having breast implant surgery, you may be worried that your breast implants look unnatural. This is normal and to begin with your breasts are likely to feel quite taut or rigid.

You may also experience changes in the way your breasts feel, with different areas becoming more or less sensitive than they used to be. In most cases, any changes in sensation will be temporary, although they can occasionally be permanent.  Your breasts will usually start to look and feel more natural within a few months of having breast implant surgery, as the breast tissue, muscle and skin stretches to accommodate the implants.

For the best results, you should follow the aftercare advice of your surgeon. You will usually need to attend a series of post-operative appointments so your surgeon can check your recovery.
 
Following breast augmentation surgery, avoid getting your wounds wet for one week, sleeping face down for one month, any physical exercise for four weeks, heavy lifting for three to four weeks, driving for at least one week or until you can perform an emergency stop without discomfort.

Some surgeons also recommend wearing a tight-fitting sports bra 24 hours a day for up to three months following breast surgery.

It is recommended that you take around two weeks off work after the operation to fully recover. You should be mobile from day one and back to full exercise within six weeks. You should keep the incision sites out of direct sunlight for about a year.

Contact your local doctor or surgeon immediately if you have any symptoms you were not expecting or if you experience severe pain. Possible warning signs include: severe pain in your breast(s),  an intense burning sensation in your breast(s), unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling in or around your breast(s),deflated breast(s), a smelly or colored discharge from your wounds,  a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or more, any lumps or aching that are causing you concern.