Whether you're getting a rhinoplasty in Gangnam or a skin treatment in Apgujeong, being well-prepared makes a significant difference in your recovery and overall experience. Use this guide to pack the right supplies and ask the right questions — and don't forget to check your surgery schedule using our planner below to map out your full recovery timeline before you fly.
Korea Plastic Surgery Planning
Before your trip, use our Surgery Schedule Planner below to map out your full recovery timeline — from surgery day to suture removal, progress checks, and when it's safe to fly home.
Please note that the actual medical schedule may vary depending on each patient's individual condition, such as health status and the specific surgical procedures involved. Use this as a general planning guide and always confirm your schedule directly with your clinic.
Select your procedure and surgery date
Select one procedure to generate your recovery calendar.
Select a surgery date above
Stock up on these items before your procedure. Most can be found at Korean pharmacies (약국) near your clinic.
Sterile cotton swabs (멸균면봉)
For cleaning around sutures and incision sites
Sterile gauze pads (거즈)
For covering wounds and absorbing drainage after surgery
Medical tape / surgical tape
For securing gauze and dressings in place
Saline solution (생리식염수)
For gently rinsing wound areas as directed by your doctor
Antibiotic ointment (항생제 연고)
Applied to incisions to prevent infection (as prescribed)
Ice packs / cold gel packs
For reducing swelling and bruising in the first 48–72 hours
Extra pillows (2–3)
For elevating your head/body to minimize swelling
Loose, front-opening clothing
Easy to put on without raising arms (especially for face/chest surgeries)
Straw / sippy cup
For drinking without bending head forward after facial procedures
Soft foods (porridge, soup)
For the first few days when chewing may be difficult
Dry shampoo (드라이샴푸)
Washing your hair is often off-limits for the first few days after facial or head surgery — dry shampoo is a lifesaver.
Gentle wet wipes or micellar water
For freshening up when showering or washing your face isn't possible yet.
Prescribed antibiotics
Take as directed — complete the full course to prevent infection
Prescribed pain medication
Take as directed for the first few days post-op
Arnica gel or tablets
May help reduce bruising (check with your doctor first)
Vitamin C supplements
Supports healing — start 2 weeks before surgery if approved
Passport / ID copy
Required for hospital registration and medical records
Travel insurance documents
Keep accessible in case of complications
Emergency contact list
Include your home doctor, local emergency numbers, and clinic contact
Translation app (Papago / Google Translate)
For communicating with clinic staff if no interpreter is available
Comfortable face mask
For going outside after facial procedures to protect and conceal
Netflix / YouTube (OTT)
Both work in Korea without VPN. Download shows in advance on your device before surgery so you can watch offline during recovery without needing to scroll.
Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠) or Baemin (배달의민족)
Korea's top food delivery apps. Coupang Eats is easiest for foreigners — you can sign up with a foreign number and pay by international credit card. Search in English and filter by photos.
Kakao T (카카오택시)
Korea's main ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. Download before arrival. Register with your foreign phone number, add an international credit card, and you can book taxis entirely in English. Much more reliable than hailing cabs on the street.
Nobody talks about this part enough — and it's honestly the part that catches most people off guard.
Before surgery: ask everything.
No question is too small or too embarrassing. Write a list before your consultation and pull it out — every single item. Surgeons and coordinators have heard it all, and the good ones will take the time to answer properly. If they rush you or brush off your questions, that's a red flag worth paying attention to.
Recovery is 90% a mental game.
The first few days — sometimes weeks — can hit harder than you expected. Swelling, bruising, and that creeping feeling of "did I make a mistake?" are completely normal. Nearly every patient goes through it. Results don't reveal themselves overnight; they unfold gradually over months. Give yourself the grace to be patient. The version you're waiting for is coming — just not on your timeline.
If something feels off — call the clinic. Don't Google it alone.
Korean clinics that work with international patients are used to remote follow-ups. They expect your messages. There is no such thing as a stupid question during recovery — your health is the whole point, and any clinic worth its reputation will answer you. Don't sit with worry; reach out. You're their patient, not a burden.
Emergency number in Korea: 119 (ambulance & fire) | 1339 (medical helpline, English available)
Never leave a consultation without getting clear answers to these questions. Tick each one as you confirm it.
Ask what type of anesthesia will be used (local, sedation, or general). Confirm whether a board-certified anesthesiologist (마취과 전문의) will be physically present during the procedure — not just on call.
Get a full itemized quote in writing. Ask specifically about: post-op medications, compression garments, follow-up visits, revision fees, and any additional charges that may arise.
Provide a full list of all supplements and medications you take. Ask which must be stopped before surgery (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) and when you can resume them post-op.
Ask if you will need to stay overnight at the clinic or hospital. If so, for how long? If not, confirm that someone can accompany you home and stay with you for the first night.
Ask whether CCTV footage of the operating room is available for viewing if requested. This is an important patient safety measure. Confirm the clinic's policy in writing.
Ask how many follow-up visits are included and what they cover. Understand the process for complications: who to contact, after-hours emergency access, and the revision policy if results are unsatisfactory.
Verify that the surgeon performing your procedure is the one you consulted with — not a substitute. Ask for their board certification, years of experience with this specific procedure, and before/after portfolio.
Get a clear recovery timeline: when can you shower, exercise, fly home, return to work? Understand all activity restrictions to plan your trip accordingly.
In Korea, any licensed MD can legally perform cosmetic procedures — but that doesn't mean they're board-certified in plastic surgery. Ask directly: 'Are you board-certified in plastic surgery (or dermatology)?' and request their medical license number. 'Many years of experience' is not the same as board certification.
You may be handed a Korean-language consent form. Ask for an English copy. If you can't read it yourself, don't sign it. Ask specifically: What technique will be used? What materials/implants? What are the common and rare complications? What does realistic recovery look like over weeks and months?
Before paying anything, request a full written breakdown: procedure details, product brand and quantity, anesthesia, facility fees, aftercare, revision policy, and what happens if there's a complication. If a broker is involved, ask what their fee is — commissions can reach 30%. If pricing changes with 'book today' pressure, slow down.
Many clinics route foreign patients through a coordinator (실장) or sales consultant first. This person is NOT a doctor. Ask explicitly: 'Will I have a face-to-face consultation with the surgeon who will perform my procedure?' and 'How long will the surgeon spend with me?' A reputable clinic will guarantee direct surgeon time. If the answer is vague or the surgeon only appears briefly, that is a red flag.
Some clinics charge a consultation fee (상담비), especially for foreign patients without Korean insurance. Ask upfront: 'Is there a consultation fee?' and 'Is it refunded or credited toward the procedure cost?' Typical fees range from free to around ₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$75–$150 USD). Knowing this in advance prevents surprises and helps you compare clinics fairly.
Some clinics are genuinely set up for foreign patients; others just have someone who 'speaks English.' Ask: Is interpretation professional medical interpretation? Are aftercare instructions written in English? Who do I contact if something feels wrong after I return home? Does the clinic have a remote follow-up process?
Don't schedule surgery near the end of your trip. Surgery can require 2–4 weeks before things stabilize. Ask: When is it safe to fly? What are red-flag symptoms? What happens if swelling doesn't go down? Your body does not care about your flight date.
Important Safety Notice
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and medical team. If you experience unusual symptoms after your procedure, contact your clinic immediately or visit the nearest emergency room. Save 119 in your phone just in case.