Quick answer: Breast augmentation in Seoul usually uses cohesive silicone gel implants placed under or partly under the chest muscle, through an armpit, crease or areola incision. It is done under general anesthesia, often with a one-night stay. Most people fly home after 7 to 14 days, but implants need lifelong monitoring, so arrange follow-up at home before you book.
What implant types are available in Korea?
- Cohesive silicone gel: the most common choice in Gangnam. Feels closer to natural breast tissue; ruptures may be "silent," so imaging checks are recommended over time.
- Saline: filled with salt water, sometimes after insertion through a smaller incision. Rupture is obvious because the implant deflates, but it can ripple and feel less natural in slim patients.
- Round vs anatomical (teardrop): round implants give more upper fullness; anatomical shapes aim for a sloped profile but can rotate.
Ask for the exact manufacturer, model, size and serial details in writing. You will need this implant card for any future care.
Smooth vs textured: why surface matters
Implant surfaces range from smooth to micro-textured and macro-textured. Textured surfaces were designed to reduce movement and capsular contracture, but breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer of the immune system, has been linked mainly with textured implants. Many surgeons now prefer smooth or very lightly textured surfaces. Ask the surgeon which surface they use and why.
Implant placement and incision choices
- Subglandular: above the muscle; easier recovery but implant edges may be more visible in thin patients.
- Submuscular or dual-plane: partly under the pectoral muscle; more natural upper contour for slim patients, more pain at first. Dual-plane is common in Korea.
- Incisions: armpit (transaxillary, popular in Korea because there is no scar on the breast), inframammary crease (the most direct access and easiest for future revision), or around the areola.
Endoscopic assistance is often used with the armpit approach to improve precision. Each option has trade-offs for scarring, revision and infection risk, so discuss them for your body type.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults in good health who want more volume or better symmetry
- Stable weight, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and ideally a recent normal breast check
- People prepared for future replacement or revision, since implants are not lifetime devices
Significant sagging may need a lift (mastopexy) in addition to implants. Fat grafting is an alternative for a modest size increase.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1-3: chest tightness and pain, especially with under-muscle placement; drains in some cases. A support bra or band is worn.
- Week 1: drains removed, first checks, gentle walking. Avoid lifting arms above shoulder level.
- Week 2: stitch removal or wound check; many people return to desk work.
- Weeks 4-6: gradual return to exercise and normal bras as cleared.
- Months 3-6: implants "drop and fluff" into a softer, final position.
When can you fly home?
Many surgeons are comfortable with flying 7 to 14 days after surgery once drains are out and wounds are checked. Two weeks gives more margin. On a long flight, walk regularly, stay hydrated and follow any advice about clot prevention, especially if you have extra risk factors. Our
first visit guide covers practical preparation.
What are the risks?
- Capsular contracture: scar tissue hardens around the implant, causing firmness, distortion or pain
- Infection, bleeding and hematoma
- Implant rupture, rippling, malposition or asymmetry
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- BIA-ALCL, rare and mostly linked to textured implants
- Systemic symptoms some patients describe as "breast implant illness," which are not well understood
How to manage follow-up from abroad
Before surgery, identify a surgeon or breast clinic at home who is willing to see you, and check whether your insurance covers complications from treatment abroad. From your Seoul clinic, get the operation notes, implant card and medication list in English, and agree on a schedule for photo or video check-ins. The US FDA recommends imaging for silent rupture of silicone implants starting five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that. Seek prompt local care for sudden swelling, redness, fever or a change in breast shape.
Choosing a clinic and understanding the price
Look for a plastic surgery specialist, an anesthesiologist present for general anesthesia, and a clinic that can provide inpatient care. Prices vary with implant brand, surface, technique and whether anesthesia and aftercare are included; check whether 10% VAT is added now that the foreign-patient VAT refund has ended. See our
price guide and the
plastic surgery directory.
Frequently asked questions
How long do breast implants last?
There is no fixed expiry date, but many people need a revision or replacement at some point. Regular checks help decide when.
Can I breastfeed after augmentation?
Many people can, though some incision and placement choices may affect it. Raise this at consultation if it matters to you.
Do implants interfere with mammograms?
Implants can obscure some breast tissue, so tell the radiographer. Special views are usually taken.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Last reviewed: October 2026.
