Page 4 – Seoul Guide Medical

Rhinoplasty in Korea: A Guide to Different Types of Nose Jobs and Procedures

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Rhinoplasty is a highly-popular and in-demand cosmetic procedure, and several people love to have it done in South Korea.

The popularity of rhinoplasty in South Korea is highly influenced by the Hallyu wave; the K-pop culture has shown the country’s beauty standards. Meanwhile, the high demand for rhinoplasty in Korea is due to its affordability, highly skilled plastic surgeons, and advanced medical technology.

If you plan to have a nose job in Korea, here are the things you need to know first.

Different Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures in Korea

There are several types of rhinoplasty you can have in Korea. You can consult a trusted plastic surgeon on which procedure fits your goals and individual needs. Here are some of the most common types of rhinoplasty procedures.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

The non-surgical rhinoplasty (or liquid rhinoplasty) is a popular choice for those who only want a subtle change to their nose without going through an invasive procedure. This type of rhinoplasty uses a filler, usually hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite, and injects it into a specific nose area.

Most people prefer this nose job in Korea because it is non-invasive and has minimal recovery time. You only have to stay for an hour to complete the procedure. However, you should note that this is only an alternative solution to traditional surgical rhinoplasty. Hence, its results are temporary and require regular touch-ups to maintain their appearance.

If you desire to reduce the size of your nose, non-surgical rhinoplasty is not the solution for you.

The cost of non-surgical rhinoplasty in South Korea may vary, but it averages from 700,000 KRW to 1,500,000 KRW or approximately 500 USD to 1,350 USD.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is contraindicated for people who have nasal deformities or functional issues. You must consult a plastic surgeon to know if you are fit for the procedure. Seoul Guide Medical can help examine and discuss the nose job for you.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty is a surgical technique also known as endonasal rhinoplasty. The technique reshapes the nose without any external incisions or visible scars. Surgeons create incisions inside the nostrils to access the underlying bone and cartilage.

The average cost of closed rhinoplasty in South Korea ranges from 4,000,000 KRW to 10,000,000 KRW, roughly equivalent to 3,000 USD to 8,000 USD. Prices vary depending on the procedure specifics, provider, and additional costs. Closed rhinoplasty is rarely done in Korea.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is another surgical technique that uses a direct approach to the underlying structures of the nose. It can address a wider range of aesthetic and functional concerns about the nose.

The average cost of open rhinoplasty in Korea is around 6,000,000 KRW to 12,000,000 KRW or approximately 5,200 USD to 10,500 USD. This is the most commonly done nose job in Korea.

What’s the difference between closed and open rhinoplasty?

The primary difference between a closed and open rhinoplasty is the incision location done during the procedure. In closed rhinoplasty, all the incisions are in the nostrils, making no visible external scars. It is an advantage for some patients but limits the surgeon’s ability to perform some procedures.

Meanwhile, open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon better access to the underlying nasal structures. It makes precise adjustments and more complex rhinoplasty procedures easier. However, open rhinoplasty leaves small external scars that may be very subtle and well-concealed.

Several nose job procedures can be performed using closed and open rhinoplasty. Here are the common procedures that can be done with these techniques:

  • Nasal tip reshaping
  • Nasal hump reduction
  • Nasal bridge narrowing
  • Septoplasty
  • Alar base reduction

The choice between which rhinoplasty procedure to do may depend on your individual needs and goals and the surgeon’s recommendation of which approach is best for you. If you want a consultation, you can contact Seoul Guide Medical to know which type of rhinoplasty procedure suits you best.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Have you had a previous rhinoplasty procedure? People who had unsatisfactory results undergo revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is also called a secondary rhinoplasty to correct complications or adjust any previous changes to make it more aligned with your needs and goals.

Some of the most common nose jobs that can be performed through the revision rhinoplasty technique are:

  • Correction of asymmetry
  • Repair of functional problems
  • Nasal tip refinement
  • Augmentation or reduction of the nasal bridge
  • Alar base modification
  • Scar revision

In some cases, plastic surgeons use cartilage from your body to rebuild the nasal structure. When the revisions are done, the surgeon will close the incisions and apply a cast or splint to support your nose as it heals.

Revision rhinoplasty in Korea has an average cost of 10,000,000 KRW to 20,000,000 KRW or roughly estimated 8,700 USD to 17,500 USD. This nose job is more complex than the other procedures. Choose a surgeon with significant experience in the procedure to achieve the best possible results.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty in Korea

While rhinoplasty is performed in several countries, Korea has become a popular destination for individuals who seek a nose job. These are the potential benefits of having rhinoplasty in Korea:

  • Affordable prices. The costs of a nose job in Korea may vary depending on the procedure and surgeon, but it is more affordable than having them in other countries, such as Europe and the United States.
  • Advanced medical technology and facilities. South Korea is known to have a well-developed healthcare system. As the largest cosmetic surgery procedures per capita worldwide, Korean plastic surgeons and clinics, like Seoul Guide Medical, are expected to be at the forefront of new and innovative techniques for rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures.
  • Experienced and skilled plastic surgeons. Korea has the best plastic surgeons; several have extensive training and experience in rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures.
  • Access to a variety of rhinoplasty techniques. Korean cosmetic clinics and facilities offer several procedures and types of rhinoplasty. There is no limit to which cosmetic surgery to choose from that can tailor to your specific needs and goals.

Although there are several benefits to having Korean rhinoplasty, you should still carefully consider the potential drawbacks of having a nose job in Korea. Check on the things you have to consider.

Factors to Consider Before Getting Rhinoplasty in Korea

Cosmetic surgery in Korea is widely accepted in their culture and is often seen as a way to improve one’s appearance and boost self-confidence. You have several factors to consider before getting a nose job in Korea.

  • Surgeon qualifications. Research the qualifications and experience of the plastic surgeon who will perform the rhinoplasty. Look for a board-certified surgeon who has extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty.
  • Type of rhinoplasty procedure. Consult the type of rhinoplasty that best fits your needs and goals.
  • Cost. It may vary depending on the procedure, surgeon, and clinic. Research the costs of different clinics and procedures to know which fits within your budget. You can prefer the estimated costs for each type of rhinoplasty procedure in the table below.

Type of Rhinoplasty Procedure

Estimated Cost

Non-surgical rhinoplasty 700,000 KRW to 1,500,000 KRW (500 USD to 1,350 USD)
Closed rhinoplasty 4,000,000 KRW to 10,000,000 KRW
(3,500 USD to 8,000 USD)
Open rhinoplasty 6,000,000 KRW to 12,000,000 KRW
(5,200 USD to 10,500 USD)
Revision rhinoplasty 4,000,000 KRW to 10,000,000 KRW
(8,700 USD to 17,500 USD)
  • Recovery time. Some nose jobs require a more extended recovery period. You must consider the time to take off work or avoid certain activities. Make sure to know the recovery period of your procedure and plan accordingly.
  • Language barrier. Although several clinics in Korea have English-speaking staff, there may still be some communication barriers. Make sure to clarify and ask about your concerns before the procedure to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Travel logistics. If traveling from outside Korea, you must consider the flights, accommodations, and transportation costs.

Contact Seoul Guide Medical to help you find an experienced plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty; they are affiliated with the top dermatology clinics in Korea. You will not have any communication problems as they have English-speaking staff to walk you through the procedures to avoid misunderstandings.

Final Takeaway

It is essential to thoroughly research your options and know your expectations before getting a nose job in Korea. The language barrier and traveling to a foreign country are the major concerns for some. These concerns can be easily resolved by consulting with Seoul Guide Medical. We are a reputable medical tourism service provider with English-speaking staff who can accommodate locals and foreigners. Contact us and schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns about rhinoplasty.

Your Guide To Breast Augmentation in Korea This 2022

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Have you ever been insecure about your small breasts? Do they not flatter your body? Have you dreamt of wanting voluptuous breasts? It is your lucky year! As Seoul Guide Medical offers an extensive line of breast implants and surgeries for your dream goal this 2022! Like a genie in a bottle, we can work like magic, and we are going to be your guide as you partner with us in your breast augmentation surgery here in Korea. Take a step into our magic carpet and experience a whole new world for your luscious breasts!

What is Breast Augmentation?

The female breast has been a symbol of feminity for decades. Thus, the focus is giving importance to its aesthetic form. The ideal size and shape of the breast can depend upon the individual’s build. Female breasts do not grow to the same size and shape; sometimes, some individuals have smaller than average breasts, colloquially referred to as flat-chested. They feel disappointed about the development of their breast. That’s why they resort to correction and reconstructive surgery.

Breast Augmentation is the reconstruction of the breast to balance the body profile into a proportionate figure. It enlarges the chest using the power of evolving medical devices such as breast implants. Since its introduction in the 1960s, breast augmentation has been a commonly performed cosmetic surgery. It has been proven clinically safe and effective in bringing volume and fullness to the once flat-chested with countless studies and research. With the correct assessment and the proper surgical techniques, breast augmentation can produce a positive outcome for the body image.

Are You A Good Candidate?

Seoul Guide Medical recommends breast augmentation surgery to those who:

  • are concerned about their small breasts and want to enhance this
  • have asymmetrical or uneven breast size
  • have experienced physical change due to weight loss or breastfeeding
  • are looking for more breast volume
  • have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery

Those who want to correct sagging breasts due to weight loss or pregnancy with breast surgery need to know that implants alone might not work. In some cases, you may need breast lifting as well.

Also, having realistic expectations is essential in this procedure. The surgeon may choose a different size, placement, or different type of implant from your choices. However, you do not need to be alarmed, for they have made calculated decisions depending on your body type. Our highly qualified surgeons have the best intentions, and they want what is best for you, more natural and realistic results.

How Do We Choose The Right Breast Implants For You?

At Seoul Guide Medical, we value your choices. We take into consideration your opinions. And we guide you to the right and best options available. Many breast implants are available in the market made of various base materials. However, some are not durable and are substandard. We offer only the best implants made of top-tier and high-quality products. Through implant simulation, a perfectly designed implant will be chosen for you by our esteemed doctors. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will be helping you decide what is right and what looks best on you. Silicone gel implants dominate the global market with the continuous development of their design and functionality. Here at Seoul Guide Medical, we partner with only the top 1% of the best clinics and hospitals that offer high-end branded implants proven safe with timeless clinical trials.

Types of Breast Augmentation Implants

There is quite a variety of types that is available in the market. Depending on the feel, size, and shape, there will be a breast implant that perfectly fits you. The core of a successful breast augmentation is selecting the right breast implant. Although saline implants are also available, most plastic surgeons recommend medical-grade silicone gel implants. Silicone implants are said to be much more durable than saline ones.

The optimal breast implant comes in a size that would be appropriate to your body in terms of weight, skin thickness, body shape, and your needs and wants. For example, 150 cc – 200cc equals roughly 1-1.5 cup sizes, and for thin patients to get 300 cc implants would not look ideal to them. No matter how big your ambitions are, we focus on implants that can give you a more natural and realistic look. Having the right fit would not hinder your daily activities, and you will have long-term satisfaction with the size that best suits you. Each type of breast silicone implant comes in different shapes and surface textures.

1. Shape

It is ideal for those who already have sufficient lower half breast tissue but require more volume in the upper half of their chest. It provides a fuller and curvier look giving a more prominent cleavage. The implant filler material will spread outwards when you lay down, but the shape will remain similar whether standing or laying down.

Ideal for women with less breast tissue, anatomically shaped implants with more volume in their lower half. The look created is one of a gently sloping curve towards the nipple as natural breasts have. These implants provide less of a round look in the top half.

2. Surface

These are softer in feel and rounder in shape. Once implanted, you can move around more freely during activity because it is similar to natural breast tissue. Most patients choose this type of implant because of its natural look.

These were primarily introduced to maintain abreast implants position once filled, but the clinical use seemed to show a decreased incidence of capsular contracture. Most textured implants are round and teardrop-shaped as it mostly adheres to the breast tissue because of their surface design.

The Surgery: What You Need To Know

Our specialists will do an extensive assessment before a patient undergoes breast surgery. Here is the overview of how the surgery process will proceed.

Each individual has a unique breast structure; every surgery will be customized according to the different factors assessed during the consultation. Every surgery method will be done safely in the hands of our highly-qualified surgeons and trained staff. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priority, as we will guide in every step of the way.

Implant Placement Techniques

There are various types of surgery placements for a boob job in Korea. Here is a comparison with its advantages and disadvantages.

Breast Incision Methods

This is where the breast surgery incisions will occur, where the surgeon will insert the breast implants. Our expert doctors will guide you in choosing what is more advantageous and ideal for you.

Essential Surgery Information

Aftercare

Aftercare is as crucial as the procedure. We will take care of you from your consultation until you are safe to travel back to your home. As breast augmentation is a significant surgery, post-surgery care is essential. It is best to follow all the directives your surgeon instructs you for it to be considered a successful operation. Sure, there will be a lot of discomfort for the first few days, and you will have to wear a compression bandage to keep it intact and in place. Your doctor will also prescribe pain medications for you to help ease inflammation. Smoking and drinking are prohibited for at least four weeks after your surgery as they may affect your recovery. Aftercare massage is also vital to surgically placed silicone implants.

Why in Korea?

Korea is a haven for medical tourism. Colloquially known as the Plastic Surgery Capital of the World, it offers only the highest quality breast surgeries with innovative techniques, board-certified plastic surgeons, and very accommodating staff. Boob job in Korea is one the most common surgeries done, with increasing foreign travelers seeking the expertise of our specialists and wanting to experience top-grade facilities and equipment. Silicone implants used for the boob job are medical-grade, with the best durability and functionality that gives long-term effects and satisfaction. It also is very affordable compared to other countries that offer breast surgery. It ranges from 5,000 USD to 20,000 USD only!

After your boob job surgery here in Korea, you will leave with no regrets and will want to come back for more. Experience plastic surgery with us. Seoul Guide Medical will guide you in choosing the best silicone implant that is perfect for you. We will be with you every step of the way. Consult with us today and learn how you can start your breast surgery with us!

 

As leaders in medical plastic surgery tourism in Korea, Seoul Guide Medical offers skilled, state-of-the-art facilities and innovative medical-grade silicone implants for your boob job. Whatever your reason for undergoing breast augmentation, we stay to our name as your guide. Korea pioneers the idea of having the most natural, aesthetic look after your boob job instead of enlarging your breasts. Breast augmentation is not only the enlargement of the breast but also the enhancement of the patient’s natural proportions to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast profile. Korea offers tailored procedures to meet your goals. Check out success stories from our clients on our youtube channel. Consult with us today!

FAQs

When Can I Return To My Normal Daily Life After Surgery?

Generally, you can return to your daily routine after one week; however, it depends on your definition of a daily routine. When your everyday life consists of a light workload such as desk and office work, one week of recovery time will be enough for you. But if your routine consists of a heavy workload such as walking and traveling daily, your recovery time may be longer than usual. We recommend that you consult and discuss what is best for you with your physician before your discharge.

 

Will There Be Side Effects After My Breast Surgery?

Like any major surgery, there will always be risks. Your doctor thoroughly discusses these risks and precautions before you undergo breast surgery. Boob jobs in Korea are generally safe procedures with minimal side effects. Side effects after your breast surgery include bruising, swelling, and pain. Capsular contracture is also a widely known complication of breast augmentation surgery where the capsular firmness is formed around the breast implant. Postoperative massage can help reduce the risk of capsular contracture. At Seoul Guide Medical, our surgeons are experts in minimizing such side effects.

 

When Can I Start Wearing A Bra?

There are no specific rules prohibiting patients from wearing a bra after their breast surgery. However, it is essential to note that incorrect wearing of bras immediately after your boob job may cause unnecessary constriction leading to a distorted breast shape. Therefore, we recommend that wearing your bras should be put off for a month. Instead, you should wear a fixable bra at least 14 days after your boob job. Much later, you can also opt to use nipple pads or tapes that are becoming a trend nowadays.

Why Choose South Korea For Your Plastic Surgery Procedure?

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Simple. South Korea is the best country to offer affordable, top-quality, and various types of plastic surgery procedures you need. It has been proven in surveys and data that South Korea doesn’t disappoint with its services when it comes to beauty and skincare. It has even already reached the Western side of the world! It might be curiosity or sheer enthusiasm to undergo plastic surgery in South Korea. However, there is no doubt that you will leave without regrets, and you will still come back for more.

Whether you like it or not, “The Hallyu Wave” has swept over the hearts of individuals worldwide, influencing Korea’s medical tourism to boost. South Korea has invested enormous time and money in building state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment and honing credible human resources. This ensures Korean medical services are up to par with the global beauty industry. Hence the establishment of medical tourism agencies and Seoul Guide Medical, a government-certified medical tourism service provider, is considered the top and the most trusted.

When South Korea started accepting international medical tourists, many tourists from 200 countries visited South Korea to access medical services, mainly plastic surgery procedures. Since then, it has been gradually increasing, as most health restrictions have been lifted after the pandemic. The country is now expecting many travelers from different parts of the world. The government has heightened the policies to enhance safety and protection for foreigners seeking cosmetic plastic surgery. When you partner with Seoul Guide Medical, you are guaranteed to be secured. We help you from your pre-visit consultation and airport pick-up to your accommodation.

South Korea has emerged as a potential powerhouse of surgical procedures. It has become a global medical leader in the cosmetic industry because the government has invested significantly in top-notch equipment and technologies, innovative treatments, and well-skilled doctors. Now, Korea’s plastic surgery technology and services have become a global standard. Korean plastic surgeons are even spearheading clinical studies and writing medical textbooks for the rest of the world on the topic!

Nowadays, we are looking for ways to get the best of both worlds in terms of quality and affordability. Amazingly, Korea’s plastic surgery services offer both. You can still achieve that natural-looking profile you’ve dreamed of having at a very reasonable price. Seoul Guide Medical partners with all the top hospitals for your convenience and offers the best prices in the market. With our cutting-edge customer service and highly qualified doctors, you’re all set for an Avant-grande experience only in South Korea.

Dive in with us as we walk you through a thorough discussion of your most frequently asked questions.

Is it challenging to get plastic surgery in Korea?

While it is no doubt that South Korea’s splendid array of plastic surgery services is known worldwide, language and cultural barriers exist. That is why Seoul Guide Medical is here to assist you. Your goal to get plastic surgery in Korea would not be as tricky as they say, for we offer a very convenient way to get the job done.

Seoul Guide Medical is true to its mission of providing only the finest services to make your trip and stay here in Korea as easy as possible. We offer pre-visit online consultations, so you can learn more about the benefits you will receive. Your beauty goals are within reach once you choose us as your service provider for your plastic surgery procedure in South Korea.

We also provide translation services so that you can talk to us more comfortably. We will help you every step of the way. We will be responsible for booking your desired clinic after your consultation and answering any other questions you might have in mind. We deliver the best results with our well-trained staff and professional consultants. We provide customized medical services just for you. We can discuss your plans and goals in a reliable medical environment to make you feel at ease and relaxed.

What are the most popular plastic surgery procedures in South Korea?

South Korea has been dubbed “Plastic Surgery Capital” globally, having the highest-ranking individuals undergoing plastic surgery. Indeed, Korea has established its brand of plastic surgery where the success rate of procedures is guaranteed. With this, the association of doctors and researchers with the government’s support has given much regard to developing high levels of medical technology and continuous research on innovative plastic surgery techniques.

Among the most popular plastic surgery procedures done in South Korea are Eyelid Surgery, Jaw Reduction (V-Line Surgery), Rhinoplasty (Nose Job), Breast Augmentation, and even body contouring surgeries! What’s even better? Seoul Guide Medical offers all of this and a whole lot more. Check here for a detailed list of the most popular plastic surgeries South Korea can provide you with.

Is it cheaper to get plastic surgery in Korea?

Korea has state-of-the-art facilities, clinically safe and effective procedures that produce minimal side effects, and exceptionally skilled plastic surgeons that are globally renowned. Apart from these, one of the most critical aspects is the affordable cost of its procedures. This sensible pricing is what attracts thousands of patients worldwide.

Availing plastic surgeries may take a toll on one’s finances as you might have to spend thousands. That is why reasonable pricing seems to be the first motivation for medical tourists to go to South Korea to avail of medical services, mainly plastic surgery for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes.

The average price for plastic surgeries in South Korea is more affordable than in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other significant countries performing plastic surgeries. The cost depends on various factors, such as the level of expertise of the surgeons, the surgical method used, and the body area the surgery encompasses. It may start at about 800 USD for simple, minor procedures and may soar up to 30,000 USD when combined methods are performed. Due to the constant improvement of technologies, Korean plastic surgery is considered the most advanced globally in terms of safety and effectiveness, resulting in a more natural-looking profile.

Seoul Guide Medical is right here for you. Partner with us and experience smooth-sailing medical service at a very affordable price in South Korea. We will let you know what procedures are the best for you and help you book your desired clinic that can cater to your surgical needs. Consult with our specialists today!

Breast Augmentation Incision Types in korea

Breast Augmentation – Incision Types

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

To fully understand Breast Augmentation, general knowledge of the different incision techniques used during Breast Augmentation surgery is very helpful. Every woman who chooses to undergo Breast Augmentation has different desires but also a different body type. Depending on the type of implants, size, and breast anatomy, a different technique will be applied to reach the desired result of every individual. 

Inframammary Fold
Trans-axillary Incision Technique
Periareolar Technique,
Transumbilical

What are Breast Augmentation and Incision Types?

Breast Augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is cosmetic plastic surgery for breast enlargement, delivering an aesthetically pleasing breast area. This procedure is prevalent among women of all ages, as it boosts up one’s self-image and self-confidence. There are different types of implants, such as Silicone Implants or Saline Implants coming in all shapes and sizes. For more detailed information about Breast Augmentation, please read our article on this topic here.

Breast Implants play a considerable role in the decision of what exact Incision Technique will be used during Breast Augmentation Surgery. There are four unique approaches to insert an Implant. An inframammary fold incision (FMI) is an operative technique where the incision is made in the crease under your breast. One of the most popular approaches is the trans-axillary incision positioned under the arm. Another popular incision technique is called the periareolar incision around the nipple. Lastly, a precise method is the Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation Incision Technique (TUBA), where the incision is made through the belly button.

Benefits of each Breast Augmentation Incision Type

Every Breast Augmentation Incision Type has its advantages. The plastic surgeon considers each benefit to decide on which Incision method will be the best for the patient. 

The Inframammary Fold

The inframammary fold incision allows more favorable visibility and operational control. The operative time using the FMI technique is shorter compared to other incision types, and recovery is enhanced. There is also a very low rate of complications or reapportions.

The trans-axillary incision

The trans-axillary incision is a technique many patients opt for since there is minimal to no visible scarring. The scar near the armpit is so small that it is impossible to see. The results are optimal with a shorter healing time. 

The periareolar incision

The periareolar incision allows the exact placement of the implant as the surgeon works directly through the nipple. Besides, there is minimal scarring hidden between the areola and skin, making the scar blend in naturally. 

The transumbilical technique

The transumbilical technique type is less invasive than it appears at first. It has the advantage of a single, well-hidden, remote incision. The surgeon can control the position of the implant by outside visualization, avoiding any deformities. There is far less scarring and a shorter recovery time than with the other three incision types. 

Breast Augmentation Process: Incision Types

Every Breast Augmentation Incision has a different approach while being performed. Depending on the type, size, and shape, the procedure process varies from patient to patient using the most suitable implant insertion technique. All incisions are marked before applying general anesthesia. The incision is closed using sutures.

  • First, the inframammary fold is a general approach that is used during Breast Augmentation Surgery and Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery. The incision is made under the breast, and the implant is inserted vertically. It is mostly used with anatomically shaped implants because they allow the surgeon to place the implant properly and reposition it as needed. This incision type preserves the anatomy if the milk ducts. Keep in mind that there will be a temporary scar underneath your breast fold. This incision is advised for patients who have already had children or are a little older since there will be a small amount of natural sag in the breast, which allows the incision to be well hidden. 
  • The trans-axillary incision technique is made in the armpit area. This method nowadays is done together with an endoscope camera for more precise performance. A small cut will be done to the armpit, and a channel will be created to the breast. The implant is inserted through the channel and precisely positioned. There is no interference with nerves or vessels. This type of incision technique is more complicated than the previous one as the incision is farther than the previous method. However, thanks to the endoscope camera, the results are also great-looking. Trans-axillary incision is ideal for patients with minimal ptosis, asymmetric, or tubular breasts that do not opt for very large implants. It is also often used for thin women and younger women that have little to no breast sag. 

 

  • The most commonly used incision method in Breast Augmentation and Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery is the periareolar technique, also known as the nipple incision. The incision is made at the point where the areola and skin meet. This allows for the tiny scar that will be made to blend in and practically be invisible. The implant will be inserted while being rolled up in a sleeve to avoid bacterial infections. Once the implant is in its place, the sleeve will be removed. As the periareolar technique is so close to the breast, the surgeon can perfectly insert the implant. 

 

  •  Lastly, the final method is the transumbilical approach through the belly button. The incision is made in the rim of the belly button. An endoscope camera is used to create a tunnel under the skin, up to the backside of the breasts. As the skin on the belly is more elastic than on other body parts, mainly where different incisions are carried out, a tunnel can be created without problems. The implant is inserted by rolling it up and pushing up through the tunnel until it is in the correct place. TUBA incision technique has less recovery time and scaring as the other three types of incisions. TUBA is an excellent approach for correcting tubular breast deformity, and it is also a very safe and effective method to use during Breast Augmentation. Keep in mind that TUBA incision is rarely used and can be used only with Saline Implants as they can be filled after the implant is inserted. 

The right incision type will be chosen during a consultation with the plastic surgeon. He will consider the implants, the patient’s anatomy, and the patients’ desire to deliver the best breast augmentation results possible with minimal to no scarring. 

Breast Augmentation in Korea

dr. cha at mina plastic surgery

Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries enhancing a woman’s beauty and confidence. An operation like this requires a highly-skilled plastic surgeon that will carefully listen and consider the patients’ wishes while still delivering astonishing results. Plastic surgeons in South Korea offer excellent performance with outstanding results to the rest of the world. This is proven by The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, choosing South Korea as the number one country to get plastic surgery. 

Understanding the various incision techniques for Breast Augmentation is beneficial knowledge if you are considering getting Breast Augmentation done. In total, there are four incision techniques used for inserting the implants. Each of them is specially designed for different sizes and shapes and the patient’s body condition. The surgeon will choose the best technique individually for every patient. If you are thinking about breast enlargement to have a more beautiful cleavage in South Korea, contact Seoul Guide Medical today for a free consultation! 

Achieve Your Body Goals With Full Body Liposuction in Korea This 2022

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Do you get frustrated with those noticeable flabs in your body? You eat healthily, you exercise regularly, but you just can’t get rid of that fat in your arms, belly, and thighs? Especially, the unnecessary fat you’ve gained from sitting and lounging around during the pandemic must have weighed upon your frustrations. Unwanted fat can hinder the goal of your dream body and here at Seoul Guide Medical, we might have the best solution for you.

Liposuction has been a broad topic going around the plastic surgery industry for a very long time. It commonly connotes getting fat out from the stomach area, seldom does it entail other body parts. Fret not for a Full Body Liposuction is definitely possible with us here in Seoul Guide Medical.

Your dream body may be a slender figure and a sculpted bodyline, or maybe you are already near the finishing line to a perfect figure but you just wish this specific part of your body would be slimmer. Getting full-body liposuction can give you the figure you’ve always wanted to create and maintain. Sit tight and read this article to give you an insight into the world of no flabs, just that body figure you solely desire.

What is a Full Body Liposuction?

Full Body Liposuction targets unwanted stubborn fats that are usually impervious to vigorous diet and exercise. It is, however, not a weight-loss solution but rather a body contouring procedure. It focuses on improving the body’s shape, resulting in a balanced body figure based on the patient’s body statistics.

That being said, Full Body Liposuction in Korea involves the use of a method known as 360° liposuction or Lipo 360 which mainly takes into account the body line that fits into the patient’s body shape, going beyond a simple suction. It is not only the removal of fat in a specific region of the patient’s midsection but it encompasses the whole front and back of the abdominal region as well as the upper arms, making a 360-degree rotation resulting in better proportions of the body.

Getting Full Body Liposuction in Korea involves fat removal from different areas of the body such as, but not limited to:

  • Cheeks
  • Chin
  • Neck
  • Upper arms
  • Breast
  • Abdomen
  • Back
  • Hips / Love handles
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs

These may be customized according to the patient’s needs and goals regarding their body shape. It can also be integrated with other procedures such as a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Calf Reduction, or Breast Augmentation. These, of course, come with proper consultation, assessment, and diagnostic tests by our qualified Plastic Surgeons to assure that the specific need of the patient is met. As not all patients have the same body structures, careful evaluation is needed to yield successful results.

The 360° Liposuction Method

360° Liposuction may sound like an entirely new procedure, but it’s just a more intensive form of liposuction. In a standard liposuction procedure, a single area is targeted. In 360° liposuction, our surgeons will perform a more comprehensive procedure that will get rid of fat from multiple areas while contouring the body to achieve a slimmer figure with smoother curves creating a more toned profile.

360° Liposuction in Korea is also better known as Laser Liposuction. It utilizes 360-degree, circumferential liposuction, effectively resulting in a more thorough and efficient procedure. It somehow “melts” the fat, liquifying it, and as the diode laser can get into the body reaching up to six inches deep, the more fat can be removed in one go!

When it comes to liposuction, the stomach area is the most common problem area to tackle but with 360° Liposuction, it goes beyond the abdomen, waist, and hips area. It can also be done in the arms where the 360° Liposuction approach can eliminate the fat from the entire circumference of your arm, giving it a more naturally slim look. Beyond these, 360 Degrees Liposuction can also be done at the back, forearms, calves, even your chin, and face!

Procedure: What Consists A Full Body Liposuction?

In liposuction, the use of the tumescent technique is common where a patient’s fatty tissue is injected with a large amount of fluid that makes it “tumescent,” which means “swollen and firm.” This allows fat cells to be literally “vacuumed” out of the body with accredited types of equipment.

Full Body Liposuction uses more modern methods following the concept of the tumescent technique. It is a minimally invasive surgery as it uses ultrasonic fat-emulsifying equipment and diode lasers to support liposuction.

As every individual’s body composition is unique and has different needs, body contour surgery is customized based on the patient’s case. Simply, the procedure starts with an assessment and a plan will be formed after consulting with our reputable surgeons.

Preparations that patients must be aware of before the surgery can be further read in our How To Prepare Before Surgery in the Body Shaping section.

After a thorough evaluation done by our Seoul Guide Medical team, the design plan for the full-body liposuction is also an important step. Our highly qualified lipo surgeons will place guide marks on the places where fat will be removed. 360° liposuction in Korea is most frequently done with general anesthesia, oftentimes together with local anesthesia and deep sedation. After being placed under anesthesia, our surgeons will make a small incision in your skin. The following steps will ensue after the incision:

Step 1. A cannula is inserted and applied in a fanning motion

Step 2. Fat is “melted” upon contact with laser heat

Step 3. Laser energy stimulates collagen contraction and growth

Step 4. This approach results in simultaneous lasing and fat suction making the 360 – degree liposuction more efficient and comprehensive.

This gives superior results and a reduced treatment time in a single outpatient procedure. You can go home the same day you undergo 360-degree liposuction. However, it is recommended that you stay at least a night in the hospital as you have undergone fat removal in multiple areas of the body to avoid any untoward complications. Although Full Body Liposuction surgery might be done at one time, it can also be divided into two procedures depending on the amount of fat and the range. If Full Body Liposuction surgery in Korea is divided into two, it will be performed at an interval of 2 weeks. Times vary, but the procedure generally takes two to eight hours, depending on how many areas are being treated.

Aftercare is equally important as Pre-op care. Read detailed information on What To Do After Surgery in the Body Shaping Section to be aware of the necessary post-op care.

Are you a candidate for a Full Body Liposuction?

No matter how tempting Full Body Liposuction sounds to make fat disappear permanently, it should not be viewed as a quick fix for individuals who are significantly overweight or considered obese. The procedure works best for those who have already lost some weight themselves and are close to their ideal weight but need help tackling stubborn areas of fat in problem areas.

You are a good candidate for a 360° Liposuction if you have excessive body fat in certain areas of your body but otherwise have stable body weight. It is also for people whose skin is elastic and can contract after removing the fat cells. For people who lack skin elasticity, you may end up with loose, saggy skin after the procedure.

Furthermore, you have to be over 18 years old as you would be asked to sign a consent form before proceeding with the surgery. You must also be in good health before undergoing the procedure. People who have circulation or blood flow problems like diabetes, coronary artery disease, and a weakened immune system are not advised to undergo the treatment.

Benefits of Getting a Full Body Liposuction

  • Focuses more on the results rather than the amount of fat removed.
    • The main benefit Full Body Liposuction has over other forms of liposuction is that the focus of 360-degree liposuction lies in the results. 360° liposuction in Korea also allows for more tailored body contouring. Rather than simply removing fat, you can create a specific shape for your dream body.

  • Targets multiple areas of the body in only one procedure
    • A patient seeking 360° liposuction in Korea may want to remove fat from the abdomen, back, and love handles rather than a specific part only. Rather than booking multiple liposuction procedures, you can get this all treated at once with 360°
  • Minimally Invasive and Safe
    • As with any other medical procedure, 360° liposuction carries certain risks. However, liposuction has been around for a long time. Seoul Guide Medical plastic surgeons have extensive experience performing it, making the risk of complications extremely low. 360° liposuction in Korea is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of major complications. It involves only some small incisions so you don’t have to worry about scarring.
  • Permanent and Long Lasting Results
    • It permanently removes fat cells from your body. And once your stubborn fat cells are removed, they are permanently gone and will not grow back. However, you still need the self-discipline to maintain it to have that long-lasting results.
  • Downtime is Faster
    • After staying in the hospital for at least a night, the recovery period is short, so most patients can resume their normal routine in a week or two.

Benefits of Getting a Full Body Liposuction

Compared to the rest of the world, full-body liposuction in Korea is growing extremely popular among South Koreans and foreigners alike. Liposuction in Korea has always been the most affordable compared with the high-end countries. Here at Seoul Guide Medical, the cost for liposuction depends on, but not limited to, which area it is performed, how much work is involved, and the level of doctor you are availing. Generally, you can spend roughly anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000. For an exact number, you would need to do an online consultation with us. You can click here to contact us.

As it is dubbed the “Plastic Surgery Capital” in the world, Korea has been performing better with world-class facilities and clinics, the highly qualified and board-certified liposuction surgeons such as our team in Seoul Guide Medical, and the adoption of ever developing medical technology at a reasonable rate.

Here at Seoul Guide Medical, we offer highly reputable plastic surgeons and the best customer service in Korea to help you achieve your desired outcomes. Here are proofs that our surgeries are successful and effective! What are you waiting for?

We welcome South Koreans and foreigners alike to our humble clinic, don’t hesitate to consult our staff to know if 360° liposuction is right for you.

As the concept of beauty evolves, so does the study of plastic surgery. These days, plastic surgeries are not all about aesthetics but also take into account the whole well-being of the person. Let’s say an office worker’s sedentary lifestyle and irregular diet may affect the body figure they’ve had when they were in their 20’s which, associated with other factors such as genetic determination, pregnancy, and the aging process can result in the loss of the individual’s body image, hence the growing motivation for surgical correction of the body. According to a study, about 86% of the 360 patients involved responded that their self-esteem and quality of life improved after liposuction.

If you are looking to remove fat while contouring the body and reaching your aesthetic goals for your body, 360-degree liposuction can help you achieve the results you want. The procedure does require anesthesia, comes with a moderate recovery period, has a low risk of side effects, and gives you results you can see as soon as swelling and bruising subside.

Ready to get started? Consult our doctors, so you can take the first step in achieving your body goals this 2022.

FAQs

Is Liposuction in Korea cheaper?

Korea offers cheaper costs than any other  high-end countries, if not the cheapest.

How much does a full body liposuction cost in South Korea?

Full Body Liposuction cost depends on a number of factors such as which area will it be performed, how much work is involved, and the level of doctor you are availing. Hence, you must prepare around $2000 – $30000. If you want an exact number of how much you will be spending, consult with us here.

Can I do liposuction on my whole body?

Contrary to belief, liposuction is not only specific to the stomach area but also possible in different body areas such as, but not limited to the cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, thighs, hips, buttocks and back. Hence, Lipo 360, a modern form of liposuction was made available to cover the whole body.

Does Lipo 360 include thighs?

Yes, Lipo 360 includes fat removal in the thighs. You can opt for either surgical or non-surgical treatments. Consult with our doctors on what’s best for you!

How much fat can Lipo 360 remove?

An approximate 5 – 6 liters (11-12 pounds) of fat can be removed with Lipo 360. However, in recent studies, it is recommended that the amount of fat removed should be based on the body mass index (BMI) of the patient. Consult with our doctors to start planning your treatment with Lipo 360.

GETTING A NOSE JOB IN KOREA 2022

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

The nose plays an important role in establishing a natural and aesthetically-pleasing look. Rhinoplasty, which is often referred to as a ‘nose job,’ is typically performed to address breathing problems brought about by irregularities in the structure of the nose or give it a more aesthetically pleasing look. Because the nose sits at the center of the face, it plays a crucial role in your overall appearance.  Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to be born with a nose that sits in harmony with the rest of our features. Luckily, rhinoplasty can address these issues. Here at Seoul Guide Medical we have many staff (including our CEO) who have had rhinoplasty done. We have a lot of experience and will explain more about the procedure and the surgeons who perform it in this article.

South Korea is known for having the most experienced, well trained and highly sought-after plastic surgeons in the world. The education system in Korea is one of the most competitive in the world. To become a doctor you must be in the top 1% amongst those in this highly competitive society. Then to become a plastic surgeon you must be in the top 1% of that 1%. Finally, to practice plastic surgery in Gangnam (the center of plastic surgery in the country), you must be in the cream of the crop amongst those top 1% of the 1%. Surgeons here work Monday to Saturday usually and tend to specialize much more than doctors in less competitive societies. When doctors start they often work in bigger clinics or hospitals doing many cases per day. Before they ever open their own practice they’ve already done thousands of surgeries.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN GETTING A NOSE JOB IN SOUTH KOREA

Many people desire to have a more symmetrical nose and opt to have rhinoplasty as a solution. Ideally, we would all have perfectly symmetrical starting points so the end result is also perfectly symmetrical. The truth is that your starting point will determine your outcome. Rarely is anyone symmetrical to start out with and so the result will not be perfectly balanced. It will end up around 85% of what you think is possible. This is where reality hits expectations. One nostril may be originally wider than the other. Your jaw may not be aligned correctly and your nose will be straight but it may look slightly off since your face is slightly off. In short, your nose will look much better than it looks now! But we have to remember that there are limitations caused by our own bodies. If we go in with proper expectations we will end up with a much better experience.

Rhinoplasty in Korea can help you achieve your anticipated results with regard to:

  • The symmetry of the nose
  •  Proper nose size proportionate to facial balance
  •  Correct nose width at the bridge
  •  Size and position of the nostrils
  • A more desirable nose profile by correcting visible humps or depressions on the bridge of the nose
  • Improved nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, droopy, or hooked
  •  Improved nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned

Rhinoplasty in Korea  is a personalized surgical procedure that involves a consultation with a surgeon to talk about your preferred appearance. The surgeon will then consider the patient’s facial features, skin type, ethnic background, and age when discussing cosmetic nose surgery.

Although generally minor, the surgeon will also go over the risk factors as well as which areas of the nose need to be improved. Young patients are generally advised to avoid having a rhinoplasty until their facial bones are fully developed, which is at 15- or 16-years-old, except in cases of substantial deformity or injury, or to correct breathing problems.

Before the Procedure

Prior to your surgery, we here at Seoul Guide Medical will give you instructions to follow, which may include:

  •  Stopping any blood thinners or other medicines from a list that your doctor will give you.
  • Undergoing some routine tests to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery.
  • Avoiding cigarettes at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after surgery to speed up the healing process.
  •  Arranging for someone to being you home after surgery if necessary.

During the Procedure

Rhinoplasty in Korea is typically performed either in a surgeon’s clinic, a hospital, or an outpatient center. The surgery may take about 1 to 4 hours to complete. On average it takes 2-3 hours but it depends on the difficulty of the case.

Depending on how complex your nose surgery is, you will be needing either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Before surgery, it is best that you discuss with your doctor which type of anesthesia is most suitable for you.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Your surgeon has several ways of addressing the manner in which to alter the form of your nasal bones or cartilage in rhinoplasty. These are dependent on the structure of your nose, how much needs to be added or removed, and the presented materials.

Most nose surgeries can be categorized into two types: closed or open.

  •  Closed surgery. The closed technique in rhinoplasty is done by creating incisions within the inside of the nose. This procedure is usually applied when the required surgery is minimally invasive. This is rarely done in Korea as there are too many limitations and higher risks since the surgeon can’t see exactly what is happening.
  • Open surgery. During open surgery, your doctor may opt for a small external incision between your nostrils at the base of your nose where he can fine-tune the bone and cartilage under your skin. This is by far the preferred method as the surgeon can see exactly what is happening. It is safer and the results will be better usually.

Sometimes, the surgeon uses cartilage taken from your ear or from deeper inside your nose to be used for small changes. This cartilage is normally used to create a strut for the nose tip. This strutt helps to hold your nose into the right position. Implants on the tip area are normally not used in Korea because your nose skin is thin in the tip. Place an implant would cause redness and those tip thinning in the long run.  Donated cartilage can be used for the tip or the bridge of the nose. Rib cartilage can also be used but this requires a small incision to be made on your rib and will lead to a small scar. It also adds time and cost to the surgery and is usually not necessary. The bridge of the nose can be augmented to have a higher height. This is normally done with a silicone implant. Gore-Tex can be used but it adheres too well to the surrounding tissue and can cause future issues. Silicone is the gold standard. Some patients request a taller nose via cartilage. This is not a good idea as cartilage that is placed over such a vast area tends to absorb or warp leading to problems in the look. An implant is a much better idea in most cases.

After the Procedure

After your rhinoplasty in Korea, you will usually be allowed to leave the clinic after 2-3 hours unless you require more time. In difficult cases you will be held overnight for observation. You will be experiencing congestion, along with swelling and some bruising around the eyes, although these will start to get better after about the third day. It is also natural to have mild to moderate discomfort, as well as headaches, after your surgery.

Normally, the dressings in your nose will stay in place for one to seven days after surgery. In 3 to 5 days, the nasal packing may be removed, which will make you feel more comfortable. Stitches and taping are usually removed on the 7th day but sometimes internal stitches are removed on the 10th day.

You will also be donning a nose splint and cast for protection and support for around 5 days depending on your case. It is also advised that you sleep with your head elevated to 15-20 degrees higher for about three days after surgery. Cold compress around the nose and the eyes will help diminish edema and bruises significantly.

FAQs

How is rhinoplasty different from septoplasty?

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are surgical procedures that involve the nose. Whereas rhinoplasty is done to change the shape and visual appearance of the nose, septoplasty is performed to improve breathing by straightening the nasal septum. Often, rhinoplasty and septoplasty are merged together to improve both the shape and function of the nose.

How long is the recovery period?

There will be some swelling after rhinoplasty. However, you should be able to go back to your daily social activities besides exercise, drinking and smoking after 2-3 days. Our own CEO was back at work the next day after his rhinoplasty and most of our patients are out shopping after 2-3 days or touring. That being said you will have a bit of bleeding for 2-3 days and have bruising and swelling. After 3-4 weeks it doesn’t seem that you had a surgical procedure done but you may think you are still swollen. This feeling may last for around 3 months. By then, almost all your swelling is gone. Lastly, the final shape and form of your nose will become apparent about six months after healing but full internal healing can take up to 1 year.

Are there risks in getting rhinoplasty in Korea?

As with all other surgeries, rhinoplasty does have some risks. However, these risks are minor and it is uncommon for complications to arise from the surgery. Prior to the operation, your surgeon will discuss the surgery’s risks and benefits comprehensively.

What is the average price for a nose job in South Korea?

Getting a nose job in Korea has become so common and acceptable not only for its relative affordability but also for its impact on a person’s self-confidence and well-being.

South Korean nose surgeries are relatively cheaper than in other parts of the world when compared at the same level. For the level of quality here you would be paying 5-10 times more abroad. Prices depend on the number of parts, the amount of work, the difficulty of work, the level of doctor, the market conditions and more. A super simple 1 part case, possible without sedation can be as low as 2000 USD. A very complex, multiple revision case can go 10,000 USD – 15,000 USD. For an average rhinoplasty (1st time case you can expect to pay 4,000 USD to 8,000 USD depending on the level of doctor skill and their pricing guidelines. Keep in mind a popular doctor who is very skilled will not do a rhinoplasty for you at 4,000 USD or near that. Seoul Guide Medical will provide you with a list of multiple clinics and their costs so you can compare pricing and what is offered.


South Korea continues to be a world leader in plastic surgery and getting a rhinoplasty in the country is one of the most routine procedures that anyone can avail. International patients keep traveling to Korea for medical tourism because of their reasonable pricing, top class surgeons and results. All things considered, rhinoplasty in South Korea is one that is worth considering. Still, it is best that you always check in with a doctor before finally pushing through with any procedures, and review all treatment options that are available to avoid disappointments and for you to minimize any risks of something going wrong.

RHINOPLASTY IN KOREA BEFORE AND AFTER


Before And After Double Jaw Surgery

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Have you always wondered what you can expect before and after double jaw surgery? This article is dedicated to the before and after care steps you will need to take when undergoing double jaw surgery. What can I do before the surgery? What can I do after the surgery? To answer these questions and more, keep reading!

Before the surgery

Before having double jaw surgery, there are a few things you can’t do due to safety reasons.

What you cannot do:

  • Don’t eat or drink anything before the surgery, at least 8-12 hours before surgery, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. An expert tip is to contact Seoul Guide Medical far in advance to arrange a morning surgery spot for you. This will allow you to sleep during the fasting period, so you won’t be too hungry or thirsty before surgery.
  • Before the surgery, you must notify SGM regarding your medical history. This includes whether or not you have dental veneers or implants, medicine usage, illnesses, past surgeries, and more. Discontinue use of any medication that thins your blood or as recommended by your surgeon. 
  • It is essential to consider your menstrual cycle if this applies to you. Surgery may not be a good idea for women on their periods as there will be excess bleeding, and the face is more likely to experience extra bruising and swelling.

  • Try to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol together at least a month before the surgery date. If that is not possible, there should be no alcohol in your system for at least 2 days before surgery. Tobacco and alcohol have a negative effect on your body, and thus your healing process will be slower. Excess drinking and smoking give a higher risk of complications after the surgery.
  • Wearing accessories during the surgery is not allowed, and all-metal should be removed. Accessories can be necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, piercings of any kind anywhere on the body. Metallic-based hair extensions are not permitted as they affect the instruments used to cauterize wounds during surgery. 
  • No fake nails, acrylic nails, and no nail polish of any kind should be on any fingernail. During surgery, your oxygen levels need to be monitored precisely, and this is done by an attachment on a nail. The other nails need to be free in case of any emergency. 
  • No make-up is allowed BB cream, lotion, or sunscreen. You will be taken to a powder room before surgery and asked to cleanse your face thoroughly before entering the surgery room. You will also be disinfected once on the surgery table. 
  • Do not bring uncomfortable clothes. You will want to get zip-ups or button-up shirts, sweaters, or jackets. You won’t want to pull anything over your head when you leave the clinic. Comfortable, baggy (loose-fitting) pants will be much easier to put on after surgery, and you should wear shoes that you can slip on quickly and that are stable. Avoid bringing boots, heels, or tight shoes. Croc style shoes or similar is a great idea.

What you can do:

  • Prepare comfortable clothes as listed above.
  • Prepare something to listen to or watch on your smartphone as you will be sleeping in the clinic for one or multiple nights after surgery. You will be in a room recovering most of the time, so you may get bored otherwise. 
  • Talk out all your anxieties and worries with the Seoul Guide Medical team before surgery. Being nervous before surgery is entirely natural. You should express all your concerns and ask your questions before surgery so you head into surgery in the right frame of mind. 
  • Exercise and maintain a healthy diet before surgery. This will improve your body’s ability to recover faster after surgery. 

What to Expect After the Surgery

Congratulations! You have now had double jaw surgery! It is normal to start seeing a lot of bruising and swelling. To help yourself heal faster:

  • Apply a cold pack for the first 3 days as much as possible, following 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off guideline. Swelling tends to increase for the first 3 days or so, and thus this is the time to combat swelling the most. An added benefit of the cold/ice pack is that it will help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • After the 5th day (it could be less), you can use a warm pack. These warm packs stimulate blood circulation and can help with a speedy recovery. In Korea, we give packs with a gel inside that can be frozen or heated for both the icing period and the blood flow circulation period.

  

  • In the weeks after you’ve had double jaw surgery, you should not be drinking or smoking. Alcohol and smoking have a negative effect on the healing process as it slows it down and can cause infections inside the mouth. 
  • Be careful of external physical impacts. This can cause bleeding or dislocation of the bone. Although the bone has been fastened and shouldn’t move quickly during an effect, you risk unnecessary harm if you put pressure on the surgical area too firmly. It can significantly impact your healing process and can affect the entire outcome. 
  • Together with the above point, you should sleep on your back for the first 3-4 days and should sleep with your head elevated by 30 degrees. If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, you can put external pressure on your jaw, damaging it both in the short and long run. 
  • You should also be careful about what kind of food you’re eating. In the first few weeks, chewing food is not recommended since it can damage the jaw bone and the incision areas. You should also be careful not to eat spicy or salty food. These foods can cause you to swell up even more. For the first 2-3 weeks, stick to bland foods and consume them in juice or shake form. If you want more substantive meals, eating things like porridge or drinking soup is recommended. In Korea, there are many “juk” restaurants. “Juk” means porridge, so look for pumpkin and vegetable “juk” and skip the kimchi that usually comes as a side dish for now. Stay away from ramyeon due to the sodium content. 
  • Light exercise, like walking, is allowed. This is a good idea since it helps blood circulation and quicker recovery. However, heavy training is off-limits until the doctor says it is ok to do so, usually around 1-2 months later.

Aftercare in Korea

Every clinic provides slightly different aftercare, but top clinics will have RF high-frequency rejuvenation treatments, laser light therapy for swelling, and anti-swelling injections. Even if you have prepared and researched beforehand, you will have a million and one questions after surgery. Seoul Guide Medical is here to answer all your questions before and after surgery. Clinic workers can’t leave the clinic to take you to your hotel or accommodations. They are limited in their services, but we are not. We collaborate with the clinics to ensure you get everything you need to have the best experience possible. 

If this is something you need, a friend who helps you out whenever you need it, contact us now for a free online consultation! You can contact us in many ways such as:

How Long Is The Recovery Period For Double Jaw Surgery?

The recovery period to go back to your daily life is about 3-4 weeks, but you need to be aware that in the weeks after the recovery period you still have to take it slow. Bones usually take 6-8 weeks to heal completely so you shouldn’t put pressure on it still. After the surgery, braces are usually recommended to obtain the best result.

How Long Does The Swelling Last After Double Jaw Surgery?

You should note that on day 3 or 4 the swelling is the worst and from there on out it’ll slowly get better over the course of 2 weeks. There still is some swelling left that can maintain up to 2 months after the surgery.

How Do You Sleep After Double Jaw Surgery?

Sleeping must be done in an upward position to reduce swelling and to ensure no unnecessary pressure is being put on the jaw. In the first week after surgery, you should sleep with more than one pillow underneath your head or sleep in a comfortable chair.

Your Guide To Getting Liposuction In South Korea

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure which uses suction to remove excess fat from the body including: the lower cheek area, the double chin area, the upper abdomen, the lower abdomen, the flanks, the lower back, the upper back, the arms, the hips, the buttock, the thighs and more. It is not considered a weight loss procedure but there will be a slight reduction in weight. It improves the shape of the body but it has also been found to improve quality of life and self-esteem. In a study involving 360 patients, 86% responded that their self-esteem and quality of life improved after liposuction. In the case of abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, along with liposuction, more than 99% of the patients said they’d recommended the surgery to other people and felt satisfied. 

Procedure In Steps

This surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, sedation and also general anesthesia depending on the severity of the case. At Seoul Guide Medical we have seen everything from local anesthesia injections in the arms to full out general anesthesia for a case that had 15,000 ccs of fat removed across her whole body. Once you are under the needed form of anesthesia, diluted local anesthesia is placed. This will reduce pain and also bleeding. A cannula will be inserted through a very minor incision. This cannula is a hollow tube that is moved back and forth to loosen fat and then the fat is sucked out through a syringe or vacuum attached to it. In delicate areas such as the face, a form of heat laser may be used to melt the fat before extraction. This causes less trauma to the area and thus improves recovery time. Once the limit of fat is removed, the doctor will stitch up the incision. The stitches are normally removed on the 10th day after surgery. In some cases, dissolving stitches can be used. Surgery time can be anywhere from 20 minutes to 8 hours or even longer depending on the case. For example, double chin liposuction may take less than half an hour while 360 body liposuction may take several houses to complete.

In More Detail

Before the surgery, the doctor comes in and marks the area where he will extract the fat cells. The surgeon then:

  1. disinfects the area 
  2. makes a small incision and inject a saline solution to loosen up the fat cells from the other cells and surrounding tissue. In some cases a heat laser is used
  3. waits for solution or heat laser to take effect
  4. removes fat via a cannula (a hollow needle) by moving it back and forth dislocated the fat from the surrounding tissue
  5. sutures the incision point 

It is normal to experience a bit of saggy skin after any liposuction. It normally takes 2-3 months for the skin to tighten up again after liposuction. If the skin doesn’t have enough elasticity, the skin might not retract fully. If this is likely to happen to you, you should consider a tightening procedure along with liposuction. In order from least invasive to most invasive the lifting procedures would be: HIFU tightening, thread lifting, surgical tightening such as double chin corset platysma or tummy tuck and surgical lifting.  In this article, we will also briefly talk about a tummy tuck known as abdominoplasty

Different areas liposuction can be done on:

Skin Lifting Procedure

To lift the skin, there are different ways to do so. In this article, we’ll talk about tummy tuck as an example. A tummy tuck can be done in two ways. Differences in body type, your wants and needs, and differences in each patient need to be considered. 

A Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck targets the whole stomach area. The surgeon will make an incision along the bikini line so the scar is hidden as best as possible.

The doctor then lifts the skin to gain access to the abdominal muscles. The surgeon will pull them towards the middle, making the muscles tight again. After this, excess fat and skin is removed (via blepharoplasty which is cutting). The skin is then pulled down and sutured. 

The abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and will take about 3-4 hours.

The recovery time for this surgery is about one week so you are moving around more comfortably and stitches are removed around the 10th day post surgery. 

Mini Tummy Tuck

This surgery is less invasive, as the name suggests, but still effective. In this procedure, the plastic surgeon’s incision is much smaller and only targets the pelvis area. The rest of the steps are the same with the full tummy tuck:

  1. The skin is lifted to gain access to the abdominal muscles
  2. The muscles are then tightened
  3. The surgeon will pull the skin back, after which excess skin is removed
  4. The doctor then closes the incision with stitches

Recovery for this procedure is similar to a full tummy tuck but it is easier on the body.

Before and After Surgery

Before the surgery takes place, there are a lot of steps to take to ensure your complete safety and well-being.

The Seoul Guide Medical staff will provide you with a detailed online consultation and create your customized treatment plan. You should diet and exercise as best as possible before any liposuction or lifting procedures so your body is in the best shape it can be in. The surgeon will then consult you in the clinic along with the SGM staff. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, you will be required to take a series of tests 1-2 days before surgery to make sure you are healthy enough for this kind of strong anesthesia. On the surgery day, you will have another consultation and sign the needed paperwork. The doctor will design on your body the areas where fat will be removed from.  Your measurements will be taken for the customized compression garment you’ll need to wear afterward. This compression garment helps your body recover faster and improves your comfort during the healing process. It helps to reduce the swelling after the surgery. You’ll need to wear this garment for about three weeks; this can be shorter or  longer depending on your case. You’ll need to wear this constantly and can only take it off when going to shower. You should not get the stitch area wet so waterproof bands are recommended. You will go into surgery and when it is over be moved into a recovery room. Unless it is a full body procedure or possibly a tummy tuck, you can leave the clinic the same day. If not, you will need to sleep overnight at the clinic and be monitored by nursing staff. If this happens, you will normally check out the next day around 10am after the doctor has examined you. 

Process After Surgery

It’s important to know that this surgery is considered a major surgery unless it is for the arms, face or the neck. To ensure you have a safe surgery, here are the things that the doctor will advise to do or not do:

  • Stop taking medications. This could be anything from vitamins to birth control pills, aspirin, or hormonal drugs, preferably two weeks before the scheduled surgery.
  • Let us know if you have diabetes, thyroid issues, heart disease, or hypertension. This is extremely important to know before surgery.
  • Make sure your body is well hydrated and you eat nutritional food.

Am I a Candidate?

The best candidates for any surgery are patients who have realistic expectations. Liposuction is a surgery designed to contour your body, not lose weight. The best candidates for liposuction surgery are also the ones who:

  • Have excess body fat on a specific area (abdomen, thigh, face, arm, etc.)
  • Have bumpy skin due to fat and want to change this.
  • Want to have a well-defined body in a short amount of time.
  • Want to regain their self-esteem and quality of life.
  • Want to have a good body contour without a long recovery time. 

Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty?

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are:

  • the ones with severe obesity and lost a lot of weight resulting in a lot of excess skin.
  • The ones who have saggy skin around the abdomen because of loss of skin elasticity or relaxation of the abdomen muscles.
  • the ones who have stretch marks after giving birth
  • the ones who have lost a lot of weight in a short period and therefore losing a lot of skin elasticity
  • the ones who want to refine their skin after liposuction surgery

Costs

Giving a set price is very difficult to do in plastic surgery and especially in the case of liposuction. It depends on what body part you want to do liposuction on and how much fat needs to be extracted. You should also keep in mind that this is very labor intensive for the surgeon performing it and thus different doctors will charge different rates according to their time to value ratios. At SGM, we have seen liposuction cost anywhere from 1000 USD all the way up to 40,000 USD. Something that takes just a few minutes to do will cost a lot less than something that takes 12 hours to do. 

Does the Fat Come Back?

Once fat cells are removed via liposuction they are gone forever. Please watch the video here which goes into more detail. About 80% of removable fat cells can be taken out with liposuction but still leaves around 20% which can expand if a proper diet and exercise are not followed. Liposuction also can’t remove fat between the organs. This can only be removed if you diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a cure all for fat. You should think about it as a new starting point. You will hit the reset button and from that point on, what happens is up to you. 

Contact

Having read all this and knowing whether you are the right candidate for liposuction or not, it’s now time to get in contact with us! This could either be because you want to know more or make an appointment.

You can get in contact with us in many ways:

FAQ

Why Is Liposuction Not Seen As a Weight Loss Surgery?

Liposuction surgery is not a weight loss surgery since fat weighs very little. At 5:35 minutes of this video you can see just how large 1kg of fat is. 1 kg of fat is much bigger than you think in terms of volume. Although you will not lose massive amounts of weight, the volume of fat removed is very large. If you are looking for weight loss surgery, you might want to look into gastric bypass surgery or go with diet and exercise.

Is Liposuction Surgery Painful?

Liposuction surgery is not painful. You will either be under general or local anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. In the recovery period, you can feel some discomfort and some soreness. This will be a lot better in one week.

Is Liposuction Safe?

Liposuction is a very safe procedure when done through SGM. All surgeons who perform the surgery are government certified, and in the surgery room is CCTV. Liposuction surgeries are performed by doctors who do the procedure almost daily, and they know what they are doing. 

How Much Weight Can You Lose from Liposuction?

As mentioned before, liposuction is not considered a weight loss procedure. You should think in terms of how many ccs of fat you can lose. In smaller areas there can be just a few hundred ccs. As stated in this article, the most we have ever seen removed was 15,000 ccs of fat which was a massive amount during a full body lipo case.

Will Liposuction Get Rid of Saggy Skin?

Liposuction will not eliminate saggy skin since it targets the fat cells. Instead, liposuction can, in some cases, cause sagging skin because you take away cells from the inside. This, however, will go back to normal in a considerable amount of time. If it doesn’t, you might want to go for a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift, depending on the area liposuction was performed. 

Will Liposuction Cause Scarring?

In most cases, liposuction doesn’t cause significant scarring. If you have a good surgeon, the surgeon knows exactly how to perform the surgery and not cause considerable scarring. If there are minor scars, they also know how it’s easily hidden, for example, behind underwear lining.

With Seoul Guide Medical, you’ll not need to worry about scarring and finding a good plastic surgeon since we only work with the best doctors. They know what they are doing and can take care of you in the best way possible. 

Your Guide To Get The Best Skin For The New Year’s

By | Skin | No Comments

Have you ever wondered how Korean people get their glowing and dewy skin? This article created by the experts at Seoul Guide Medical will explain it! Together with us, you’ll have a great start to the new year!

How To Get Glowing Skin

Although topical products such as toner, ampoules and creams play a role in skin care, Koreans get their glass skin look by undergo treatments at skin care clinics and dermatology clinics. This article will cover basic treatment and not go into laser or more advanced treatments to reduce pigmentation, reduce pores, wrinkles etc. General treatments are done to improve skin quality, texture and leave you looking and feeling your best. 

Although there are many general treatments to choose from depending on your skin condition, two of the most popular ones are the BB Shine and the Korean Oxygen treatment.  Both of these are non-invasive and have little to no downtime. They are great for the holidays if you want glowing skin without having to wait until the results are noticeable. You leave with the results right away or by the next day at the latest. Please note that these treatments are not simple facials that you can get a spa but are effective treatments that are done at clinics. 

BB Shine

BB Shine incorporates the most advanced form of cleaning and serum infusing aqua machines also known as aqua peel. This treatment provides cleaning via suction, exfoliating, extracting, and hydrating. The BB shine is excellent for those who want a facial but don’t want to have anything invasive. It’s important not to confuse BB Shine with BB Laser. The latter is a specific pore laser treatment. 

Before undergoing the BB Shine treatment you may get a skin scan which will determine if you should undergo this exact treatment and see the doctor. You will then have your face professionally cleansed and your pores opened through a high end steam machine. Once your pores are opened, the BB Shine machine will have the first step suction tip attached and extraction of dirt and other particles in your face will begin. While the vacuum process occurs, AHA’s, BHA’s, and hyaluronic acid is deeply infused into your skin using the same machine. The tip of the BB Shine suction machine is changed which allows for a deeper level of penetration and additional rounds of treatment are done over the entire face including the nose. You will find that things such as whiteheads and blackheads are removed without damaging the skin which is something that easily can happen when using store bought extraction stickers. Once the high end aqua portion of the treatment is done you will undergo a series of additional treatments such as ultrasound, radio frequency, cooling strips, diatomaceous earth mask, PDRN treatment and rejuvenation laser light therapy. The exact steps within the treatment vary depending on your skin needs.  

This treatment gives you smoother skin, better skin tone, rejuvenated skin, reduces acne, improves skin volume, removes whiteheads, removes blackheads and leaves your skin looking glassy. There are also other treatments that may go well with this one.

The entire treatment will take about 40-60 minutes depending on your needs. This treatment is non-invasive and can be done at a maximum of 2-3 times per week if needed but most people in Korea do it either once a week, once to a few times per month or as needed. 

With skin care just as with skin products, you get what you pay for. If you are using low quality aqua machines, low quality ingredients, remove essential ingredients such as PDRN, remove additional treatments such as ultrasound, rejuvenation laser light therapy etc., then the cost will be lower but so will the results. We have seen BB Shine treatments go as high as around 1,000,000 KRW per treatment but for high end treatment you will normally be paying between 250,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW per treatment. Lower than this and you are sure to get low quality. To find out the exact price of your treatment contact us at [email protected]

Korean Oxygen Treatment

The Korean Oxygen Treatment is another way to achieve glowing skin. It works the best when hyaluronic acid deeply infused into the skin. Don’t be afraid of the word acid here, it will not damage your face. The aesthetician uses a high-pressure device to blow hyaluronic acid into the skin, after which she places the oxygen dome over the face. In this dome, only purified oxygen is used. The patient inhales the oxygen, and the skin absorbs it as well the hyaluronic acid even better. An added benefit is that with the pure oxygen dome, you feel great! This treatment can be combined with BB Shine and often is. 

The oxygen dome also makes sure the skin can absorb the all the serums and nutrients more efficiently that are used during treatment. It also helps regenerates skin cells, removes bacteria which causes acne, boosts collagen production and overall skin tone.

This treatment is non-invasive and can be done whenever needed. Just like with BB Shine, most Koreans do it either once a week, once to a few times per month or as needed.

The Korean oxygen Treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete and doesn’t hurt. In fact, it feels great! There is also no downtime, and you can even wear makeup right after the treatment. You can leave the clinic right away with dewy and glowy skin.

The cost of this treatment depends on the ingredients being used and the quality of the oxygen dome as well as the quality of the clinic. If you have a cheap oxygen dome and cheap ingredients then you get a lower price but drastically lower results. One thing you should think about is how much money you spend on topical products that scientifically do only a fraction of what skin care treatments do. You will then see that the cost of these treatments is relatively inexpensive especially since you are getting the top quality treatments in the world. 

During the Pandemic

These treatments are great for getting the dewiest skin and achieving that radiant look. Unfortunately, we are still in a pandemic, and most countries have instituted a protective mask system which is causing havoc with people’s skin. The above treatments help so much by improving your skin so you won’t end up with “mask skin”. It’s best not to leave it until it is too late. We see the mask effect on patients who end up with allergic reactions and even acne. This would require more advanced treatments to fix. It’s better to keep your skin in good condition by getting treatments when needed.  For other details about the pandemic situation in Korea, we’ve written an article about getting plastic surgery in Korea during the pandemic. You can read it here.

Home-Care

For the best home skin care, there are some things you can do. It’s essential to know how to treat your skin the right way. Using different ingredients can be used to obtain the best effects. To understand what kind of ingredients you can use, you also need to know what skin type you have. Here’s a quick overview of what skin types there are and how to know which skin type you have. 

What is my skin type?

There are a few main skin types. 

  1. Oily skin
  2. Dry skin
  3. Combination skin
  4. Sensitive skin

This skin type can be combined, but to keep things a little more straightforward, we’re going to use these four. There is also a fifth type where the skin is “normal.” Here is where the sebum production is in the normal range; the skin isn’t too dry either, and it can withstand any environmental change.

To know your skin type is the essential part, as mentioned before. But how do you find your skin type? There are a few characteristics to each skin type. Here’s a quick overview of what each of them is. 

Oily skin characterizes itself by producing too much sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that keeps your skin supple and smooth, but if there’s too much sebum production, you might have an oily skin type.

You have oily skin if:

  • Your face is shiny and often has breakouts
  • You don’t have wrinkles, or they are less visible
  • Your pores are visible and enlarged
  • Your makeup wears off easily

Dry Skin

Dry skin is the complete opposite of oily skin. The skin is not producing enough sebum and can create an itchy face. 

You have dry skin if:

  • Your skin feels rough, tight, itchy, and lacks elasticity
  • You’re prone to redness, irritation, and infection
  • Your pores are barely visible
  • You have fine lines and wrinkles, often at an earlier age than others
  • Your skin looks dull

Combination Skin

As the name suggests, this is a combination skin type between dry and oily skin. With this skin type, sebum production is high in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) but lower on the cheeks, eyes, and mouth.

You have combination skin if:

  • You have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
  • You have enlarged pores in the T-zone area
  • You have blackheads and some impurities
  • You have normal to dry cheeks

Sensitive Skin

Like dry skin, your sebum production is low, which makes your skin dry, and it can have the characteristics of a dry skin type. It is also sensitive to many ingredients in skincare, and it is reactive to changes in your environment.

You have sensitive skin if:

  • Your skin reacts quickly to much skincare
  • Your skin shows redness
  • You have dry skin
  • You are prone to breakouts (irritation on the skin is also a factor for acne)
  • You are prone to sunburn and rashes

What to look for in ingredients

As you can see, there are many differences in each skin type. This is also why not every skincare product works for every person, and this changes even if you have the same skin type. 

Oily skin

This skin type has high sebum production, resulting in overall oily skin, bigger pores, and breakouts. Because of the oily skin, sometimes it’s thought that you should remove the oil and not use moisturizers. Because of this, many people with this skin type have dehydrated skin. Hydration in the skin is essential in all skin types; the only thing you should do is choose the proper hydration for your skin. Choosing the right ingredients is vital, and beneath is a list of what ingredients you should look for.

For oily skin we recommend:

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA)
  • Retinol
  • Salicylic acid (BHA)
  • Niacinamide 
  • Glycolic acid (AHA)

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

As mentioned above, hydration is essential, and this molecule, produced by your own body, traps the water in the body. It also delivers moisture directly to your skin cells, making it effective in its capabilities.

Retinol 

This ingredient is often used for anti-aging products as it also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, but it does more! Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, reduces the sebum production. This results in a less sebum, and therefore less acne breakouts. However, it is an ingredient that doesn’t go well with AHA’s like glycolic acid or BHA’s like salicylic acid, or vitamin C. Retinol has a lot of benefits but one should choose well what type of ingredients they combine it with.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

This is probably the most well known anti-acne ingredient. But how does it work? Salicylic acid has a lot of great benefits including anti-bacterial factors. Acne itself isn’t just caused by excess sebum production. Excess sebum production results in clogged pores and black or whiteheads, but not acne. Acne is caused by bacteria. This can come from your hands, the outside air, or other factors. To have a product in your skincare routine that is antibacterial, is vital for people with oily skin.  

Niacinamide

This ingredient has some similarities with Retinol and Salicylic acid. Like retinol, it reduces the sebum production and like salicylic acid, it’s anti-inflammatory, resulting in less acne. However the benefits are lower than retinol and salicylic acid. This ingredient also reduces the size of the pores and it’s non-irritating, making it perfect to combine with other ingredients and for people with sensitive skin. 

Glycolic acid (AHA)

This ingredient can be derived from sugar cane but is most effective when made synthetically. It’s an exfoliant and removes the outermost layer of the skin. This mainly consists of dead skin cells, and glycolic acid works to loosen the bonds between the tightly packed skin cells. This molecule is a small molecule, and it gets into the deeper layers of the skin more easily. Here it works on the fibroblasts, which take care of your skin’s elasticity, and therefore wrinkles and fine lines. It can also work as a water-binding molecule, resulting in more hydration.

Sensitive and dry skin

Whether hereditary, environmental factors cause sensitive skin, or if the use of low-quality skin products causes it, this type of skin needs hydration and soothing ingredients. Anything non-fragrance is the best since many people with this type of skin find that fragrance or perfume causes irritation and sensitivity beneath a list of ingredients for people with sensitive and dry skin. 

For sensitive and dry skin, we recommend:

  • Aloe vera 
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Lactic acid (AHA)

Aloe vera

This ingredient is well-known for its soothing capacities, great for irritated skin. It also has hydrating benefits, which deliver well-needed hydration.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

This ingredient is well known for its hydrating capacities and can replenish the skin. It moisturizes, soothes, and prevents moisture loss. As a bonus, it also acts as an antioxidant and defends against environmental factors. 

Ceramides

This ingredient also helps with hydration but in a different way. This fatty lipid or waxy-like molecule holds the skin tightly together. It does for dehydrated skin to have the hydration levels in the skin at a certain level. It protects the outside layer from allergens and environmental factors, making it great for sensitive skin. 

Lactic acid (AHA)

This ingredient can help with exfoliating the skin. Because it’s a very gentle exfoliant, it’s suitable for sensitive skin as well. It also works as hydration by strengthening the skin’s barrier in making more ceramides. As mentioned before, ceramides are fatty lipid, which traps the moisture inside, hydrating the skin. 

Combination Skin

As mentioned before, a combination skin type can cause oily skin and has dry skin areas. A person with a combination skin type should be careful not to lower the sebum production in the arid regions and not be too gentle in the oily areas. The cause of combination skin can be different from person to person, and sometimes it’s just genetics. It can also be caused by the weather, hormones, and stress. 

Because this skin type has dry and oily skin, it’s important to incorporate different ingredients into your skincare routine. Like oily skin, it’s essential to integrate salicylic acid for its anti-inflammatory and sebum-reducing benefits. Niacinamide can be included as well for its anti-inflammatory but also its hydrating benefits. 

Hydration with this skin type is one of the most critical factors. Because the skin lacks hydration, we need to add this to the skin routine. 

So, in general, we’d recommend:

  • Hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
  • Salicylic acid (for exfoliation and anti-inflammatory)
  • Niacinamide (for anti-inflammatory and reducing of sebum production)
  • Glycolic acid (for exfoliant and hydration purposes)

Many top end clinics used the Seoul Guide Medical Elegance Sheet Masks as part of their take home skin care kits after treatment. These masks have been bio designed using genetic data and other data gathered from skin care clinics. The result is the highest quality masks designed to balance out your skin levels and get your skin to optimal condition. This is functional cosmetic product and not just a feel good product. Of Course there are limitations when using topical products at home but in combination with clinical skin care, the effect is outstanding.

Famous 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

Together with this information about the different skin types and about what each ingredient does for each skin, you can make the 10 step Korean skincare routine even more effective.

A 10-step Korean skincare routine consists of:

  • Make-up remover and oil cleanser 

First, a make-up remover and an oil cleanser has to be used to remove all the make-up, the pollution from the outside air, sebum and SPF.

  • Water-based cleanser 

Cleaning two times with a cleanser that targets something else than the oil cleanser is more effective than washing your face once. This cleanser targets water-based impurities like sweat.

  • Exfoliator

This step cleans out pores and removes dead skin cells for brighter and smoother skin. It also helps to absorb the products after this step.

  • Toner

The toner helps prep the skin for the other products to follow and removes any leftover residue of the cleansers.

  • Essence

This step helps with hydration, anti-aging, and your overall skin tone.

  • Serums

Here’s where the serums come in. It targets the specific problem areas and your skin concerns.

  • Sheet mask 

Sheet masks are at the center of Korean skincare and help your skin absorb as many nutrients and moisture as possible.

  • Eye cream

This step of the routine hydrates helps with puffiness and fine lines around the eyes by hydrating. 

  • Moisturizer

Which type of moisturizer you need depends on your skin type, but it should seal in the moisture of all the completed steps.

  • Sunscreen  

Always finish off with sunscreen (SPF) in the daytime. Sunscreen works as the best anti-aging product and protects your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. Seoul Guide Medical has Korean beauty boxes that can be shipped all around the world. To purchase these products click here.

Contact:

You can get in contact with us in many ways:

Breast Augmentation – Your Guide by Seoul Guide Medical

By | Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Have you ever wanted more voluptuous breasts? Breast Augmentation is a surgery specially designed for people who seek to enlarge their breasts, correct their asymmetry and more!

Breast augmentation surgery can come in the form of breast implants and breast fat grafting. The former provides more of a size increase and options. The latter provides a smaller size increase and has limitations. This article, carefully written by the experts at Seoul Guide Medical, contains everything you need to know about breast enlargement surgery.

What Is Breast Implant Augmentation?

Breast implant augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure where a surgeon reshapes, reconstructs and or enlarges the breast with an implant. This creates an aesthetically pleasing chest area according to the needs and wants of the patient. An alternative method to increase breast size is via fat grafting which is also known as breast fat transfer. Fat is taken from another part of your body, via liposuction, and is processed and grafted into the needed areas. This can result in a half or one cup size increase usually and requires two fat grafting sessions done more than 4 weeks apart and less than 12 weeks apart. Studies have shown that breast augmentation has the highest satisfaction rate of any plastic surgery procedure with implants being the go to method over fat grafting. A study done by Figueroa-Hass used the Female Sexualty Function Index and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to examine differences before and after breast augmentation surgery. The study found a massive increase of 76% in self-esteem and self-confidence. Sexual satisfaction increased 57%, sexual arousal increased 81% and sexual desire increased 78.6% after breast augmentation surgery. 

What To Expect From The Surgery

There are a few things to consider when planning out breast augmentation: implant location, the kind of implant used, the texture, the size of the implant, the incision point, the patient’s body limitations and the patient’s wants. If you want to see how the progression of implants works, click here to see the results after 5 weeks, click here to see different results after 1 week  click here  and click here to see our patient’s 2 year update after her implants. 

Implant Placement

Breast implants can be placed below or above the pectoral muscle wall. If the implant goes behind (or under) the muscle, it is called submuscular placement. Alternatively, the implant can be placed above the chest muscle and this is known as subglandular placement. 

 

What’s Better? Over the Muscle or Under the Muscle Placement?

The best placement method for breast implants is the one that is right for you. There is no placement that is best for everyone. Submuscular (over the muscle) places the implant behind the pectoralis major muscle (chest muscle). At Seoul Guide Medical, we recommend that this is a good option for women with small amounts of natural breast tissue. Because the breast implant is placed underneath the muscle, the implants will be supported by that muscle and be covered by the muscle and the additional breast tissue over that muscle. This will lead to more natural results for patients with little natural breast tissue. It is important to note that for patients with severe sagging of the breasts (caused by breastfeeding or aging), under the muscle placement may not be ideal. This is because the muscle sits on the upper portion of the chest and if the breasts have drooped past the chest muscle then placing implants below the chest muscle will cause the implants to look too high in relation to the natural breast tissue. In this case, above the muscle implants are more advisable. You should note that this is a more intensive surgery than above the breast implants and will require a slightly longer recovery time and can be a bit more involved. For women who are competitive bodybuilders and will be doing heavy weight chest exercises, above the muscle implants will be better. 

Subglandular or above the muscle implants only uses the body’s natural breast tissue to cover the implant. For women who have a high amount of natural breast tissue, this option is more ideal. In order to have natural looking implants, having enough coverage of the implant is crucial. If there is enough fat tissue to cover them, then an over the muscle approach can be used. If there is not enough fat tissue to cover the implants then an under the muscle placement should be used. Because the chest muscle is not operated on, there is less discomfort after surgery. There is also no risk for bodybuilders with this approach. You should note that this method has a bit more risk in terms of wrinkles, folds and rippling risk when compared to under the muscle placement as the chest muscle provides more coverage. Issues like those mentioned above are more likely to happen with patients who have little breast tissue naturally. 

Breast Implant Incision Methods 

There are 3 main areas where plastic surgeons can make incisions from: the breast fold, the areola and the armpit area. There is an option from the belly button but this is not normally done as the results can be hampered due to the complexity of the surgery. 

  • Breast fold, or inframammary incision

This incision is made underneath the breast fold. The breast naturally folds above the abdomen. An incision underneath the breast fold is the most straightforward method, allows for a shorter surgery and recovery time and can accomodate any size of implant that the body will accept. This incision method is also recommended for revision surgery cases  or if you want to have larger implants. This method has the lowest rate of complications. The scar fades over time but will be slightly noticeable if you look closely. Luckily you only see it when the breast is lifted and you are looking straight ahead or up at the breasts.

  • Areola, or Periareolar Incision

The incision is made along the nipple area (usually along the lower half). This incision creates a scar that follows the areola making it almost invisible. This is because the incision is made along the line where the color naturally changes from lighter skin to darker nipples and thus the scar is hidden well. Recovery is quick and there is less pain associated with this placement after surgery. This method is usually reserved for placing smaller implants and you have a risk of loss of sensation in the nipples.  

  • Armpit, or Transaxillary Incision

The incision is made in the armpit folds, which makes sure the scar is virtually invisible and hidden away. This method has limitations on implant size but is great if you are worried about excess scarring. Patients with more melanin (more pigment in their skin) will show more scarring than those with less melanin. Thus, patients who are worried about scarring should consider this method.

Types of Breast Implants

There are different types of breast implants a doctor can use. Seoul Guide Medical can determine what implant would suit your body best during your on-line and in-clinic consultations.  As with implant placement and incision points, there is no one best type of implant for everyone. What is best is what suits your body best. Click here and here to watch two different patients’ processes and their explanations. 

Different Shapes

Although there are variations, you can consider that there are two main shapes to choose from:

  • Round
  • Teardrop (anatomical)

Women who already have sufficient lower half breast tissue but require more volume in the upper half of their chest are ideal candidates for round shaped implants. This round shape creates more volume in the upper half and thus more cleavage. It provides a fuller, curvier look. Women who initially have more breast tissue are ideal candidates for round implants over women with naturally little breast tissue. When you lay down, the implant filler material will spread outwards but the shape will remain similar whether standing or laying down.

Women who have less breast tissue naturally are good candidates for teardrop shaped implants. These are anatomically shaped implants with more volume in their lower half. The look created is one of a gently sloping curve towards the nipple as natural breasts have. These implants provide less of a round look in the top half. For women who want to have the absolutely most natural implants in terms of movement and feel then Motiva may be a good option. These implants follow your natural movements. When you lay down, the implant holds a round shape and when you stand up they form a natural looking sloped silhouette. They are also extremely natural to the touch. You should note that these implants will cost you more than other implants but it may be worth it to you.  

Different textures

A breast implant can be smooth or  textured. 

Smooth Type

The smooth type breast implant is very soft to the touch and can move within the breast implant pouch created by the surgeon during surgery. This means that the movement can mimic natural breast movement better. 

Smooth breast implants are described by plastic surgeons as being the softest feeling. They can move within the breast implant pouch, which may provide more natural movement.

On the other hand, textured breast implants cause scar tissue to develop and stick to the implant, which makes them less likely to move and shift position.

Silicone gel-filled and saline implants can be smooth or textured because the texturing is on the surface of the implant, regardless of what the implant is filled with.

This implant type feels soft to the touch and can rotate inside the breast pocket. It’s easy to place, and it’s also easy to correct if there are any complications. 

Textured Type

With this implant, the breast implant is textured. This allows the surrounding tissue to connect better with the implant and fixes the implant in place. 

What is great about this type of implant is that there’s not much possibility for the rupture of the implant and capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can occur when the implant’s scar tissue causes the implant to deform. It can affect the form, texture, and feeling of the breast. With a textured type breast implant, the chance of this happening is low. The shape change possibility is also common.

Which type of implant is the best for you can be best decided through a careful examination by one of the plastic surgeons. 

Different inside textures 

Now that we have talked about the outside texture let’s also talk about the inside texture. There are two types of texture used for the implants. 

  1. Saline
  2. silicone gel

In Korea, it’s not common to use saline implants. It has been used in the past, but breast implants have improved a lot, and there are better alternatives now. Here is where the silicone implants come in. 

Silicone implants mimic the feel of actual breast tissue and, therefore, a more natural breast. Also, if the implants happen to rupture, which doesn’t happen very often, you won’t notice it at first. The implant would reduce in size with the saline implants, and you’d see it right away. With the silicone ones, the silicone isn’t a liquid, so if by any chance happens to rupture, the silicone will stay inside the breast pocket, and the size will not reduce.

Alternatives to implants

A commonly used method for people who don’t want a significant change but a very minor one, fat transfer surgery could also be an option. Fat is taken from the back of your thigh or belly and transferred to the breast area. This gives you a very natural but slim improvement, like 0,5 or 1 cup size up. If you are thin and don’t have enough fat to transfer, this method is challenging to perform. 

Am I the Right Candidate?

Breast augmentation surgery is recommended to those who:

  • have small breasts and want to enhance this
  • have asymmetrical and/or uneven breast size
  • have small and/or sagging breasts due to breastfeeding
  • have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery

Those who have sagging breasts and want to correct this by breast augmentation need to know that implants alone might not work. In some cases, you may need breast lifting as well.

Also, having realistic expectations is essential in this procedure. The surgeon may choose a different size, placement, or different type of implant depending on your body type. If this happens, don’t be alarmed since they have the best intentions in mind, and they are looking for the most natural results.

What Is the Best Option For Me?

As you can see, there are different things to think about when getting breast implants. These are all options that can be combined or not. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have natural-looking breasts, and what works for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. A consultation with a certified plastic surgeon is always needed before deciding on a type of breast implant.

At Seoul Guide Medical, we are happy to help and assist in your choice. We work together with only the top 1% of plastic surgeons, ensuring your complete safety. We go with you to every consultation and advise you on the most suitable choice for you.

What Is The Surgery Time and Recovery Period for Implants

The placement of the implants takes about 1-3 hours. You will be under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the surgery, and therefore it won’t be painful.

  • After 2-3 days, it’s possible to continue to shower and enjoy your everyday life. This could differ if you got the under the breast incision or around the areola incision.  
  • About 2 weeks after the surgery, the stitches will be removed. We will give you some tips on taking care of your breasts after the surgery, which will usually include using a prescribed scar cream and wearing the right bra. After the surgery, you’ll have to wear a garment to support your breasts. Still, after 2 weeks, you can either wear a sports bra or a bra with a long enough underwire to give your breasts the support they need to heal in the right place. We’ll also check the progress in this aftercare session and give you a high-frequency treatment to quicken the healing progress. Please note that in some cases, there are no stitches to remove.
  • 1 month after the surgery, you’ll get another progress check, and swelling of the breasts starts to go down. At the clinic, we also use an ultrasound device to see if the healing progress on the inside of the breasts is also improving. 
  • After 3 months, most of the swelling should be gone, but it isn’t until 1-2 years until you’ll see the end result. 
  • After 6 months till 1 year, we examine your breasts on the outside and inside to make sure everything is healing the way it should, and we work on scar laser management.

What Are The Costs?

It really depends on what kind of surgeon you choose, the surgery length, its complexity, the type of breast implant and more.  We’ve seen cases go from anywhere from 4000 USD to 20,000 USD. It’s really hard to narrow the pricing range past this point without having a detailed consultation with our staff. Send us an e-mail to [email protected] or constant us through our website for for a detailed consultation with our expert staff and get your price estimate as soon as possible.

Contact

We understand that there’s a lot of variabilities to choose from, but we at Seoul Guide Medical can assist! You can get in contact with us with the following:

FAQ

Will The Silicone Implants Rupture If I Lay On My Stomach?

The silicone implants undergo a lot of testing. The test includes a lot of things and also heavy resistance tests. An example can be where the testers throw something serious on the implant and see whether it ruptures or not.

How Much Time Do I Need to Go Back to Work?

This question isn’t easy to answer since it depends on what kind of job you have. If you have a position where you sit behind your desk, you don’t need much recovery time. On the other hand, if you have a job where you walk around all day and require lifting of any kind, the recovery time is longer. Always discuss this with your plastic surgeon to be entirely sure when you’re able to go back to work.

What Are the Side Effects of Breast Surgery?

Breast augmentations are very safe procedures, where only a few patients experience side effects. Side effects can include bruising, swelling, and some pain. For the first few days, you will be on pain medication to ensure you’re as comfortable as you can be.