Does South Korean Plastic Surgery Cost Double the Amount for Foreigners?

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery, Medical Tourism Korea

While surfing the net, you may have stumbled upon forum threads or various pieces of information that say: South Korean plastic surgery cost 1.5 to 2 times the amount for foreigners. This is true; some major hospitals overcharge foreigners as reported by The Korea Times.

The Demand of Plastic Surgery Amongst Locals

There are some 500+ clinics available to the local people of South Korea where popular procedures such as Korean rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery are provided. While it seems that South Koreans are obsessed with plastic surgery, as the media makes it out to be, this isn’t entirely true. There exists an oversupply of clinics and less demand for surgery amongst the locals. With so many sources available, it makes sense for lowered prices.

Let’s remember that after all, the cosmetic surgery industry is a business just as supermarkets or clothes shops are a business. Low prices means less profit, but this undesirable outcome is counterbalanced by the high demand for South Korean cosmetic surgery amongst foreigners.

The verdict here is that it is not unethical to charge higher prices to foreigners than locals. Where the some 500 + clinics are not readily accessible, foreigners are willing to pay more for the quality service and overall travel experience.

More importantly, most foreigners will tell you that they have carefully compared the prices and did their own research before choosing Korea, as their choice for cosmetic surgery travel.

Legit Medical Tourism Agencies Are 'Transparent'

From air-port pick-up to facilitating your entire surgery process, a legal medical tourism agency plans your trip from A to Z for you. Some travelers enjoy the idea of having a helping hand while others choose to plunge into a foreign environment and take it upon themselves. Medical Tourism Agencies may or may not be your kind of thing, and that is fine as it is completely up to your personal preference.

With legal agencies, they care about quality; in the event that something undesirable happens during the experience such as failed surgery, then they will mediate the situation and act to resolve it. Is your medical tourism agency legit? A good way to figure this out is actually quite simple.

The distinctive factor here is that legal medical tourism agencies are completely honest and up-front about the fact that they are a medical tourism agency; they are  'transparent'. This is not the case with illegal medical tourism agencies that pretend to be something else – if you think about it, why is it necessary to pretend to be something else?

Feel free to leave a comment; we’d love to hear your perspective!

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Korean Medical Tourism To Rise As Visitors Likely Reach 1M In 2020

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery, Medical Tourism Korea

The Korean medical tourism is on a steady rise.

According to a new report, medical tourists from around the world could reach about 1 million and help South Korea generate revenue of U.S. $3.2 billion in seven years.

The Korea Tourism Organization was quoted in a BusinessKorea article, “Medical Tourists tso Korea Expected to Reach One Million per Year in 2020” in saying that the number of foreigners who visit the country for medical treatment is projected to rise from 399,000 in 2013 to 998,000 in 2020.

The organization said the estimate stems from the growing popularity of Korean medical tourism, which stemmed from its high-quality medical services, cutting-edge technology and well-trained professionals, in other countries. These are among the reasons why Korea is a hit in medical tourism.

A number of the foreign visitors to Korea include our Asian neighbours, such as China and Singapore, as well as those from other western countries.

Tourism officials told the news agency that medical tourism in Korea could gain 3.5 trillion won in 2020 from foreign patients alone. This number triples the 1 trillion won revenue generated in 2013.

According to the report, 62 percent of some 31,000 Chinese visitors on 15-day medical tourism visas in 2012 came to South Korea for cosmetic surgery.

What Are The Popular Korean Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?

By far, the most sought-after procedure is the double eyelid surgery. Asians have distinct monolid eyes, and this procedure will help make the eyes look wider, creating a bright-eyed, fresh look by creating a crease on the eyelids.

There’s also face contouring surgery to correct uneven facial structure and improve a person’s overall look. It also helps to correct a receding chin line, giving women a more feminine and delicate appearance.

Korean rhinoplasty is also a popular choice since it not only helps reduce the size of the nose, it also changes the tip of the nose. What sets it apart from its Western counterpart is that Korean cosmetic surgeons know what works best for Asians. For this reason alone, many Asians around the world look toward Korea as the place to get a natural-looking cosmetic procedure.

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Is Your Medical Tourism Agency Legit?

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Medical Tourism Korea

(From the Left) Business License in Korea, Medical Tourism License in Korea, Tourism License in Korea, respectively

Seoul TouchUp is one of the few medical tourism agencies in South Korea that is licensed to practice medical tourism for international customers. It is also one of the few agencies that work with, and recognized by the Korean government. If you are thinking of choosing a medical tourism agency from your country or Korea, we highly encourage you to study about them before you make a decision.

Medical Tourism Agency? Be Extra Careful..

There are so many unauthorized medical tourism agencies both inside and outside Korea, and this is why the Korean government is now getting more strict on medical tourism. If an agent that is not authorized to practice medical tourism in South Korea, hosts international customers, he/she could be jailed for 2 years under Korean jurisdiction, and is subject to other legal charges (over $20,000 fine). (Source:Medical Korea)

Also, the clinic or hospital that accepts this unauthorized/illegal agent’s customers, is subject to investigation, and if get caught, they have to shut down their business for 2 years.

Make sure that the doctors are also authorized by the Korean government to provide medical services to international customers. You surely don’t want to leave your face to someone that is not certified and experienced.

Medical "Tourism" Is Still An Operation

Going on a medical trip is certainly very different from your backpack trip to Europe or honeymoon to Bali. You will have to find a plastic surgeon that is experienced and reputable, and an agency that is fully devoted to you.

Let Seoul TouchUp take care of you. Seoul TouchUp takes pride in its personalized one-on-one services that promise most relaxing and seamless medical travel in South Korea.

Too lazy to read all the details about Seoul TouchUp Services? Here is a TouchUp Screencast that briefly explains what Seoul TouchUp provides. Please don't hesitate to contact us for any comment or question!

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Top 3 Medical Tourism Destinations in Asia

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Medical Tourism Korea

Have you ever contemplated traveling out of the country for a medical procedure? I am sure that thought has crossed your mind, especially if a friend or family member has done this. Decades ago, people who needed medical attention would often travel to western countries for complicated procedures, in the belief that they were in better hands. The table has been turned, as many people from western countries now travel to Asia for medical procedures. In fact, governments of countries located in Asia have realized the importance of being one of the top medical tourism destinations to their economy, and they have been promoting medical tourism. Today, among many medical tourism destinations, Asia is considered the best in providing exemplary medical service.

Why India?

India is a very popular medical tourism destination, especially for cardio and orthopaedic procedures.  In fact, these two procedures account for the majority of those done in India. Procedures done in India cost about 80% less, compared to the same operations done in western countries. The Indian Ministry of Health, the Indian Tourism Council, and the Indian Healthcare Federation are very much involved in the controlling and regulating of the issuance of certifications to Indian hospitals that offer medical tourism. This ensures that high standards are met. India is also a very interesting place to visit, with its rich history and culture.

Are You Ready for Singapore?

This tiny nation, located in Southeast Asia, is actually world-renowned for its medical facilities and healthcare system. The World Health Organization ranks Singapore among the top ten in the world when it comes to healthcare systems, and it is number one in Asia. Thousands of people come to Singapore for highly specialized procedures and stem cell therapies, as the country is very lenient when it comes to using human embryo for research. A visit to Singapore is a must, as it is a melting pot of different races, and its modern infrastructures are impressive to see.

Is Korea Your Choice?

All in the span of the last decade, Korea is emerging to be one of the top medical tourism destinations in Asia. A growing recognition of its expertise ihas enticed women all over the world to come to Korea for plastic surgery. One of the main reasons for its success is due to their Korean doctors, who have specialized in procedures that cater to the needs of Asian women, such as facial contouring, breast augmentation, and double eyelid surgery.  Its cosmetic procedures aside, Korea is also renowned for its entertainment industry.

There are also other countries in Asia that are known for medical tourism, like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The secret to Asia’s success in the medical tourism field can be credited to its highly experienced doctors, top notch medical facilities, friendly people, fantastic beaches, sumptuous food, and good looking men and women. I would not be surprised if a medical visit to any of these countries would make you feel like your dream vacation had just turned into reality!

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A Thing or Two on the Benefits of Medical Tourism in Korea

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Medical Tourism Korea

Brazil has long been equated with beautiful ladies, so it’s no wonder it is considered the international Mecca for cosmetic surgeries, all thanks to the clinic, Ivo Pitanguy. India is best known for its high quality cardiac and orthopedic operations, which are available at significantly lower costs.  Meanwhile, medical tourism in Korea is proving to be a rising star in the works. Recently, Russia also made a great buzz with its human Barbie, Valeria Lukyanova. No wonder countries have different reputations for themselves. Whatever they are known for, it helps them bring or lose a number of tourists.

Countries are now thinking of ways how they can advertise to potential visitors. The trend nowadays is to engage in medical tourism. Some may be totally unaware of what it is, and still some may have heard about it but have only a vague idea of how it works. If you are in either group, here is your guide on the global medical tourism.

Shedding a Light on Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism is the practice of pursuing and accepting medical services abroad, rather than choosing one that is available in your native land. The main reason why people do this is that it gives them another option for medical procedures, with lower costs. Today, Asia has earned the spotlight for medical tourism. One country undeniably gaining attention on medical travel is Korea, because of its high customer satisfaction brought about by their available cosmetic procedures.

The Perks of Medical Tourism

Your country can’t be the best at everything; there are some things that other places can do it better. That’s where Korea comes into play. If you want the best, then you should choose the ones that can give you the best amenities, and those that are of premium quality. All of these benefits are present in Korea. If you are looking for best plastic surgery clinics in Korea, check our Seoul TouchUp that offer free tour services and other special packages, like free assistance with booking hotels according to your preferences. In addition, flying to Korea for a medical procedure allows you to hit two birds with the same stone: you visit it for both vacation and surgery. Surgeries need a period of healing, and relaxing in a new place can help you heal faster, free from all the stresses you left behind. Korea has the best sights to offer, facilitating your speedy recovery.

The Snag of Medical Tourism

Unfortunately, medical tourism is not a foolproof idea. Flying to Korea may leave your pockets empty. However, that’s the beauty of medical tourism. It allows you to appreciate things beyond money matters. At the end of it, you will still be able to realize that it was money well spent. Procedures done in Korea are also more likely to be successful because of the modernity of their facilities and the specialized knowledge they have on this branch of science. Therefore, you are saving yourself from possible complications, and rescuing yourself from a deep pit of financial burden.

A Holistic Understanding of Medical Tourism

There are indeed many critics of Medical Tourism up to this date. They try to bring down this trending industry, but have not been successful in doing so. Surveys would tell you that individuals who get plastic surgery are aware of the many disadvantages of such practices. However, they have considered both sides of the coin, and have realized that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. That is why medical tourism in Korea is still a huge hit, because they continue to produce services that are recognized around the globe for their high success rates.

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