Treatment Overview
Breast Reduction in Korea, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a smaller, firmer, and more proportionate breast size. While primarily aimed at improving comfort and health, it can also be combined with breast augmentation or lift procedures to optimize aesthetics.
Korean plastic surgeons are internationally recognized for their precise surgical techniques, minimally invasive approaches, and natural-looking results, making Korea a leading destination for breast reduction surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of breast reduction is to alleviate physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts while improving overall appearance.
Key benefits include:
- Relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved posture and mobility
- Enhanced breast symmetry and proportion
- Ability to wear a wider variety of clothing comfortably
- Boosted self-confidence and body image
Ideal Candidates
Breast reduction in Korea is ideal for individuals who:
- Have disproportionately large or heavy breasts causing pain or discomfort
- Experience skin irritation, rashes, or infections beneath the breasts
- Struggle with physical activities due to breast size
- Desire better breast proportions and shape
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
Possible Risks & Complications
Even with Korea’s advanced surgical standards, breast reduction carries potential risks:
- Scarring along incision lines (usually minimized with Korean techniques)
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Infection or bleeding
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry between breasts
- Rare anesthesia-related complications
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons use a variety of advanced techniques to ensure optimal results with minimal scarring:
- Vertical “Lollipop” Technique: Two incisions (around the areola and vertically down) for moderate reduction, minimizing scarring.
- Anchor (Inverted-T) Technique: Used for significant reductions, providing precise reshaping of breast tissue and contour.
- Liposuction-Assisted Reduction: Targets fatty tissue in patients with higher fat composition, resulting in smaller scars and faster recovery.
- Combination with Lift or Augmentation: Many patients combine reduction with a lift or augmentation to enhance shape and symmetry.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is closely managed in Korea to ensure safety and optimal results:
- Light activities can generally resume within 1–2 weeks.
- Stitches are usually removed after 7–10 days.
- Swelling and bruising reduce over 2–3 weeks, with full healing taking 2–3 months.
- Support bras are recommended to maintain breast shape and support healing.
- Follow-up appointments in Korean clinics are structured to monitor healing, scar management, and breast symmetry.
Results & Longevity
Results are immediately visible, with full shaping appearing once swelling subsides.
- Breast reduction results are long-lasting, providing improved proportion, comfort, and aesthetics.
- Maintaining a stable weight helps prolong the results.
- Korean techniques emphasize natural breast contour, minimal scarring, and symmetry, which contributes to lasting satisfaction.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a preferred destination for breast reduction due to its advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and patient-centered care:
- Pre-Surgical Consultation: Detailed assessment of breast size, shape, skin quality, and patient goals. Surgeons use 3D imaging for planning.
- Customized Surgical Plan: Technique selection (vertical, anchor, or liposuction-assisted) is tailored to breast size, tissue composition, and aesthetic goals.
- Advanced Technology: Minimally invasive instruments, scar-minimizing sutures, and careful tissue handling reduce complications and accelerate healing.
- Combination Procedures: Korean surgeons often combine reduction with a lift or augmentation to create ideal shape, projection, and symmetry.
- Medical Tourism Services: English-speaking coordinators, recovery accommodations, and comprehensive follow-up care are standard for international patients.
- Post-Operative Monitoring: Structured follow-ups ensure proper healing, scar management, and long-term results.
- Emphasis on Aesthetic Outcomes: Korean techniques focus on creating naturally proportionate breasts that harmonize with the patient’s body frame.
Cost Range
The cost of breast reduction in Korea depends on the technique used, breast size, and whether additional procedures are combined.
- Typical Price Range: ₩7,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 KRW
(Approx. $5,200 – $9,000 USD)
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Type of reduction technique (vertical, anchor, liposuction-assisted)
- Surgeon’s experience and clinic reputation
- Combination with lift or augmentation
- Anesthesia and hospital fees
Additional Costs:
- Pre-operative tests: ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 KRW ($150 – $380 USD)
- Compression garments: ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 KRW ($115 – $230 USD)
- Post-operative medications and scar treatments: ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 KRW ($150 – $380 USD)
Popular Clinics
Top Korean clinics for breast reduction surgery include:
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic – known for precise reduction with natural contour
- JK Plastic Surgery Center – internationally accredited, excellent for medical tourists
- View Plastic Surgery Hospital – experienced in combining reduction with lift or augmentation
- ID Hospital Seoul – expert surgeons with high-volume breast procedures
- Regen Plastic Surgery – specializes in aesthetically pleasing breast reshaping
