If you’re an international patient considering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss, South Korea offers a world-class treatment experience—from high-tech clinics and expert physicians to tailored medical tourism services. But what exactly happens once you land in Korea for your treatment?
This guide will walk you through everything you can expect, from arrival to aftercare, so you can feel fully prepared, confident, and informed about your PRP hair restoration journey in Korea.
🌐 Before You Arrive: Virtual Consultation & Pre-Trip Coordination
Most Korean clinics that cater to medical tourists offer virtual consultations via email, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Here’s what typically happens:
What You’ll Be Asked to Provide:
- Photos of your scalp from multiple angles
- A short health history (including medications, allergies, hair loss duration)
- Your hair restoration goals
- Questions or concerns you want addressed
What You’ll Receive:
- A personalized treatment plan (e.g., 3–5 PRP sessions)
- Cost estimate (usually in KRW and USD)
- Recommended schedule (based on your trip duration)
- Instructions for what to do before treatment (avoid alcohol, blood thinners, etc.)
You may also get help with:
- Booking accommodations
- Airport pick-up
- Multilingual concierge services
🛬 Arrival in Korea: Seamless Experience for Medical Tourists
Whether you land in Incheon, Gimpo, or Busan, most clinics located in Seoul or major metro areas provide streamlined support for foreign patients.
What to Expect Upon Arrival:
- Optional airport pickup by clinic or third-party service
- Guidance to hotels or serviced apartments nearby
- A welcome packet with your treatment itinerary, clinic address, and contact info
- Access to an English-speaking coordinator or translator
📍 Common Clinic Locations: Gangnam, Apgujeong, Myeongdong (Seoul); Seomyeon (Busan)
🧑⚕️ Initial In-Clinic Consultation (Day 1 or 2)
Your first in-person appointment includes:
1. Medical Evaluation
- Scalp analysis using dermoscopy
- Hair density and pattern assessment
- Review of medical history and photos
2. Treatment Plan Confirmation
- Discussion of number of PRP sessions
- Add-on options (microneedling, LED scalp therapy, growth factor boosters)
- Possible recommendations for maintenance or at-home care
Your doctor will ensure your PRP therapy is tailored to your hair loss type, whether it’s androgenetic alopecia, postpartum shedding, stress-related thinning, or early signs of balding.
💉 PRP Hair Loss Treatment Procedure: What Happens During the Session
Here’s what a standard PRP hair loss treatment session looks like in a Korean clinic:
Step-by-Step:
- Blood Draw
- ~10–20 ml of your blood is collected from your arm.
- It’s placed into a sterile, closed system tube (RegenLab, Dr. PRP, etc.).
- Centrifugation
- Blood is spun in a medical-grade centrifuge for 5–10 minutes.
- This separates the platelet-rich plasma from red and white cells.
- Scalp Preparation
- Scalp is cleaned with antiseptic solution.
- Numbing cream or local anesthesia is applied to reduce discomfort.
- Injection
- Using a fine microneedle, the PRP is injected into thinning or receding areas.
- Most clinics use the “point-by-point” technique to evenly distribute PRP.
- Optional Add-Ons
- LED light therapy to calm the scalp
- Microneedling to enhance PRP penetration
- Growth factor ampoules for advanced stimulation
⏱ Total time: ~60 to 90 minutes
🩹 Downtime: Minimal; you can resume normal activities right after treatment.
🧴 Aftercare Instructions: What to Do Post-Treatment
International patients are usually given detailed aftercare instructions, including:
DOs:
- Gently pat scalp dry after showering (wait 24 hours before washing hair)
- Use mild, sulfate-free shampoo
- Drink plenty of water to support healing
DON’Ts:
- Avoid direct sun exposure, saunas, and hot yoga for 48 hours
- No hair dye or harsh scalp products for 3–5 days
- Refrain from intense workouts for 24 hours
Your clinic may also recommend hair vitamins, topical serums, or low-level laser therapy devices for home use.
🧭 What to Expect in Terms of Results & Follow-Ups
How Many Sessions?
- Most clinics recommend 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
- If you’re on a short trip, some clinics may offer:
- An intensive PRP booster session
- Combination treatments to accelerate results
When Do Results Appear?
- 2–3 months: Reduced shedding and healthier scalp
- 4–6 months: Visible thickening and improved density
- 12 months: Peak regrowth and fuller appearance
Your doctor will guide you on whether you need to return for maintenance sessions after 6–12 months.
🏥 Clinic Environment & Service Standards
Korean aesthetic clinics are known for being:
- Ultra-clean and modern
- Equipped with cutting-edge medical devices
- Staffed by board-certified dermatologists or trichologists
- Focused on privacy and personalized care
Most clinics offer:
- Multilingual support (English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic)
- Welcoming lounges for international guests
- Complimentary tea, wifi, and even makeup touch-up areas
🛍️ What Else Can You Do While You’re in Korea?
Don’t forget to enjoy your stay! With almost zero downtime after PRP, you can explore:
- Cultural sites: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Buddhist temples
- Shopping: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, or luxury boutiques in Gangnam
- Cuisine: Korean BBQ, street food, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
- Wellness spas: Jjimjilbangs (Korean sauna) – wait 2–3 days after PRP
Some clinics even partner with travel agencies to offer medical-tourism packages that combine beauty treatments with sightseeing.
✈️ Preparing for Departure: Final Notes from Your Clinic
Before you leave Korea, your clinic will provide:
- A post-care summary in English
- Photos of your baseline condition and first session
- Product or supplement recommendations
- Instructions for future sessions, if applicable
- Option for remote follow-up via WhatsApp or email
🔑 Summary: What International Patients Should Expect
| Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Pre-Arrival | Online consult, photo review, travel help |
| Arrival | Smooth clinic check-in, English support |
| Consultation | Scalp analysis, personalized plan |
| Treatment Day | PRP injections, optional add-ons, minimal downtime |
| Post-Treatment | Aftercare support, follow-up plan |
| Results | Gradual improvement over 2–6 months |
Final Thoughts
South Korea offers a seamless, world-class PRP experience tailored for international patients. From advanced medical technology and skilled specialists to warm hospitality and affordable care, Korea ensures your hair restoration journey is safe, effective, and rewarding.
Whether you’re coming for one session or planning a full treatment series, you’ll receive professional guidance every step of the way—so you can fly home not only rejuvenated but confident in your results.
