Breast Augmentation in Korea
Breast Augmentation at UNE Plastic Surgery in Seoul
Dr. Kim Uigeon of UNE Plastic Surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon (Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons) practising at a clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea specializing in breast surgery, explains that breast augmentation planning requires evaluation of chest width, breast base width, breast tissue thickness, skin elasticity, body proportions, and the patient’s goals. Implant brand (Motiva or Mentor), profile, projection, and placement (subglandular, subfascial, dual plane) are selected during in-person consultation. The surgical protocol emphasizes minimizing tissue trauma and bleeding through endoscopic dissection and careful pocket creation. Natural-looking results, scar maturation, and recovery vary by each patient’s individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should international patients stay in Korea?
International patients commonly plan a stay covering consultation, surgery, early recovery, and follow-up checks. The appropriate duration varies by individual recovery and the surgeon's post-operative recommendation. UNE Plastic Surgery schedules suture removal and follow-up checks based on each patient's travel plan.
How are Motiva and Mentor implants selected?
Implant brand, profile, projection, and volume are selected after individual assessment of chest width, breast base width, skin thickness, tissue coverage, and the patient's goals. Implant brand alone should not determine the surgical plan. Selection is finalized in consultation with the surgeon.
Where are breast augmentation incisions placed?
Common incision options include transaxillary (underarm), inframammary (breast fold), and periareolar (around the areola). The appropriate incision depends on anatomy, implant type, scar preference, and the overall surgical plan. Scar visibility and fading vary by individual healing.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies by patient, implant placement, incision, tissue condition, and post-operative care. Many patients resume light daily activities within several days; return to exercise, work, and travel should be decided after follow-up evaluation by the surgeon.
What are the main risks of breast augmentation?
Known potential risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, capsular contracture, changes in nipple sensation, implant malposition, rupture, and the possibility of revision surgery. Individual risk factors and likelihood are reviewed during pre-operative consultation.
Planning Breast Augmentation Based on Individual Anatomy
Dr. Kim Uigeon at UNE Plastic Surgery meticulously analyzes each patient's body type, chest dimensions, and skin elasticity to design a personalized surgical plan. Breast augmentation is a procedure that may improve breast volume and shape using implants selected according to chest width, breast tissue thickness, skin elasticity, body proportions, and individual goals. The surgical plan considers incision placement, implant brand and profile, tissue condition, anatomy, and the patient's recovery factors. The degree of change, scarring, and recovery experience vary by individual condition. Each plan is finalized after in-person consultation.
Book ConsultationWhat Should You Consider When Choosing Implants?
What Results Can You Expect from Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is one of UNE Plastic Surgery's primary procedures and is considered by patients who are evaluating changes in volume, shape, or contour. Outcomes depend on a combination of surgical planning, implant selection, anatomy, and recovery. Pre-operative consultation focuses on understanding individual goals, reviewing surgical options, and discussing expected risks and limitations.
Patient satisfaction after breast augmentation can vary depending on expectations, anatomy, implant selection, recovery, and the final surgical outcome. Consultation is important to set realistic goals based on individual chest dimensions, tissue condition, and personal preferences.
How Is Post-Surgery Care Managed?
After 6 months, you may schedule a follow-up visit at any time.
* Unlimited Capsulitis Care
Where Are the
Incisions Made?
Incisions are made at one of the following three locations, depending on the surgical method and the patient's body type.
- Inframammary Fold (Breast Crease)
- Transaxillary (Armpit)
- Periareolar (Around the Areola)
Incision length is minimized to 3-3.5cm and placed in inconspicuous locations. Scarring varies depending on individual factors such as skin type, activity level, immune status, medication use, and scar management, but fades gradually over time.
The transaxillary incision uses endoscopic equipment, placing the scar in the underarm rather than on the breast itself. Underarm scar visibility varies by individual skin response and healing.
UNE Breast Augmentation Implants
Implants That Feel Like Your Own
Motiva implants use a gel that responds to gravity — spreading when lying down and tending toward a teardrop shape when standing — combining behaviour characteristics of round and anatomical implants. Final shape and feel in the chest depend on individual anatomy and tissue condition.
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Ergonomix Technology
4th generation implants that naturally change shape with posture
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Built-in UDI (Unique Device Identification)
Accurate product information verification with a portable reader
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Silk Surface for Capsular Contracture Prevention
Finely textured surface minimizes foreign body reaction
A Global Breast Implant with 50 Years of History
Mentor MemoryGel Xtra features 100% full-filling gel, delivering richer volume compared to the same breast width.
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FDA-Approved Finished Implant
Both the internal silicone and outer shell are FDA safety-approved
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100% Full-Filling Gel
Superior shape retention and durability for full volume
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Natural Feel Design
Dual structure with soft sides and firm upper portion
Implant Placement Options
Dual Plane
The lower portion of the pectoral muscle is released to insert the implant. The upper part of the implant sits beneath the pectoralis major muscle, while the lower part sits beneath the breast tissue.
Subglandular (Above Muscle)
The implant is placed above the chest muscle near the breast tissue. This is suitable when there is sufficient breast tissue, offering less pain and faster recovery.
Subfascial
The implant is placed between the fascia and muscle beneath the breast tissue. This method offers less pain, faster recovery, and a good tactile feel.
Submuscular
The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle in a separate pocket from the breast tissue. This is suitable when there is minimal skin and breast tissue coverage.
Breast Augmentation in Korea — Key Summary
Breast augmentation in Korea is commonly planned around chest width, skin thickness, breast tissue volume, body proportions, and the patient’s desired upper pole fullness. In clinical practice, the choice of implant brand (Motiva, Mentor), shape (round or anatomical), volume (cc), pocket placement (dual plane, subfascial), and incision location (transaxillary, inframammary, periareolar) is determined after individual consultation rather than a fixed standard.
Surgical results and recovery timelines vary by patient. Individual evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential.
Motiva vs Mentor — Implant Comparison
Motiva
- SmoothSilk / ProgressiveGel Ultima (Ergonomix) shell & gel lineup
- Often selected by patients prioritizing soft feel and natural movement
- FDA-approved and CE-certified implants
- Long-term clinical data (Sforza et al., 10-year studies) on safety profile
Mentor
- Xtra (MH / MP / H) line — strong upper pole fullness and shape retention
- Firmer gel cohesivity tends to maintain shape more consistently
- FDA-approved and CE-certified implants
- MemoryGel Xtra 3-year clinical (Glow) safety reporting
Both brands are FDA and CE certified. Neither is absolutely superior — suitability depends on body type, tissue thickness, and desired aesthetic outcome, evaluated through individual consultation.
Recovery Timeline by Stage
Week 1
Swelling, tightness, and chest pressure are common. Light daily activities are possible, but strenuous arm or upper-body movements should be avoided.
Weeks 2-4
Return to routine becomes easier. Swelling and implant settling continue. Light walking and gentle cardio may be considered in stages.
2-6 Months
Shape gradually stabilizes into a natural appearance. Upper-body strength training resumes gradually after surgeon clearance.
Recovery speed varies based on skin thickness, tissue condition, implant placement, and surgical technique. Self-assessment is not a substitute for follow-up evaluation.
What is the difference between dual plane and subfascial placement?
In dual plane placement, the upper portion of the implant sits behind the pectoralis muscle while the lower portion is behind the glandular tissue — helpful for natural upper pole coverage in thinner tissue. In subfascial placement, the implant sits beneath the fascia layer above the muscle, reducing animation deformity risk from pectoral movement. Suitability depends on body type, gland volume, and exercise habits.
What causes capsular contracture and how is it prevented?
Capsular contracture is a known potential complication where the natural capsule around the implant thickens and contracts, leading to firmness, shape change, or pain. Risk factors include bleeding, hematoma, subclinical infection (biofilm), tissue trauma, and prior contracture history. Sterile surgical technique, hemorrhage control, accurate pocket creation, and routine post-op monitoring may reduce risk — but complete prevention cannot be guaranteed.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation?
Current cohort studies suggest that breast implant placement itself does not significantly affect breastfeeding ability. However, incision location (particularly periareolar) and surgical technique may influence milk duct integrity. Patients planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss this during consultation.
What pre-operative tests are required?
Pre-operative evaluation typically includes blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, and anesthesia assessment. Additional tests like breast ultrasound may be recommended depending on patient condition. Medication history, allergies, and prior surgeries should be fully disclosed during consultation.