New Yorkers Flock to South Korea for Advanced Cosmetic Treatments

The Rise of South Korea as a Destination for Beauty Treatments

South Korea has become a top destination for those seeking advanced and affordable beauty treatments. The country is known for its cutting-edge skincare and cosmetic procedures, which have attracted many celebrities and beauty enthusiasts. This trend has led to a growing number of people traveling to South Korea for treatments that are not only more advanced but also significantly cheaper than those available in the United States.

One of the most notable examples is Y. Lee, a young woman based in New York City who gained popularity on TikTok for her “glow-up” trips to South Korea. She first went viral in 2024 after sharing a video detailing the 15 non-invasive treatments she underwent during one trip. These included fat-dissolving shots, Juvelook skin boosters, lasers, Botox, and eye-sizing procedures. Her post received over 1.7 million views, highlighting the appeal of South Korea’s beauty scene.

Lee, who spent part of her childhood in South Korea, noted that the cost of procedures like jaw Botox is much lower in Korea compared to the U.S. In the U.S., she estimates that jaw Botox could cost around $700, while in Korea, it costs about $100. After seeing the results of her treatments, Lee decided to leave her corporate job and focus on advising others interested in undergoing similar procedures in South Korea. She launched a website called BookDoctra.com, which provides reviews of Korean doctors and allows users to book directly with them.

A Growing Trend Among Celebrities and Skincare Enthusiasts

The trend isn’t limited to individuals like Y. Lee. Many celebrities and skincare enthusiasts have made trips to South Korea to experience the country’s advanced beauty treatments. Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, La La Anthony, and Stephanie Suganami were among those who recently traveled to South Korea for a girls’ trip focused on trying out the latest beauty procedures.

Another example is makeup artist Annette Bragas, a native of Germany who now lives in Murray Hill. Inspired by a friend’s successful experience with Dr. Song Hyungmin at the DRSONG4U Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul, she booked a trip to South Korea for a facelift, neck lift, and stem cell therapy. She paid approximately $35,000 for all the procedures, which included nearly three weeks in a hotel for recovery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a driver for appointments, and a skincare goodie bag worth around $600. Bragas was thrilled with the results, noting that she looked younger without appearing to have had surgery.

She estimated that the same procedures would have cost at least $50,000 in the U.S., not including additional expenses such as hotel stays or aftercare. While initially concerned about being the only Caucasian patient, she found that the clinic was accommodating and that several staff members spoke English. During her recovery, she socialized with other patients, describing the experience as akin to “plastic surgery city.”

Expert Insights on Safety and Considerations

Dr. Roy Kim, a plastic surgeon based in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, supports the idea of Americans traveling to South Korea for beauty treatments, provided they do their research. He emphasized that South Korea maintains high standards of medical care, sanitation, and ethics, with the same level of quality applied to both Korean and international patients.

However, he also highlighted important considerations. Patients should be aware of the need for recovery time before flying and the potential risk of blood clots. Additionally, the process in South Korea differs from what is common in the U.S. Doctors often specialize in one to three procedures and work within larger clinics. The main point of contact for patients is typically a patient ambassador rather than the doctor themselves. This can lead to a streamlined process, with patients often meeting with the surgeon and coordinator on the same day, receiving necessary tests, and scheduling surgery quickly.

Despite these advantages, Dr. Kim cautioned against overlooking language barriers, especially when dealing with complex medical terminology. He also warned that some clinics may have a “factory” feel, emphasizing the importance of thorough research into the qualifications of the medical professionals involved.

Looking Ahead: More Glow-Up Getaways

For those like Annette Bragas, the experience in South Korea has been so positive that she plans to return for another treatment. She expressed excitement about returning in January for another stem cell injection, further solidifying the appeal of South Korea as a destination for beauty and rejuvenation.