Traveling to Seoul for a facelift from the US, UK, or Australia

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are among the main patient markets of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery. For patients from these countries, the process typically involves an online assessment via email or Zoom, an in-person consultation in Seoul, and a stay of about 7 to 10 days after a deep plane facelift for recovery.

How do I make contact across time zones?

RNWOOD's working hours are set in Seoul time: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 13:00, closed on Sundays and public holidays. Messages sent by email to consult@rnwoodseoul.com are responded to within 24 hours.

What should I send first?

For an online evaluation, send front and side photographs taken straight on and at right angles to the face, without makeup or colored lenses, along with your surgical and medical history with the name of each procedure and the year and month it was done, any medical conditions, and the medications and supplements you are currently taking.

It is recommended to avoid wearing any contact lenses or makeup for a more accurate assessment of the current facial condition.

The response will include a recommended surgical plan and an estimated cost based on the photos provided, as well as next steps to book an in-person consultation and surgery.

However, please note that a more precise surgical recommendation and a finalized quotation can only be provided during the in-person consultation.

What should I know about the flight home?

The general recommendation is a stay of about 7 to 10 days after surgery, and you can fly back home as all sutures are removed within 7 days. The compression band typically stays on for only about 3 to 5 days, and does not have to be worn any longer than Dr. Ryu recommends.

What happens during the stay?

Daily dressings and Dr. Ryu's personal assessment, drains removed on days 3 and 5, all stitches removed on day 7, as well as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Healite LED therapy from day 1 to day 7. Most patients go home the same day as surgery after a few hours in the recovery room, with a one-day hospitalization possible upon request.

What do I take home?

On the day of surgery, patients are provided with a care package containing essential necessities, emergency pain medication, and post-operative instructions to take back to their hotel.

Following the 7 to 10 day recovery period, patients receive an additional care package containing a facial massage device, a medical report, and select creams to support the healing process after returning home.

How does follow-up continue?

A WhatsApp group chat with the English consultants is created ahead of the day of surgery for patients who have secured their surgery date. Assistance is provided during and after the patient's stay in Korea for any inquiries regarding scheduling, post-recovery questions, follow-up and emergencies. Any surgical or medical inquiry is forwarded to Dr. Ryu for his evaluation.

Is the clinic registered for international patients?

RNWOOD's registration number is M-2025-01-08-8488, issued by the Mayor of Seoul and valid from 24 January 2025 to 23 January 2028. Check the entry requirements for your nationality.

Frequently asked questions

Q1) Do patients come to RNWOOD from the US, UK and Australia?

A1) Yes. Although patients fly in from many countries around the world, these are among the clinic's main patient markets.

Q2) When can I fly home after a deep plane facelift?

A2) The general recommendation is a stay of about 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Q3) What letter do I get for the flight?

A3) A medical report to submit at immigration is provided.

Q4) Can I contact the clinic outside Seoul hours?

A4) You can send an email at any time, and a response is provided within 24 hours.

Q5) What should I take home for my own doctor?

A5) Ask for a medical report before leaving; it is provided on request.

About the Author

Dr. Min-Hee Ryu is the Medical Director and Founder of RNWOOD Plastic Surgery in Seoul and a plastic surgery specialist certified in Korea (2008). He has been Faculty of the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) since 2016, an Editorial Board Member of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal since 2019, and an Educational Council Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) since 2024.

Deep Plane Facelift — Deep plane facelift involves extensive dissection beneath facial tissues. Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, hematoma, infection, seroma, delayed healing, wound separation, persistent pain, and visible scars. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness can last for months, and hair loss or distortion of the hairline or ear position can occur. Poor blood supply can cause skin loss or tissue death. Nerve injury can cause temporary or permanent weakness, an altered smile, or numbness, and injury to the parotid gland or salivary duct can cause salivary leakage. A postoperative hematoma can require urgent drainage or another operation. General risks include thrombosis or embolism, and a complication can require emergency treatment or additional surgery. No result, symmetry, scar quality, or duration can be guaranteed, and sagging can recur. Post-operative Care — Swelling, bruising, pain, tightness, and numbness can continue during the postoperative care period, and recovery speed differs between individuals. If you have severe pain, rapid swelling, fever, a change in vision, or a wound that opens or drains, contact the clinical team right away using the contact details you were given.