Patient Resources

How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?

The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health. For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. During your pre-surgical appointment we can help you make the right decision

What is the recovery from cosmetic surgery like?

Each patient tolerates pain after surgery in different ways. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help minimize any discomfort. In general, most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.

About Doctor

• Is your doctor qualified? Is the doctor a specialist in plastic surgery?
• How much training and experience does your doctor have in the surgery?
• How frequent does your doctor perform the surgery?

About Cost

• How much does a consultation with the doctor cost?
• How much does the surgery (or procedure) cost, including expenses for medicine or aids required after the surgery (or procedure)?
• If complications should arise, does the patient need to bear any extra costs? How much would the extra costs be?
• If a patient decides to discontinue the surgery (or the procedure) due to a change of mind, does the patient still need to bear the entire cost of the procedure?

About Surgery

• Is the surgery appropriate for you?
• Is there any way other than surgery to get the result you want?
• How long does the surgery (or the procedure) take?
• Does the surgery cause pain? If so, what kind of anesthesia and anesthetic drugs are used?
• Is the surgical equipment sterilized and used for you only?
• What are the risks of the surgery?
• How frequently do surgical complications occur and what is the success rate for the surgery in the hospital?
• Have you checked before-and-after photos of the surgical procedure?
• Are before-and-after photos provided by the hospital?

After Surgery

• What kind of post-surgery treatment is needed?
• Are painkillers required after surgery?
• Does the surgery cause swelling or bruising? If so, is it possible to treat it?
• When can you resume norrnal activities?
• When can you resume normal social activities?
• When (or at which stage) can you judge the results of the surgery?
• How long do the results of the surgery last?
• Can you see the doctor several months after the surgery if you need further consultation?
• What can you do if you are not satisfied with the result of the surgery?

Record of Surgery

• Is your surgery recorded? If so, how is it recorded?
• Will your procedural records or photos be disclosed to others?
• Is the hospital going to seek your approval before it discloses your surgical records including photos to others?
• Can you keep copies of your surgical records?
• How long does the hospital keep your surgical records?
• If the hospital closes down, where can you obtain your surgical records?

As with any surgery, cosmetic or plastic surgery may go wrong or fail to meet the expectations of the patient. Unexpected reactions may occur depending on various physical characteristics of each patient and it is not possible to fully predict them.

Before Surgery

• It is important that you have realistic expectations of the end result of your cosmetic/plastic surgery (procedure).
• You need to tell your doctor what you want in a clear manner and have a full understanding of what the procedure entails.
• It is also important to fully understand and to follow pre- and post-operative care procedures.

After Surgery

• If you are not satisfied with the result of the cosmetic/plastic surgery (or procedure), or if you believe that something is wrong, you need to let the doctor know through the relevant hospital or company that introduced you to the hospital. If your recovery process is still ongoing, the doctor and the hospital staff will take care of your concerns.
• If you are still not satisfied with the result after your recovery is complete, the hospital or the doctor may propose an additional surgery (procedure) for correction.

Complaints

If you believe the response by the hospital or the doctor is insufficient, you may file a complaint.

-The Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency is a government agency that provides consultations on medical incidents and makes assessments of medical disputes including investigating facts, establishing a cause-effect relationship, checking medical negligence, examining the after-effects of surgery, and determining damages with the aim of mediating between disputing parties and helping them reach an agreeement. Patients can receive consultations concerning their medical disputes and apply for mediation.

Website: www.k-medi.or.kr; Tel: 1670-2545(Country Code: 82)

-The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) is a governmental organization established with the aim of enhancing the rights and interests of consumers, providing help to consumers, and contributing to the development of the national economy. Patients can seek mediation from the KCA when they need to settle health / medical related disputes.

Website: www.kca.go.kr; Consumer Hot Line : 1372 (Country Code: 82)

-The Korea Health Industry Development institute’ s medical Call (supporting six Ianguages) provides information on Korean medical institutions and protection of rights and interests of foreign patients.

Website: www.medicalkorea.or.kr; Consumer Hot Line: 1577-7129 (Country Code: 82)