How much does liposuction cost by body area at ARTNER Cheongdam?
Single-area liposuction at ARTNER ranges $1,500 (mini procedures) to $5,500 (largest single body areas). Most popular body areas: abdomen $3,500-$5,500; thigh $3,800-$5,800; arm $2,800-$4,200; flank $2,500-$3,800; double chin $1,800-$2,800. Combined areas (most foreign patients) range $5,500-$10,000. All prices include pre-op tests, the procedure, anesthesia, compression garment, follow-up visits, English operative report, and 6-month WhatsApp follow-up.
What is included in ARTNER's published prices?
ARTNER's published prices are all-inclusive, not surgeon-only fees. Included: pre-operative blood test and ECG; surgical procedure; anesthesia (local tumescent or twilight sedation); lymphatic drainage care (NO compression garment — ART-FAT signature) (varies by procedure); 2-5 follow-up visits in Seoul; English-language operative report; 6-month WhatsApp follow-up after return home. The only items typically not included: hotel accommodation, food, local transport, and optional extras (lymphatic drainage massage beyond initial sessions, English Medical Diagnosis Letter for insurance). See
hidden costs guide
for complete breakdown.
Why are some body areas more expensive than others?
Three factors affect per-area pricing: (1) Procedure time — abdomen takes 2-3 hours vs double chin 30-45 minutes; (2) Surgical complexity — areas with skin tightening adjuncts cost more; (3) Anatomy — areas requiring multiple positions (flank, back) take longer than single-position areas. Larger body areas (abdomen, thigh, back) are more expensive than smaller areas (knee, double chin, bra roll). Combined area pricing offers per-area discount versus separate procedures.
Are there package discounts for combined areas?
Yes — combined area pricing offers significant savings vs separate procedures. Examples: hourglass package (abdomen + flanks) $5,500-$7,500 vs $6,000-$9,300 separate; full body package (abdomen + flanks + thighs) $7,500-$9,500 vs $9,800-$15,100 separate; 360 liposuction (abdomen + flanks + back + bra roll) $7,500-$11,000 vs $11,300-$17,400 separate. Single anesthesia, single recovery, single Seoul trip eliminates duplicated costs.
What about technique add-ons like VASER or BodyTite?
Technique add-ons modify base pricing: VASER ultrasound +$500-$1,000; BodyTite RFAL skin tightening +$1,000-$2,000; J-Plasma skin tightening +$1,500-$2,500; HD Liposculpture (premium technique) +$2,500-$4,500. Most add-ons appropriate for specific cases — see
technique cost comparison
for guidance on whether upgrades are worth it for your case. ARTNER's preliminary consultation recommends technique honestly, not by margin.
How much do I need to bring to Korea?
Procedure cost is paid at ARTNER on the day of surgery (or split between consultation deposit and surgery day). Plus you need: hotel (10 nights $2,000-$5,000); food ($400-$800); local transport ($100-$200); optional K-beauty/tourism. For mid-range 14-day trip with single-area procedure: $7,000-$10,000 total budget. For combined-area procedure: $10,000-$17,000 total. International patients should plan budget with 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses.
Can I pay in Korean Won or US Dollars?
ARTNER accepts: Korean Won (KRW) cash; major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex); international wire transfer; Korean banking app transfers (KakaoPay, Toss). USD cash payment available with conversion at current daily exchange rate. Most foreign patients pay by credit card for convenience and credit card protections. Cash payment may receive small discount in some cases — discuss during consultation. All amounts shown in USD on this site reflect current approximate conversion; final amount in KRW is fixed at consultation.
Are there additional fees not shown in the price list?
Initial consultation: ₩30,000 (~$21 USD), waived if you proceed with treatment. Optional documents: English Medical Diagnosis Letter ₩20,000 ($14); Surgery Confirmation Letter ₩3,000 ($2); Medical Records Copy ₩1,000-5,000. Optional additional services: extra lymphatic drainage massage sessions (~$50 each), additional follow-up visits beyond standard. Korean medical tourism VAT refund (10%) applicable for qualified foreign patients — reduces effective cost. All optional fees discussed transparently during consultation.
Why is ARTNER's pricing different from cheaper Korean clinics?
ARTNER's mid-to-upper Korean pricing reflects: (1) Internal Medicine-trained director (uncommon credential); (2) Liposuction specialty focus (not general plastic surgery); (3) Full range of 14 techniques under one roof; (4) Foreign patient infrastructure (English, Chinese, Japanese coordinators); (5) 6-month post-op WhatsApp follow-up; (6) Comprehensive medical screening protocols. Cheaper clinics often skip these elements. Premium clinics charge $1,000-3,000 more without offering Internal Medicine background. ARTNER's positioning: medical-grade quality at mid-tier Korean pricing.
Do I need to pay before traveling to Korea?
No upfront payment required to plan your trip. Optional consultation deposit (~$200) holds your surgery date if requested. Most foreign patients pay full procedure cost on consultation/surgery day at ARTNER (Korean medical practice standard — payment at service rather than insurance billing). Hotel and travel paid separately as you book those services. Korean medical tourism does not require pre-payment to clinics in the way US medical billing operates.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Cancellations 7+ days before surgery: full refund of any deposit. Cancellations 3-7 days before: 50% refund. Cancellations 48 hours before: 25% refund. Cancellations within 48 hours: no refund (operating room time, anesthesia, staff scheduled). Medical reasons (Dr. Pyeon determines candidacy issue, illness, etc.): full refund regardless of timing. Travel emergencies (documented): full refund. ARTNER's refund policy is consistent with Korean medical tourism standards.
What language is the pricing consultation in?
Consultations are conducted in English by trained international patient coordinators who relay clinical and pricing details to and from Dr. Hye-woo Pyeon. Translation in Chinese (中文) and Japanese (日本語) also available. Submit pricing inquiry via WhatsApp (+82-10-5088-8038), WeChat (artnercd), LINE (@157rmdez), or email (artnercd4@naver.com). Personalized written quote in your preferred currency within 24 hours.
