What to Pack for Plastic Surgery in Korea

What to pack for plastic surgery in Korea: the essentials

Knowing what to pack for plastic surgery in Korea saves you from searching for small comforts when you least feel like it. The good news is that Seoul is well supplied: pharmacies, convenience stores and department stores near Sinsa carry most everyday items. Focus your luggage on documents, medical information and a few personal comforts, and buy the rest locally if you need it.

Documents and records

• Passport, with plenty of remaining validity, and any visa or K-ETA confirmation. Rules change, so check the current requirements before travel; see medical visa for Korea.
• Printed and digital copies of your flight and accommodation details.
• Records of previous surgery, especially if you are considering revision: operation notes, dates and earlier photos.
• A written list of your medications, supplements, allergies and medical conditions.
• Travel insurance documents, if you have them.
• The clinic address in English and Korean: 5F Mihye Building, 590 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Medications

Bring your regular prescribed medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription, and enough for your full stay plus a few days. Some medicines and supplements affect bleeding, and your own doctor should advise whether and when to pause them before surgery; see medications and supplements to pause before surgery. Tell Dr. Kim Jun-young about everything you take. Countries have different rules for bringing certain medicines across borders, so check official guidance if you take controlled medication.

Clothing for recovery

• Front-opening shirts and jackets such as button-up shirts or zip hoodies, so nothing has to pass over your face after surgery.
• Loose, soft layers for lounging in your room.
• Slip-on shoes so you do not need to bend down.
• A wide-brimmed hat and a scarf or mask for going out while swollen.
• Season-appropriate outerwear. Seoul summers are hot and humid; winters are cold and dry.

Recovery comforts

• Sunglasses, ideally large, to shield swollen eyes and protect healing skin from light.
• A travel pillow or wedge to help keep your head raised while sleeping.
• Lip balm and a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer, since hotel air can be dry.
• A refillable water bottle and a few bendable straws.
• Entertainment: downloaded films, audiobooks or podcasts, because reading may tire swollen eyes.
• A phone charger with a long cable, so your phone can reach the bed.
• A small notebook for questions for Dr. Kim.

Cold packs, gauze and simple supplies can be bought locally, and the clinic will advise on anything specific your procedure needs.

Technology and connectivity

A working phone matters more than usual on a surgical trip, since it is how you will reach the clinic, call taxis and find your way. Consider a local SIM card or an eSIM, which can be arranged before you fly or at the airport. Bring a universal plug adapter; Korea uses the round two-pin plugs common across much of Europe. A small power bank is handy for check-up days. Download a local map app, a translation app with camera text recognition, and the messaging app KakaoTalk, which the clinic uses, so you can send questions and photos easily after surgery.

A note for companions

If someone is travelling with you, ask them to pack comfortable walking shoes, a little patience and a willingness to fetch porridge at odd hours. They should also bring their own passport, any entry documents they need and copies of your accommodation details and clinic address.

Things to leave at home

• Contact lenses, if you are having eye surgery; bring glasses instead, as lenses are usually not worn for a period afterwards.
• Heavy make-up and false eyelashes, which should not be used near healing incisions until Dr. Kim advises.
• Anything valuable you will not need.
• An overfull itinerary. Leave room for rest.

Packing for the flight home

In your hand luggage, keep your medications, aftercare instructions, sunglasses, a scarf, water and a travel pillow. Pack lightly enough that you will not need to lift a heavy case after surgery, or plan for someone to help. Read flying after plastic surgery for tips on staying comfortable on long flights, including moving regularly and keeping hydrated.

A final check before you leave home

A few days before departure, run through our preparing for surgery checklist and confirm your appointment times with the coordinator. Tell someone at home your travel dates and accommodation address. Then close the suitcase, and try to arrive in Seoul rested. See recovering comfortably in Seoul for what the first days after surgery typically involve, so the things you pack have a clear purpose.