Liposuction

Reshape one area at a time

Removes stubborn fat through small incisions with a thin suction tube, to reshape areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms or chin. It is a contouring operation, not a way to lose weight. Most people return to desk work within a few days to two weeks, wearing a compression garment for several weeks.

Downtime
2–14 days
Minimum stay
10 days
Sessions
1
A clothed standing figure with shaded areas under the chin, on the upper arms, the abdomen and flanks, and the outer thighs, and dashed lines showing a slightly fuller outline before.
  1. Chin and jawline. Through tiny incisions; usually the quickest to recover.
  2. Upper arms. Often including the area towards the armpit.
  3. Abdomen and flanks. The most requested area; flanks and back are often priced separately.
  4. Thighs. Inner, outer, front and back, often as a full 360-degree area.

Liposuction reshapes; it is not a way to lose weight. A compression garment is worn for several weeks.

Estimated price range

KRW 1,000,000 – 6,000,000 · one area

≈ USD 743 – 4,458

Varies by clinic and your condition. The final price is confirmed after consultation.

Converted at a fixed rate as of 2026-09-11

Types and indicative prices

Many operations combine two or more of these. Prices are indicative ranges from Seoul clinics; the surgeon recommends a plan and the clinic quotes it after consultation.

  • Abdomen

    Upper and lower abdomen. Flanks and back are usually priced as extra areas.

    Indicative price
    KRW 2,500,000 – 6,000,000≈ USD 1,857 – 4,458
    Downtime
    5–14 days

  • Thighs

    Inner, outer, front and back of both thighs, often sold as a full 360-degree area.

    Indicative price
    KRW 3,000,000 – 4,500,000≈ USD 2,229 – 3,344
    Downtime
    5–14 days

  • Upper arms

    Both upper arms, often including the area towards the armpit.

    Indicative price
    KRW 2,000,000 – 4,000,000≈ USD 1,486 – 2,972
    Downtime
    5–14 days

  • Chin and face

    Double chin, jawline or cheeks, through tiny incisions. Usually the quickest to recover.

    Indicative price
    KRW 1,000,000 – 3,000,000≈ USD 743 – 2,229
    Downtime
    3–7 days

  • Local-anaesthesia mini liposuction (known in Korea as LAMS / 람스)

    A small-volume liposuction done awake under local (tumescent) anaesthesia with a very thin cannula, often followed by a fat-dissolving injection; the brand name LAMS comes from the 365mc clinic chain. Most people are back to normal in a few days, but it removes less fat per session than standard liposuction, may need several sessions, and does not tighten loose skin.

    Indicative price
    KRW 1,000,000 – 3,500,000≈ USD 743 – 2,601
    Downtime
    2–5 days

  • Arm lift (brachioplasty)

    Removes loose upper-arm skin, leaving a scar along the inner arm. Suits skin that liposuction alone cannot tighten, often after major weight loss.

    Indicative price
    KRW 2,500,000 – 8,000,000≈ USD 1,857 – 5,944
    Downtime
    14–21 days

Good to know

  • Plan about 10 days in Korea for a body area, and 14 days or more if several areas are treated in one session. Chin alone can need less.
  • Wear the compression garment day and night for as long as the clinic advises, usually several weeks.
  • Bruising and swelling are normal; the final contour shows over about 3 months.
  • Walk gently from the first day, and avoid strenuous exercise until the surgeon clears you, often 3–4 weeks.

Questions

Who is it suitable for?

Adults near a stable weight with fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Loose skin does not tighten much afterwards, so a tummy tuck may suit a loose abdomen better.

LAMS (local-anaesthesia mini liposuction), standard liposuction or a tummy tuck?

They solve different problems. Mini liposuction under local anaesthesia suits a small pocket of fat in good, elastic skin, with a few days of downtime, but takes less fat per session. Standard liposuction under sedation or general anaesthesia removes more fat in one operation. Neither tightens loose skin or removes the fat deep inside the belly; when the skin itself hangs, a tummy tuck is the operation that removes it. The surgeon recommends one after examining you.

Why do prices vary so much?

Clinics define an 'area' differently: some price the upper abdomen alone, others the whole abdomen. Body size, the number of areas and the anesthesia method also change the quote.

When can I fly home?

The NHS advises not flying for 5–7 days after liposuction. The surgeon confirms you are ready at a follow-up check.

Is the result permanent?

The fat cells removed do not come back, but the remaining fat can still grow if your weight rises.

Related guides

Ask about this treatment
Plastic surgery