A Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Surgery and Anesthesia in South Korea | Is Sleep Anesthesia Really Safe? How Are the Costs of Local vs. General Anesthesia Calculated? Sharing My Real Experience at Gangnam Clinics

To be honest, many people who go to South Korea for cosmetic surgery focus solely on the cost of the procedure and the skills of the surgeon. However, there is one crucial aspect that almost no one pays attention to: anesthesia.

I have a friend who ended up on the operating table without fully understanding the type of anesthesia that would be used. As a result, he spent the entire day vomiting after waking up. Another friend had what was supposed to be a simple Double eyelid surgery. When the doctor asked if he wanted general anesthesia, he agreed without hesitation. Not only did he waste money on it, but he also suffered from dizziness for two days after the procedure.

This article aims to clarify the methods, costs, and risks associated with plastic surgery and anesthesia in South Korea. In particular, I will share some experiences I have personally encountered, so that after reading this, you won’t be easily led astray by various clinics.

I. The three most common methods of anesthesia in South Korea

When undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea, there are basically three types of anesthesia available: local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia (also known as conscious sedation), and general anesthesia. These three types differ significantly from each other, and the choice of which one to use depends on the specific procedure you are having performed.

① Local anesthesia

The most basic method involves administering a local anesthetic at the area where the procedure will be performed. The patient remains awake throughout the entire process. You will be able to feel the doctor’s movements, but it won’t hurt at all, and the recovery time after the surgery is also significantly faster.

Suitable procedures include Double eyelid surgery, eye bag removal, Botox injections, Filler injections, superficial laser treatments, and simple thread lift procedures.

From my personal experience, local anesthesia is currently the safest and most cost-effective option. As long as you’re not undergoing a major surgery, it’s always better to choose local anesthesia instead of spending extra money just to “sleep more comfortably.”

② Sedative anesthesia for sleep procedures

This isn’t actually true sleep; rather, it’s a state of semi-consciousness induced by intravenous administration of sedatives—commonly Propofol or Midazolam. You won’t retain any memory of the procedure, but you will still be conscious; you might even respond when your name is called by the doctor.

This method is extremely commonly used in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry, yet it is also the one that generates the most controversy. Why? Because it is very difficult to precisely control the depth of sedation during sleep. Since everyone’s physical condition is different, even a slight difference in the dosage can cause the state of sedation to shift from “light sleep” to “such deep sleep that breathing slows down significantly,” thereby increasing the risk. In the worst-case scenario, respiratory depression may even occur – and this is no joke.

Suitable surgeries include rhinoplasty, autologous fat transplantation, medium to large facial procedures, and when multiple treatments are performed simultaneously.

③ General anesthesia

You are in such a state that you have completely lost consciousness; intubation is required to assist with breathing, and specialized anesthesiologists must monitor your vital signs throughout the entire process.

South Korean medical regulations stipulate that general anesthesia must be administered by a specialist anesthesiologist and cannot be performed by the surgeon performing the operation. However, to be honest, some smaller clinics still bypass these rules in order to save costs. I will go into detail about this later.

Suitable surgeries include major procedures such as bone reduction (of the jawbone or chin), orthognathic surgery, and breast augmentation.

II. A breakdown of plastic surgery and anesthesia costs in South Korea (up to date in 2026)

To put it simply, many people are unclear about exactly how much the anesthesia fee amounts to. In South Korea, clinics often include the anesthesia cost within the total surgery fee, but some also list it separately. As a result, people may easily be misled by seemingly lower prices.

The following is a reference on anesthesia costs for 2026, which I compiled after personally inquiring with several clinics in Gangnam:

Anesthesia method	Cost range (Korean won)	Agreed on the amount in Taiwanese dollars	Applicable scenarios	Risk Level
local anesthesia	Most of these costs are included in the surgical fees.	NT$0 (inclusive)	Injections, thread implants, minor surgeries	★ Low
sleep anesthesia	150,000 to 300,000	NT$3,500 to NT$7,000	Nose augmentation, liposuction, major and medium-sized surgeries	★★★ Medium
General anesthesia	300,000 to 800,000	NT$7,000 to 19,000	Bone reduction, jaw reshaping, breast augmentation	★★★★ Excellent
Anesthesiologists monitor the costs involved.	100,000 to 300,000	NT$2,300 to NT$7,000	Additional safety options available for purchase	↓ Reduce risks

⚠️ Important reminder: The prices mentioned above represent the actual ranges I consulted in 2026. There can be significant differences among different clinics, so these figures should only be used as a reference. The key thing to remember is this—if a clinic offers significantly lower anesthesia costs, you should definitely be cautious. The saying “you get what you pay for” applies especially when it comes to anesthesia services.

III. Is sleep anesthesia really safe? This is the real question at hand.

To put it simply: Under the conditions of a regular clinic and with the close supervision of a specialist anesthesiologist throughout the procedure, sleep anesthesia is safe. However, the reality is that not every clinic operates in such a regulated manner.

I once made a mistake: I went to a clinic in Gangnam to consult about rhinoplasty, and the quote included 150,000 Korean won for sedation. I asked the receptionist, “Who will be responsible for the anesthesia?” She stammered, “Our doctors will handle it themselves.”

As soon as I heard about it, I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t until I did some research that I found out that that clinic didn’t even have a doctor specializing in anesthesiology; the surgeon himself was responsible for administering anesthesia. To put it bluntly, it’s like having a doctor perform the surgery while also having to worry about monitoring your breathing and heartbeat. In such a situation, who would be there to save you if anything went wrong?

Therefore, when seeking consultation, you must make sure to ask these three questions clearly:

1. Who performs the anesthesia? Is it a specialist anesthesiologist or the surgeon themselves? This answer can directly indicate whether a clinic is legitimate or not.
2. Is there any anesthesia monitoring equipment? I mean those devices that continuously monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure (the professional term for these is “vital signs monitors”). A legitimate clinic must have such equipment, and it should be turned on throughout the entire procedure.
3. What are the emergency response plans? What if an accident happens and the clinic doesn’t have necessary emergency equipment such as defibrillators or oxygen? Where is the nearest hospital’s emergency center, and how long will it take to get there?

If the clinic provides unclear answers to these three questions, it is recommended that you find another one. Your health is far more important than saving a little money.

IV. Which type of anesthesia is suitable for different surgeries? Understand it in just one minute.

Many people ask me: Which type of anesthesia should I choose for a certain surgical procedure? Here’s a quick reference table for you:

Types of surgeries	Recommended methods of anesthesia	Reasons
Botulinum toxin/Filler injections	local anesthesia	The pain is minimal, and it ends in just a few minutes.
Double eyelid surgery / Eye bags	local anesthesia	You need to open and close your eyes as the doctor instructs.
Thread lift / Thread carving	local anesthesia	The incision is small, allowing for communication during the procedure.
Nose augmentation	sleep anesthesia	The surgical area is quite large, so some areas may not be fully covered.
Autologous fat transplantation	Sleep anesthesia	Liposuction combined with filler injections is a relatively lengthy procedure.
Facial lifting	Sleep or general anesthesia	Considering the scope of the procedure, general anesthesia is recommended for a full facelift.
Bone reshaping / Jaw correction	General anesthesia	An anesthesiologist must monitor the entire process.
breast augmentation	General anesthesia	For major surgeries, general anesthesia and intubation are essential.

V. Pre- and Post-Surgery Precautions – Details That Cannot Be Ignored

These are the rules that I always follow before undergoing any medical beauty treatment. Missing even one of them could potentially increase the risks involved:

Before the procedure (before anesthesia)

• It is essential to fast for at least 6 to 8 hours before undergoing sleep anesthesia or general anesthesia (the requirement for general anesthesia is even stricter, usually 8 to 12 hours), and it is also important not to drink any water. This is done to prevent vomit from entering the trachea after the anesthesia takes effect.
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke in the week before the procedure, as these can affect the metabolism of anesthetics.
• If you have a history of drug allergies, you must inform your doctor in advance, especially if you are allergic to anesthetics.
• If you have chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid problems, be sure to inform the professionals in advance.
• Those who are taking anticoagulant medications such as aspirin or fish oil should stop taking them in advance, as this may lead to excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Postoperative recovery

• After waking up from anesthesia, it is best not to drive or walk alone immediately; it is safer to have someone accompany you.
• Nausea and dizziness are common symptoms that usually subside within 1 to 2 hours.
• Within 24 hours after general anesthesia, it is advisable not to make important decisions or operate machinery.
• If you experience persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Don’t assume that “holding on a little longer will make it pass.”

VI. Commonly used drug brands for anesthesia in South Korea

Many people don’t realize that anesthetics in South Korea also come in different brands. Different clinics use different types of anesthetics, and as a result, the effects and safety levels can vary. Let me provide some quick information on this topic:

• Propofol: The most commonly used drug for sedation and anesthesia in South Korea. It takes effect quickly and is also metabolized rapidly, but precise dosage control is essential. The well-known “milk injection” actually refers to this drug.
• Midazolam: It has a milder sedative effect and is often used in combination with propofol.
• Lidocaine: The most commonly used drug for local anesthesia, extremely widespread.
• Sevoflurane: An inhalation anesthetic commonly used for general anesthesia.

You don’t need to memorize these drug names, but at least you should know that legitimate clinics will clearly inform you about what medications are being used and in what dosages. If a clinic is vague about this information, you should be alert.

VII. My own personal experience (a lesson learned through blood and tears)

To be honest, when I first went to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, I didn’t give any thought to anesthesia at all. Back then, when it came to Double eyelid surgery, the doctor suggested, “It will be more comfortable if we use sedation,” and I simply agreed without thinking.

What was the result? After the surgery, I woke up feeling extremely dizzy. When I tried to get up to use the bathroom, I almost fell in the clinic’s restroom. It was the nurse who heard me and rushed in to help me up. Looking back, it’s possible that the dosage of the anesthetic used in that clinic wasn’t properly controlled, or perhaps my body reacted more strongly to that particular drug.

So afterwards, I learned my lesson and always make sure to ask all the details about anesthesia before any consultation. Nowadays, if it’s just a simple injection or laser treatment, I opt for local anesthesia – it’s hassle-free and safe.

My current rule of thumb is this: for minor surgeries, don’t insist on general anesthesia just for the sake of comfort. Wouldn’t it be more worthwhile to use that extra money to enjoy some Korean beef?

In summary: Just remember these three points.

1. Minor procedures (injections, Double eyelid surgery, thread embedding) → Local anesthesia is sufficient; it’s cost-effective and safe.
2. Moderate surgeries (nose augmentation, fat transplantation) → Sleep anesthesia is OKAY, but it is essential to ensure that there are anesthesia monitoring devices and specialist physicians available.
3. For major surgeries such as bone reduction, orthognathic surgery, or breast augmentation, general anesthesia is essential, and an anesthesiologist must be present throughout the procedure without any compromise.

Without further ado, when it comes to anesthesia, don’t cut corners, don’t settle for anything less, and definitely don’t take any chances. You are going to South Korea to become more beautiful, not to risk your life.

Want to read more informative articles about medical aesthetics in South Korea? Scroll down, and you’ll find the reputable clinics in Gangnam that I recommend👇