Tips for people getting surgery alone?

#31
JLeeLee91 said:
Hey guys,

I've done my procedures mostly alone as well.

Same here :smile:

If you're the type who doesn't mind being alone, I would recommend that too in most cases.

My best tips, from my personal experience if you go alone:
1. Make sure you arrange everything well up front. As much as you can. Especially transportation and clean place to stay with enough towels and an extra pillow to sleep upright :smile:.
2. Depending on your surgery (especially in the face): do bring a blender.
3. Pre-set your timer on your phone for a good week to have your prescribed pain medication after surgery.
4.Put everything you need near you, and well organised: water!
5. Get the healthiest food that is the easiest to prepare that you also actually like.
6. Make sure you move and walk (carefully, indoors, first days).
7. Make a playlist before surgery that is really positive. Books are also great. Stay away from Social Media please, if that makes you only feel insecure. I always did an audio-course on Self Esteem during recovery because Plastic Surgery will not fix issues on the inside. Last time I did a free 12-day audio course from Deepak Chopra for free on YouTube haha.
Click to expand...

Just wondering, what do you usually blend with the blender after face surgery?
 
#32
K Couture said:
I did my lipo at dream with dr yoo. I had some unevenness in my belly region from doing multiple fat grafting, as in:

1) 1st time i used belly fat for forehead fat graft
2) 2nd time belly fat for top up to forehead
3) 3rd time ALOT of belly fat for brazilian butt lift

It wasnt uneven after the fat harvesting, BUT what happened was 2 years later when i gained some weight, because the fat cells distribution is now different, the areas where the weight was gained became uneven. This is because when you gain weight, the fat is deposited to areas with more fat cells and since my cells were distributed all over the place from all the fat harvesting, i ended up developing unevening fat deposits during weight gain if that makes sense. Note its IMPOSSIBLE to ensure even distribution of fat harvesting when you do multiple sessions with different surgeons like I did.

Anyways it doesnt matter where you go to do your liposuction to be honest. Liposuction has no speciality. There's no such thing as best liposuction clinic or surgeon since its a very very very simple procedure any surgeon can do. Just be sure to find a plastic surgeon and not a gp doctor. In korea gp doctors can legally perform liposuction. But gp doctors are doctors which prescribe you medicine when you have a cough and cold, and do not have the same training in anatomy and plastic surgery principles as plastic surgeons.
Click to expand...

Unrelated to the surgeries you mentioned but does it matter if you go to one clinic and surgeon for facial contouring and another clinic and surgeon for rhinoplasty? Or is it better to do it at the same clinic
 
#33
showledger2 said:
Unrelated to the surgeries you mentioned but does it matter if you go to one clinic and surgeon for facial contouring and another clinic and surgeon for rhinoplasty? Or is it better to do it at the same clinic
Click to expand...

Price wise definitely better as you get a bigger discount. Remember the anaesthesiologist fee is already added into the price of the procedures. Hence you one of the reasons they package up and give better prices is due to only one lot of anesthesiologist fee being charged. Unlike western countries, in korea for plastic surgery they don't mention it to you (some clinics do charge an anesthesiologist fee for THEIR OWN REVISION patients, its about 6-800k krw ) and simply package it in the price. Still alot cheaper than the fee you would have to pay in US/CA/EU/AU though. Over in Au I have to pay like 1200-1500 AUD -_- and medicare won't cover it, then they charge a hefty OR fee 8-1000Aud and a ward stay fee zzz.

Now whether or not its better results wise depends on who your surgeons are, skill etc etc. Also, its very unwise to do facial contouring and rhino at 2 different clinics WITHIN 3-4 weeks of one another. Swelling build up makes the surgery very inaccurate. If you gonna do these procedures with different clinics best to consider 2 trips.
 
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#34
showledger2 said:
Just wondering, what do you usually blend with the blender after face surgery?
Click to expand...
Mostly fruits and veggies.

I make a list upfront of fresh ingrendients that give the most value in terms of nutrients and are best for healing.

I also checked what is available best in a specific country. And, even though I'm not picky, what I like.

For example
Went to Miami for a lip lift in 2019. Certain tropical fruits were so much more available and cheaper than in my country, that I enjoyed them every day. As a nice side-effect I ended up getting compliments for glowing skin by my AirBnb-host.

I also saved a TON of money.

Good luck and enjoy :smile:
 
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#35
K Couture said:
i always do it alone. its no problem. I actually prefer doing it alone than with someone else. When im all swollen and recovering, i prefer to be super low key, wear my face mask go out shopping and trying street food/restaurants then coming home and chill. Im not in a social mood nor am i talkative whilst recovering, because well.....most of the time i just wanna sleep lol. I've done pretty much every procedure you can imagine too: zygoma, mandible, fat graft, double eyelid, rhino, concentric malar lift, smas lift, breast, bbl, lower blehpharoplasty, elasticum neck lift etc etc etc. Never had any issues taking care of myself. Just stock up your fridge for the first 2 -3 days post op. thats all
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Wow, have you done forehead lift, forehead reduction and brow lift
i am looking for a doctor who specialise in the above
 
#36
ilove90 said:
Wow, have you done forehead lift, forehead reduction and brow lift
i am looking for a doctor who specialise in the above
Click to expand...

Nope never done a forehead lift before. Only thing Ive done to my forehead is augmentation to make it more dimensional and rounder. Im doing my forehead lift once my country can apply for K-eta without quarantine.

Forehead lift also includes a brow lift btw, but a brow lift isnt a forehead lift.
 
#38
I am not trying to encourage anything or say a translator is a must. But I personally got great help from my translator not only before my surgeries but also after. Now I don't really freak out easily by some little signs or symptoms after my surgeries as I have been through quite some already but I sure was quite paranoid and worried after my first surgeries. Although my translator made a group chat room with the clinic for me, it was him who actually answered most of my concerns and questions during my postoperative days in Korea when I texted in night time or weekend since it wasn't the working hour for the clinic. He didn't just help me with the consultations but also was there on my surgery day as my guardian and it sure was a big reassurance to know there is someone for any unexpected accidents and it was good to wake up to a familiar face. Not every clinic I had surgeries with was diligently responsive after I came back to my country and I once had to discuss a minor revision but the clinic went a bit MIA and it was the translator who kept talking to the clinic for me and also other clinics for more options in case of that clinic deciding to be irresponsible. I really appreciated this because it felt like there wasn't much I could do as I don't speak the language and wasn't even in Korea.
All in all, it is your decision and weighing the priorities. I know tons of people who underwent all the surgeries alone, some after sufficient preparation, some just are more brave. If the clinic you are trying to visit has an in-clinic translator and if you think you have researched and prepared enough, a translator or any types of help is not a must. But as I wrote somewhere else already, I personally recommend having someone who has knowledge and experience to accompany you. It doesn't have to be a translator, agency or local Korean. Of course, will be better if she or he is your real friend or family member. But not all of us have that privilege, so at least talking to some plastic surgery buddies with the same goal and problems through communities or messengers is what I recommend. Some of them are actually quite experienced I believe. I think even I can answer some questions at this point after spending some years on my never ending enhancement. lol
ps - no need to be scared though. This is from a person who has visited Korea for more times than you can count with one hand. Would I get my translator's help again if I can go back to my first times? Probably yes. But now I know, I actually could've done it alone too if I had to. I know I would've still survived. lol I am grateful that I was so scared and cautious but looking back, I also know I was over-scared and too nervous. haha So stay strong and good luck everyone!
 
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#39
Hi, everyone! I just joined here today because I was hoping to get in touch with a group or communities for plastic surgery in korea in Dec.2021~Feb.2022. I was going to wait until Korea allows no quarantine entrance for my country but after hearing the omicron and even stricter restriction I just decided rather to go through the 10day quarantine and get it over with. Although things are happening quite in a rush and off the plan for me to do enough research for now, I've been actually wanting and planning this for so long so I think I am somewhat ready. lol Luckily I have some local unnies, Korean friends who live in Korea, so I think this can be a great help too. But unfortunately, they cannot really be with me from a to z and I am afraid there's only much they can help because of the limited English and knowledge about foreigner plastic surgery in Korea. I am planning to stay for quite some time, from mid Dec. to early Feb. so please help me to find some help group or plastic surgery buddies who will be in Korea around the same time. I am not sure if I will get all of these in this trip but I am interested in zygoma reduction with jaw line surgery, nose job, eyes and lips. Looking forward to hearing from some of you!
 
#40
딸기소 said:
You make it sound so nice! What kind of things would you recommend stocking up on for your 3 post-op days? (Food, health related items, special pillows?)
Click to expand...
This might be obvious but if you're getting face surgery and esp something like a rhinoplasty, bring a lot of button down shirts/pajamas. You don't want to risk bumping your nose, and when I came to Korea I only brought like two button downs and ended up buying two pj sets and a couple more shirts so I didn't have to do too much laundry/housework esp in the first two weeks.
 
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#42
Hi, i totally understand your feeling. i wanted to get surgeries done in korea since 2020, but my plan was put on hold due to the pandemic. i am now planning to go korea since there is no sign of pandemic coming to an end. May i know your experience in korea?
 
#45
JLeeLee91 said:
Hey guys,

I've done my procedures mostly alone as well.

Same here :smile:

If you're the type who doesn't mind being alone, I would recommend that too in most cases.

My best tips, from my personal experience if you go alone:
1. Make sure you arrange everything well up front. As much as you can. Especially transportation and clean place to stay with enough towels and an extra pillow to sleep upright :smile:.
2. Depending on your surgery (especially in the face): do bring a blender.
3. Pre-set your timer on your phone for a good week to have your prescribed pain medication after surgery.
4.Put everything you need near you, and well organised: water!
5. Get the healthiest food that is the easiest to prepare that you also actually like.
6. Make sure you move and walk (carefully, indoors, first days).
7. Make a playlist before surgery that is really positive. Books are also great. Stay away from Social Media please, if that makes you only feel insecure. I always did an audio-course on Self Esteem during recovery because Plastic Surgery will not fix issues on the inside. Last time I did a free 12-day audio course from Deepak Chopra for free on YouTube haha.
Click to expand...
this is such great advice!
i'm Eurasian (half Korean) and I have had some work done, but I had my relatives in Seoul to support me. many of them moved overseas so if/when I get my PS, I'm not sure if I'll have their support (which is majorly important IME to get clarification and treatment if you're with a native Korean). If I visit, 75% probability I will be doing procedures alone, which is a scary prospect to me. but i tell myself i'm an independent woman & I can do this. whatever your gender just keep telling yourself.
-the blender tip is so so important. expect to eat some odd food eg protein is essential for healing, but if you cant chew, erm... get used to blended chicken. also avoiding salt so the surgeon can have the best look at your bone structure without swelling during surgery, and to decrease swelling afterward.
-HYDRATE.
-We're all used to wearing face masks as a fact of life now, but before the pandemic, it wasn't uncommon to see ppl of all genders wearing masks & baseball caps in the surgery districts like apkujeong like it was no big deal. you can go out whilst covered up; don't be scared but ofc don't overdo the exercise--rest & relax. my point is there's no reason to be embarrassed if you need to go to the pharmacy/chemist or get some fresh air in your KF94, which are available at most reputable pharmacies.
-@JLeeLee91's tip about making a playlist and adding tons of podcasts is a top tip. even if one wasn't alone, you will get bored eventually probably!
-research VAT protocols so you can get your tourist refund
-bring a sleep pillow which holds your head up. the sort designed for air travel... looks a bit like a horseshoe. this way you won't accidentally toss on your face whilst sleeping
-bring along your pre-surgical supplements like arnica/sinecch
-if you're in contact w/ people make sure your pals are positive forces. you don't need negativity at this juncture.
-@citrusjam has got it on, bring buttondowns or zip-ups - anything where you don't have to pull a shirt or jumper off your head
 
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