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Surgery guide · Lips

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea — Cost, Methods, Benefits & Risks (2026)

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea costs US$3,000–8,000 all-in in 2026 with MISOODA — the same price Korean locals pay, with a free interpreter and concierge included.

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea is performed at internationally recognised Gangnam clinics, typically costing USD $3,000–$8,000 in 2026. As a Korean government-registered facilitator for international patients (Reg. A-2014-01-01-1414) with 12+ years, MISOODA connects you with 150+ verified clinics at the same price as locals — no hidden fees, no ghost doctors.

12+ yearsregistered since 2014
150+Verified clinics
VerifiedPatient reviews
Reg. A-2014-01-01-1414Seoul Metropolitan Gov't
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✓ 12+ years✓ Same price as locals✓ No ghost doctors

2026 quick answer

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea — cost & key facts (2026)

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea costs about USD $3,000–$8,000 in 2026, often 30–50% less than the US or back home. The final price varies by case and clinic — get a free quote.

Foreigner markup
None — same price as locals
Free quote
Within 24h (USD)
Clinics
150+ verified Gangnam
Cleft lip surgery cost in Korea 2026: about US$3,000–8,000 all-in, often 30–50% less than the US, same price as locals and a free quote within 24 hours
2026 cost range from this guide; the final price depends on case and clinic. Tap to enlarge.

Total cost

Beyond surgery: what else to budget in Korea

The surgery fee is the main cost. For a realistic total, plan for a short recovery stay — most patients stay about 1–2 weeks.

ItemApproximate 2026
Consultation + interpreter & conciergeFree with MISOODA (others often US$50–200)
Accommodation near GangnamUS$50–120 / night
Meals & local transportUS$30–60 / day
Airport transferUS$30–80 (subway from ~US$10)
Optional post-op care (de-swelling / LED)from ~US$30 / session

Approximate market ranges for a ~2-week stay; your MISOODA case manager gives a personalised, itemised estimate — free quote in 24h.

Cleft lip surgery in Korea stay costs for about 2 weeks: accommodation US$700–1,680, meals and transport US$420–840, airport transfer US$30–80 — about US$1,150–2,600
Stay costs calculated from the per-night and per-day ranges in this guide (14 nights / 14 days; optional care excluded). Tap to enlarge.

On this page

At a glance

Quick facts

Foreigner markup
None — local price
Free quote
Within 24h (USD)

Guide

What is Cleft Lip Surgery?

Cleft lip surgery is a procedure to correct a physical defect caused by a cleft lip. A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of the upper lip and appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. It also contains an opening in the upper lip that may extend to the philtrum as well as into the nose depending on the severity of the condition. Fortunately, cleft lip is treatable through cosmetic plastic surgery techniques to improve and restore normal appearance as well as function. It is also very important to correct these conditions to prevent future problems with nursing, feeding, or speech.

Cleft lip explained on a side profile: a split in the upper lip that may extend to the philtrum and into the nose, the areas cleft lip surgery in Korea repairs
Areas described in this guide. AI-generated model image, not a patient; zones are schematic. Tap to enlarge.
Why cleft lip surgery matters: correcting a cleft lip restores appearance and function and helps prevent future problems with nursing, feeding and speech
Reasons for repair given in this guide. Tap to enlarge.

Guide

Who needs cleft lip surgery?

Since cleft lip is a birth defect, most kids can have surgery to repair them within the first year two of life. This is considered as a primary surgery. While the person who had primary surgery is growing up, there is a growth rate difference between the surgical site and the normal part of the body. This can cause the scarring or deformity of nose, lip and philtrum. In this case, scar removal is needed as the secondary surgery. Also, someone who may have nose deformation due to cleft lip needs to be corrected with both cleft surgery and nose correction surgery called rhinoplasty.

Cleft lip primary vs secondary surgery: primary repair within the first year or two of life; secondary surgery removes scars and corrects nose, lip and philtrum deformity
The two stages of cleft lip surgery described in this guide. Tap to enlarge.
Cleft lip repair over a lifetime: primary repair in the first year or two, different growth rates while growing up, then secondary scar removal or rhinoplasty
How a secondary cleft lip repair becomes necessary, as explained in this guide. Tap to enlarge.
Secondary cleft lip surgery areas on a side profile: lip scar removal with muscle re-suturing, rhinoplasty for cleft nose deformation, philtrum bone or tissue grafting
Secondary procedures named in this guide. AI-generated model image, not a patient; lines are schematic. Tap to enlarge.

Guide

Surgery Procedure Information

Cleft lip surgery is a surgery to fix a cleft lip by closing the separation in one or both sides of the upper lip. It is done under general anesthesia. The incision, the type of method, and price is decided depending on the severity of the cleft lip condition. The surgeon will trim the tissues and sew the lip together. To restore the distorted shape, autologous tissue grafting can be done to improve the volume of the lip. If the thickness and ratio of the upper lip to the lower lips should be to be matched, mucosal transfer or tissue grafting can be performed to fill the space. The stitches will be very small so that the scar is as small as possible. It usually leaves the minimal scarring after primary surgery. In this case, all the deep and widened scar from primary surgery is removed and delicately suture the opened muscle. The philtrum bone grafting or rhinoplasty can be done together to create more natural result.

Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea costs about USD $3,000–$8,000 in 2026, often 30–50% less than the US or back home. The final price varies by case and clinic — get a free quote.

Most international patients plan a short trip covering consultation, the procedure and aftercare. Your MISOODA care manager confirms the schedule before you arrive.

Yes. MISOODA works only with government-registered, board-certified, malpractice-insured Gangnam clinics — no ghost doctors.

Yes. You pay the same price as locals with no foreigner markup, plus a free 1:1 care manager and an all-in quote.

Cleft lip surgery procedure in four steps: general anaesthesia, method chosen by severity, tissues trimmed and the lip sewn together, very small stitches to minimise scarring
Procedure steps as described in this guide. Tap to enlarge.
Cleft lip grafting options: autologous tissue grafting for lip volume, mucosal transfer to match upper and lower lip ratio, scar removal and philtrum grafting in revision
Grafting and balancing techniques named in this guide. Tap to enlarge.

Why MISOODA

Same price, more protection, even more perks

What's included

You pay the same price as Korean locals — no foreigner markup. As a Korean government-registered facilitator for international patients since 2014 (Reg. A-2014-01-01-1414) we compare 150+ verified Gangnam clinics, arrange English coordination, and support your cleft lip surgery journey from quote to aftercare.

✓ Same price as locals✓ No hidden fees✓ Board-certified surgeons✓ No ghost doctors

What cleft lip surgery quotes in Korea include: consultation, procedure and surgeon's fee, plus pre-op tests, anaesthesia and follow-up depending on the clinic
Quote contents as described in the FAQ of this guide. Tap to enlarge.

Operating-room CCTV: how to request it for your surgery

Under Korea's Medical Service Act Article 38-2 (the Kwon Dae-hee Law, in force since 25 September 2023), operating rooms where patients are put under general anaesthesia or are otherwise unconscious must have CCTV installed. Recording starts only when the patient asks — clinics do not have to offer it first. If your procedure is done under general anaesthesia or sleep (deep) sedation, the law applies to you; procedures done under local anaesthesia alone are not covered.

Ask in writing before surgery day. One line is enough: "I request CCTV recording of my surgery under Article 38-2 of the Medical Service Act" (in Korean: 의료법 제38조의2에 따라 수술 장면 CCTV 촬영을 요청합니다). Footage is kept for at least 30 days and is released only to investigators or courts, or with the consent of you and the medical staff filmed. A surgeon may decline in limited cases such as emergency surgery — if a clinic refuses for a planned surgery, ask why before you book. See our guide to whether plastic surgery in Korea is safe.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How much does Cleft Lip Surgery cost in Korea?+
Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea costs about USD $3,000–$8,000 in 2026, often 30–50% less than the US or back home. The final price varies by case and clinic — get a free quote.
How many days do I need in Korea for Cleft Lip Surgery?+
Most international patients plan a short trip covering consultation, the procedure and aftercare. Your MISOODA care manager confirms the schedule before you arrive.
Is Cleft Lip Surgery in Korea safe for foreigners?+
Yes. MISOODA works only with government-registered, board-certified, malpractice-insured Gangnam clinics — no ghost doctors.
Do I pay the same price as Korean locals?+
Yes. You pay the same price as locals with no foreigner markup, plus a free 1:1 care manager and an all-in quote.
How safe is cleft lip surgery in Korea?+
Korea's board-certified Gangnam clinics maintain a strong safety record. MISOODA works only with licensed, malpractice-insured clinics, with no ghost doctors, and every treatment plan is reviewed in a personal consultation before you decide.
What is recovery like after cleft lip surgery?+
Recovery depends on the specific procedure and your body. Your MISOODA case manager explains the expected timeline and aftercare for your plan and stays in touch throughout, so you always know what to expect.
Why do people choose Korea for cleft lip surgery?+
Korea performs one of the highest volumes of cosmetic procedures in the world, with experienced specialists, advanced technology and prices around 30-60% below the US, with no foreigner markup at MISOODA's partner clinics.
Who is a good candidate for cleft lip surgery?+
Suitability depends on your goals, anatomy and overall health rather than a single rule. A free MISOODA consultation reviews your case and advises whether cleft lip surgery or an alternative is the best fit, with a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
How long do I need to stay in Korea for cleft lip surgery?+
Most international patients plan around 1-2 weeks in Korea so stitches can be removed and the surgeon can check healing before flying home; more extensive procedures may need longer. Your MISOODA case manager confirms the exact length for your plan and arranges every follow-up.
What's included in the price for cleft lip surgery?+
Your MISOODA quote is itemised and transparent. It typically covers the consultation, the procedure and surgeon's fee, and, depending on the clinic, pre-operative tests, anaesthesia and post-op follow-up. You pay the same price as Korean locals with no foreigner markup, and we tell you upfront what is and isn't included.
Can cleft lip surgery be combined with other procedures?+
Yes. Many patients combine cleft lip surgery with complementary procedures in a single trip, which can save both time and overall cost. Whether it is suitable depends on your health and surgical plan, so your free MISOODA consultation advises what can safely be done together, with a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Is there a tax refund for plastic surgery in Korea in 2026?+
No. The 10% VAT refund for foreign patients' cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026, when Korea's 2016 tax provision expired. Pages still advertising a 7–10% airport refund are outdated. The best remaining saving is paying what locals pay — MISOODA guarantees the same price as Korean locals, with no foreigner markup.
Do I still pay VAT on cosmetic surgery in Korea?+
Yes — cosmetic procedures include 10% VAT in the quoted price, and since January 1, 2026 it is no longer refundable. Medically necessary treatment is VAT-exempt, so it never carried this tax. Always compare final all-in quotes; MISOODA quotes are itemised and final.
How can I save on plastic surgery in Korea now that the tax refund ended?+
Pay what locals pay. Some agencies' foreigner prices exceed local prices by far more than the old 6–8% refund ever returned. MISOODA guarantees the same price as Korean locals, a free interpreter and concierge, and an itemised quote within 24 hours. Tax-free shopping on goods like cosmetics still works as usual.
Cleft lip surgery trip plan in Korea: free quote within 24 hours, consultation, repair under general anaesthesia, stitch removal and healing check, fly home after about 1–2 weeks
Trip outline based on the stay and FAQ answers in this guide. Tap to enlarge.
Korea VAT refund for cosmetic surgery ended 1 January 2026: 10% VAT is now in the price; medically necessary treatment is VAT-exempt — ask how cleft lip surgery is classified
VAT facts from the FAQ of this guide. Tap to enlarge.
Six questions before cleft lip surgery in Korea: primary or secondary repair, severity and method, combined rhinoplasty or grafting, itemised quote, who operates, length of stay
Questions to take to your cleft lip consultation. AI-generated model image, not a patient. Tap to enlarge.

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