How to Choose a Breast Surgery Clinic in Korea? MD Breast Surgery Director Lee Sang‑dal’s Credentials & Costs Explained (2026)
So Many Breast Surgery Clinics in Korea – How to Choose?
Breast surgery is not something you can just “do on the side.” It involves multiple precise steps – implant selection, incision design, pocket dissection, post‑operative care – and any deviation in any step can affect the final outcome and safety. In Seoul’s Gangnam district, many clinics offer breast surgery, but very few focus exclusively on just one thing.
Choosing a breast surgery clinic essentially comes down to three things: the doctor’s depth of specialised experience, whether the institution has a complete pre‑ and post‑operative system, and how well price aligns with value. Since its establishment in 2001, MD Breast Surgery Clinic (MD가슴성형외과의원) has channelled all its energy and resources into breast‑related procedures. It is not a general hospital that does everything – it is a “breast‑specialised clinic” – offering augmentation, reduction, ptosis correction, nipple surgery, and revision – all centred on the breast.
This guide breaks down director credentials, core treatments, cost references, and a patient guide – giving you a clear basis for decision‑making when evaluating this representative institution in Korea’s breast surgery specialty.
Director Lee Sang‑dal: A Specialist with 25 Years Dedicated to Breast Surgery
The lead director of MD Breast Surgery is Dr. Lee Sang‑dal (이상달). His credentials carry significant weight in Korea’s breast surgery field.
MD, PhD · Board‑Certified Breast Surgeon
Dr. Lee is a medical doctor, PhD, and board‑certified breast surgeon. He completed training at the Breast Service of Sloan‑Kettering Cancer Centre and the Department of Plastic Surgery at New York University in the USA. Sloan‑Kettering is a world‑renowned cancer centre, and its Breast Service holds international prestige in breast disease and reconstruction. This training means Dr. Lee has received international‑level education in breast anatomy, breast disease management, and complex revision surgery.
25 Years of Clinical Experience in Breast Surgery
Since MD Breast Surgery was founded in 2001, Dr. Lee has accumulated 25 years of clinical experience exclusively in breast surgery. He designs personalised surgical plans based on each patient’s body characteristics and needs. In Korea’s breast surgery community, Dr. Lee is regarded as a surgeon “born for complex and difficult breast cases” – particularly excelling in revision surgery, capsular contracture management, and asymmetry correction.
Technical Signature: Endoscope‑Assisted Dual‑Plane Augmentation
MD Breast Surgery’s signature technique is endoscope‑assisted dual‑plane implant placement. The core value of endoscopy is that the surgeon can clearly see the internal tissue structure on a screen, allowing for more precise pocket dissection, avoiding breast tissue and blood vessels, minimising trauma and bleeding, and leading to faster recovery. The dual‑plane technique adjusts implant placement based on skin laxity – if the skin is tight, the implant is placed partially under the pectoralis muscle to reduce edge visibility; if the skin is looser, it is placed in the subglandular plane for a more natural feel.
Dr. Breast Post‑Operative Compression Garment
Dr. Lee has also developed his own Dr. Breast post‑operative compression garment, which is provided with every surgery. This garment is specifically designed for breast surgery recovery and reflects the director’s attention to post‑operative care.
What sets him apart from peers is that Dr. Lee is not a generalist who does “a bit of everything” – he is a specialist who has dedicated 25 years solely to breast surgery. He has accumulated a depth of experience in every sub‑step – breast anatomy, implant selection, incision design, revision surgery – that far exceeds the average general surgeon.
What Can MD Breast Surgery Do? Full Treatment Portfolio
MD Breast Surgery’s treatment system covers five main areas: primary augmentation, revision surgery, reduction/ptosis correction, nipple/areola surgery, and post‑operative management.
1. Implant‑Based Augmentation (Core Service)
MD Breast Surgery offers three internationally recognised implant brands: Motiva, Mentor, and Sebbin. During consultation, patients can physically touch Motiva and Mentor implant samples to directly compare the feel of different brands. The director also provides case comparison photos and a “try‑on experience” – allowing patients to see the effect of different cc sizes in front of a mirror.
- Motiva: Nanotextured surface, the softest and most natural feel; patented TrueMonobloc™ technology. Ideal for those seeking the most natural feel and concerned about capsular contracture.
- Mentor: Dual FDA‑approved in the USA; MemoryGel® cohesive gel; stable shape. Ideal for first‑time augmentation patients seeking a firm, lifted look.
- Sebbin: French brand; high‑adhesion shell reduces displacement risk. Suitable for patients concerned about implant migration.
2. Autologous Fat Augmentation
For those who prefer not to use implants, MD also offers autologous fat grafting – fat is harvested from the abdomen or thighs, purified, and injected into the breasts for a natural enhancement.
3. Revision Surgery (Core Strength)
Revision surgery is one of MD Breast Surgery’s core strengths. For issues such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, displacement, asymmetry, or visible implant edges, MD provides systematic revision solutions. Before revision, the clinic uses 3D imaging to precisely measure capsular thickness and implant position – even mapping the exact extent of capsular adhesion. This precise pre‑operative assessment is key to successful revision.
4. Breast Reduction / Ptosis Correction
For macromastia (large breasts), post‑partum ptosis, and asymmetry, MD offers customised surgical plans. Breast reduction at MD is also considered an “industry benchmark.”
5. Nipple / Areola Surgery
Including inverted nipple correction, areola size adjustment, and fine areola colour refinement.
6. Accessory Breast Removal
The director recommends removing accessory breast tissue at the same time as augmentation for a better overall result.
7. Post‑Op Laser / Scar Management
The clinic’s 3rd floor is dedicated to post‑operative care, offering laser treatments and scar management.
Ideal Candidates: First‑time augmentation patients seeking improved shape and natural feel; those with unsatisfactory results from previous surgeries needing revision; patients with macromastia, post‑partum ptosis, inverted nipples, etc.; and decision‑makers looking for a specialised breast surgery centre to enhance their confidence.
Institutional Credentials & Core Advantages
MD Breast Surgery (Korean name: MD가슴성형외과의원) is located at 3‑8F, MD Breast Surgery Center Building, 814 Seolleung‑ro, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul (Cheongdam‑dong).
Its core advantages are fourfold:
① Specialised among specialists: Since 2001, MD has focused exclusively on breast surgery, channelling all its energy and resources into breast‑related procedures.
② 8‑storey standalone specialty building: From pre‑operative checks and consultations to surgery and post‑operative care – everything is completed within one building, offering a one‑stop model.
③ High ratings verified: On the cashdoc platform, it has 54 verified reviews with a 4.9‑star rating (out of 5). Many patients comment “satisfactory results,” “quick recovery,” and “the doctor is kind and meticulous.”
④ International patient services: The hospital has a dedicated Chinese booking channel and customer service, providing a full suite of services from online inquiry, airport pickup, interpretation during consultation, to post‑operative follow‑up.
Cost Breakdown: Understanding Market Rates
MD Breast Surgery follows a “quote after consultation” principle. Below are market reference ranges for common procedures (KRW, including 10% VAT):
| Category | Reference Price Range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Motiva Implant Augmentation | ₩12,000,000 – ₩18,000,000 |
| Mentor Implant Augmentation | ₩10,000,000 – ₩15,000,000 |
| Autologous Fat Augmentation | ₩8,000,000 – ₩14,000,000 |
| Revision Surgery | ₩15,000,000 – ₩25,000,000 |
| Breast Reduction / Ptosis Correction | ₩12,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 |
| Nipple / Areola Surgery | ₩3,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 |
| Accessory Breast Removal | ₩3,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 |
* These are single‑procedure reference prices. Actual costs vary depending on implant brand, model, surgical approach, and individual factors. Final personalised plans and quotes are provided by the director during consultation.
Patient Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Address & Directions
- Address (EN)3‑8F, MD Breast Surgery Center Building, 814 Seolleung‑ro, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul (Cheongdam‑dong), Republic of Korea
- Address (KR)서울 강남구 선릉로 814 엠디가슴성형센터빌딩 3-8층
- Address (CN)首尔特别市江南区宣陵路814 MD胸部整形中心大楼3-8层（清潭洞）
- DirectionsBundang Line “Apgujeong Rodeo Station” – approx. 8‑min walk; Line 7 “Cheongdam Station” – approx. 10‑min walk
- Navigation TipCopy the Korean address into Naver Map or Kakao Map
Operating Hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 09:00 – 18:30
- Sat: 09:00 – 16:00
- Wed, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Booking Tip: We recommend booking at least 2‑3 weeks in advance. Bookings can be made via the hospital website
Language Support: The hospital has a dedicated Chinese booking channel and customer service, providing a full range of services from online inquiry, airport pickup, interpretation during consultation, to post‑operative follow‑up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between MD Breast Surgery and a general plastic surgery hospital?
A：MD is a breast‑specialised clinic that has focused exclusively on breast procedures since 2001. Unlike general hospitals that do many types of surgery, MD has deeper expertise and experience in breast surgery.
Q2: Does Director Lee personally perform the surgery?
A：Yes. Dr. Lee Sang‑dal is the lead director and personally handles both consultations and surgeries.
Q3: What are the advantages of endoscope‑assisted breast augmentation at MD?
A：Endoscopy allows the surgeon to clearly visualise internal tissue structures on a screen, enabling more precise pocket dissection, avoiding breast tissue and blood vessels, minimising trauma and bleeding, and leading to faster recovery.
Q4: How can international patients book an appointment?
A：We recommend booking at least 2‑3 weeks in advance. Bookings can be made via the hospital website. The hospital provides Chinese interpretation services.
Q5: Is revision surgery difficult? Can MD handle it?
A：Revision surgery is one of MD’s core strengths. Before revision, 3D imaging is used to precisely measure capsular thickness and implant position, ensuring accurate pre‑operative assessment. Whether revision is possible and the specific approach will be determined during consultation, with your previous surgical records.
Conclusion
Breast surgery is not something you can just “do on the side.” It involves multiple precise steps – implant selection, incision design, pocket dissection, post‑operative care – and any deviation in any step can affect the final outcome and safety.
MD Breast Surgery has proven over 25 years that doing one thing to perfection is more valuable than doing a little bit of everything. From Dr. Lee’s training at Sloan‑Kettering’s Breast Service, to the standalone 8‑storey specialty building offering one‑stop care; from the three international implant brands (Motiva, Mentor, Sebbin) to precise pre‑operative 3D imaging – every detail conveys the same message: We only do breasts, so we know breasts better.
If you are looking for a focused, professional, and deeply experienced breast surgery specialist, MD Breast Surgery is worth adding to your shortlist.