A common criticism of Korean plastic surgery is the "factory" approach—multiple surgeries performed simultaneously by different doctors. Understanding this system helps you make informed decisions.
High-volume clinics often have multiple surgeons working together, with one starting a procedure, another completing portions, and assistants handling opening and closing. While this increases efficiency, it raises questions about surgeon accountability and individualized care.
The system isn't inherently bad—in teaching hospitals worldwide, residents handle portions of surgeries under attending supervision. However, patients deserve to know who performs which parts of their procedure.
Questions to ask during consultation: Will you personally perform the entire surgery? If others assist, what will they do? Can I meet everyone involved in my care? How many surgeries do you perform daily?
Signs of a factory approach include: unusually short consultation times, difficulty meeting your actual surgeon, vague answers about surgical team, and clinics scheduling dozens of surgeries daily.
Alternatively, boutique clinics with single surgeons may offer more personalized care but potentially less availability. Neither model is universally better—your comfort level and research should guide your choice.
