A genuine experience brought back from Seoul | Like Plastic Surgery: A comprehensive record of Philtrum reduction procedures · 2026 edition

I am an ordinary person who has always felt both curious and apprehensive about the topic of plastic surgery. Three years ago, I began to pay attention to medical beauty treatments in South Korea. After gathering a lot of courage, I finally flew to Seoul this year and scheduled the Philtrum reduction procedure and Double eyelid surgery that I had always wanted to have but never dared to attempt.

Of course, the whole process wasn’t smooth sailing at all. From choosing a hospital to actually getting admitted, I encountered many pitfalls and researched an enormous amount of information. Like Plastic Surgery was the name that repeatedly appeared on my shortlist during this process. In the end, I did go there, and now I’ll share my real experience in detail for those sisters who are also struggling with similar decisions.

Let me first introduce my background: My Philtrum is relatively long, about two centimeters in length, and my Lip surgery results were not very satisfactory; there is also a slight asymmetry between the sides. The main purpose of my trip to Seoul this time is to have my Philtrum shortened and my Double eyelid surgery revised, and I would also like to inquire whether these procedures can be done simultaneously.

I. Must-read before departure: Complete information about Like Plastic Surgery

Before undergoing any plastic surgery, it is essential to first understand the most basic information. Like Plastic Surgery is located in a prime area of Gangnam District, Seoul, and enjoys convenient transportation. The following are the essential details regarding how to get to the clinic:

It takes about 5 minutes to walk from Gangnam Station. Just head along Gangnam-daero in the direction of Sinnonhyeon, and once you see the signboard of the Mainstream City Building, take the elevator to the 7th floor. If it’s your first time visiting, you may need some help finding the place; it’s recommended to use Naver Maps for navigation in advance. Entering the address “Seocho-gu Gangnam-daero 435” in Korean will ensure more accurate directions.

For friends visiting Seoul for the first time, it is advisable to determine the direction near the subway exit. This area is densely populated with plastic surgery clinics, which might seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, but the main urban buildings are relatively easy to find.

II. In-depth Analysis of the Dean’s Background: You must understand these facts about Dr. Li Yongyu.

The most crucial step in choosing a clinic is to thoroughly understand the true qualifications of its director. After all, it is the director who performs the procedures, and it is their expertise and technical style that truly matter.

Dean Li Yongyu graduated from the School of Medicine at Hanyang University in South Korea. After graduation, he completed further training as a practicing physician at Hanyang University Hospital and is currently an academic member of the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons. Such qualifications make him quite accomplished in the field of plastic surgery in small and medium-sized clinics in Gangnam. Hanyang University is one of the top ten national universities in South Korea in terms of overall ranking, and its medical department enjoys a high reputation nationwide.

His core expertise lies in the precise refinement of facial features, particularly in the following areas:

• Philtrum reduction surgery (internal/external Philtrum reduction): This is the most representative and signature procedure offered by Like. Director Lee possesses independently developed patented technology called “HYBRID Philtrum Reduction,” which ensures that scars are concealed within the natural folds beneath the nose, reducing the risk of recurrence and providing long-lasting results. This procedure has received extensive attention and positive reviews in both Taiwan and mainland China.
• Lip plastic surgery: M-lip shaping, Cupid’s bow refinement, and lifting of the corners of the lips. Specializes in creating a youthful and soft “seagull-line” lip shape, with an emphasis on the overall facial proportions rather than simply enlarging the lips.
• Ocular plastic surgery and restoration: Double eyelid surgery, double eyelid repair, comprehensive eye treatment. The aesthetic approach emphasizes natural results, avoiding the exaggerated, overly large Double eyelid surgery popular among internet celebrities. For those with congenital asymmetry in eye shape, specialized treatment options are available.
• Facial anti-aging treatments: Thread Lifting, minor facial facelifts, and SMAS Lifting – a comprehensive set of solutions designed for those experiencing early signs of aging or mild skin laxity, highly popular among individuals aged 30 to 50 seeking beauty treatments.
• Nasal plastic surgery: Prosthetic rhinoplasty, autologous cartilage rhinoplasty, and Revision rhinoplasty – all focusing on achieving natural proportions rather than creating overly sharp or exaggerated nose shapes.

It is worth noting that President Li insists on personally performing all surgeries himself, without delegating the task to assistants. This practice is actually not the norm in some of Gangnam’s chain institutions. During consultations, he explains in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the surgeries as well as the expected results, and he fully respects the aesthetic preferences of his patients. This aspect has been repeatedly mentioned in numerous genuine reviews.

His overall aesthetic style leans towards a “natural, gentle, and refined look”; he does not advocate for drastic changes to one’s facial features and is more suitable for those who wish to make minor improvements or refine specific details. If you are seeking very dramatic and exaggerated changes, it may be necessary to have thorough discussions in advance.

III. Main Projects and Reference Prices

The following are the main surgical procedures offered by Like Plastic Surgery. Since the cost of plastic surgery is influenced by various factors such as individual conditions and the complexity of the procedure, the exact fee will be determined after a face-to-face consultation at the clinic. It is recommended to make an appointment through BeautsGO, as this will allow you to check the latest pricing information for the various procedures before your consultation.

Like Plastic Surgery does not offer fixed-price packages for all cases. The treatment plan for each patient is customized after a face-to-face consultation. It is recommended to bring recent frontal and side photographs when visiting the clinic, as this will help the director provide more accurate treatment recommendations during the consultation.

IV. A detailed record of my actual experience at the medical beauty clinic

I made my reservation in advance through BeautsGO. The entire interface is in Chinese, and I received a confirmation reply the day after filling out the request form; we also arranged the time for the consultation. On the day of my visit, I arrived 15 minutes early, and the reception staff at the front desk could communicate in Chinese. Overall, there were no difficulties in language communication.

The waiting time was not long; after about 15 minutes, I was invited into the consultation room. The room was small but tidy, and one wall was covered with certificates and academic materials, giving it a very professional appearance.

My first impression of Director Li was that he is quite quiet and doesn’t tend to talk much, but he explains things in great detail. I raised several questions regarding scars left after Philtrum reduction surgery, and he provided specific answers for each one. He also showed me several comparison images showing the recovery process at different stages. He explained that the key to the HYBRID technique lies in the careful design of the incision site—the cut is made within the natural folds of the skin beneath the nose, rather than being made in a visible area and then stitched back up. As a result, the scar is less likely to be noticed.

During the in-person consultation, he directly marked on the mirror the recommended amount by which my Philtrum should be shortened and explained why he suggested 3.5 mm instead of the 5 mm I had originally considered. The main reason was that, given the shape of my nasal columella, reducing it too much would make it look unnatural and also affect the contour of my upper lip. This made me realize that he was truly paying attention to the specifics of my face, rather than just reciting a standard script for everyone.

Regarding the simultaneous performance of Double eyelid surgery and Philtrum reduction, after examining the condition of my eyelids, he recommended performing the two procedures separately. He explained that conducting them at the same time would increase the difficulty of recovery and the risk of infection, and the results would not be as precise as if they were done individually. I understood this logic, so in the end, I only had my Philtrum reduced this time, and decided to postpone the Double eyelid surgery for another occasion.

The procedure on the day of the surgery was quite intensive. Once the anesthesia took effect, there was virtually no pain at all, and the entire operation lasted for approximately 40 minutes. After the surgery, the nurse provided a detailed list of instructions (including a Chinese version). In the first two days, before the stitches were removed, it was important to keep the area clean and avoid getting it wet. The instructions were explained in clear detail, so there was no need to worry about not understanding them.

I had a follow-up visit two weeks after the surgery (via WeChat), and the hospital responded quite promptly, providing specific feedback on the recovery photos I sent them. There was no instance of neglect on their part. Now, two months later, the scar marks have faded significantly, and the overall result is more natural than I expected; the Nasolabial angle correction has also improved noticeably.

V. Selected Reviews from Real Patients (BeautsGO Platform)

“At 42, I underwent a minor facelift. The recovery period was not as extreme as I had expected, and the overall results were better than anticipated. The hospital’s approach is quite conservative; it doesn’t focus on exaggerated results but rather emphasizes long-term effectiveness. The post-operative care was also e

xcellent, and the medical staff actively checked on my recovery progress.”
—User “Fenxin Dufen Xiongguo” from BeautsGO, Procedure: Minor facelift ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I had Double eyelid surgery performed by Director Li. During the consultation, he explained in detail the advantages, disadvantages, and aesthetic principles involved, without imposing his own personal tastes on me. He fully respected my decisions, and the results were beyond my expectations; the recove

ry process was also much faster than I expected.”
—User “I Destroy Her, He Destroys Me” from BeautsGO, Procedure: European-style Double eyelid surgery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“After having the Philtrum and corner of the mouth lifted, I look much more amiable and seem to always have a smile on my face. It completely eliminates the previous stern appearance. Director Li’s technique is very delicate; the recovery period was smooth, and there was no excessive swelling at all, which was far from what I had expected. I am very satisfied and

will definitely come back if I need this procedure again in the future.”
—User “Zhi Xiaoyang” from BeautsGO, Procedure: Philtrum + Corner of the Mouth Lifting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

VI. Travel tips around Gangnam: Arrange your trip accordingly.

When coming to Gangnam for surgery, there are numerous activities you can incorporate into your trip. Here are some practical recommendations for local activities:

Shopping and gourmet experiences (pre-treatment itinerary)

• Sinsa Dong Linnyun Avenue (towards Dosan Park): A gathering place for cafes and South Korean Designer brands. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk before the procedure, and the surroundings are perfect for taking photos.
• Gangnam Underground Shopping Street (Gotumall): With affordable prices, you can find many local South Korean skincare brands here – perfect for shopping before your trip.
• Apgujeong Rodeo Street: One of the areas with the highest concentration of plastic surgery clinics. There are also numerous options for snacks and Korean cuisine in the vicinity, making it an ideal place to stroll around before or after a consultation.
• Cheongdam District Shopping Area: Galleria Department Store and many flagship stores of South Korean local brands are located here, making it very convenient to purchase cosmetics and skin care products.

Options for rest after the procedure

• It is recommended to stay in a business hotel located near Gangnam District or Sinsa-dong, as it is convenient for travel and most of these hotels have 24-hour convenience stores, making it easy to purchase items needed for post-treatment care.
• It is recommended to focus on rest within three days after the surgery. Avoid long walks or visiting crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
• Those who need post-treatment accommodation can consult BeautsGO in advance; the platform can assist in arranging suitable accommodations after the procedure.

Practical apps

• Naver Maps: The preferred local navigation app in South Korea, offering more accurate directions for alleys and floor levels than Google Maps.
• Papago: A Korean translation tool that is more than capable of handling menus, road signs, and hospital notices.
• KakaoT: Calling a taxi is much faster than hailing one on the spot, and the price is fixed, so there are no arbitrary surcharges.

VII. Complete Guide to How Like Visitors Can Make Appointments at BeautsGO Plastic Surgery Center

When it comes to undergoing plastic surgery in South Korea, what really causes the most headaches is not the surgery itself, but rather how to go about making an appointment. Issues such as language barriers, uncertainty about whether the prices are transparent, the possibility of facing additional fees upon arrival, and knowing whom to turn to in case of any problems—all of these challenges I also encountered at that time.

I personally use the BeautsGO platform to make appointments, and to be honest, the whole process is much more hassle-free than I expected.

The six major advantages of BeautsGO:

• ✅ Chinese-speaking assistance throughout the process: Chinese-speaking coordinators will be available on both the day of the consultation and the surgery, ensuring zero communication barriers.
• ✅ Prices can be checked in advance: The costs for major procedures can be directly viewed within the APP, so there’s no need to worry about inflated prices upon arrival at the clinic.
• ✅ Verification of licensed hospitals: All hospitals affiliated with the platform have undergone qualification audits to ensure that users do not engage with unlicensed institutions.
• ✅ Follow-up on post-treatment issues: In case of any disputes, the platform provides after-sales support; it doesn’t simply ignore the issue once the contract is signed.
• ✅ Multilingual support: Available in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Thai, making it suitable for patients from various backgrounds.
• ✅ Free consultation: Before making a reservation, you can first consult with the hospital’s consultants on the platform to ensure that the treatment is suitable for you before placing an order. No forced transactions are involved.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Like Plastic Surgery only perform procedures on the lips and eyes?

No. Although shortening the Philtrum and lip reshaping are the most representative procedures, Like also offers a range of surgeries such as comprehensive eye and nose treatments, facial anti-aging procedures (such as mini-lifts and thread lifts), and rhinoplasty with implants, covering basically all the main needs in facial plastic surgery.

Q2: Does Director Li Yongyu personally perform every surgery himself?

Based on various sources of information and actual patient feedback, Director Li insists on personally performing all surgeries himself and does not delegate this task to Dental hygienists. This is one of the notable strengths of this clinic. It is recommended to confirm this detail with the clinic again before making an appointment.

Q3: How long is the recovery period after Philtrum reduction surgery?

Generally speaking, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to reduce swelling initially, and it usually takes 3 to 6 months for scars to fade. Director Li’s HYBRID Philtrum technique focuses on concealing scars within the natural folds beneath the nose, making them less noticeable in the later stages. However, the specific recovery time varies depending on individual physical conditions.

Q4: Is it convenient to fly from Taiwan or Southeast Asia?

It’s extremely convenient. Seoul Incheon International Airport offers direct flights to cities such as Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. The Gangnam area is approximately 60 minutes away by car from Incheon Airport (about 55 minutes by airport shuttle bus to Gangnam Station). By booking through BeautsGO, you can also get assistance with transportation and accommodation arrangements.

Q5: What preparations are needed before coming to Korea for medical beauty treatments?

It is recommended to submit a consultation form through BeautsGO in advance, and upload both frontal and side photographs. The clinic will then provide a preliminary assessment of the treatment options. Additionally, it is necessary to stop taking aspirin, any health supplements that promote blood circulation, etc., for at least one week. For surgeries under general anesthesia, it is essential to fast before the procedure. The clinic will provide detailed instructions on all pre-operative preparations after confirming the appointment.