Cosmetic Concierge

We delve into the intricacies of the medical concierge profession, exploring their role and responsibilities.

Embarking on a Journey for Cosmetic Enhancement

Undoubtedly, 2020 has been a tumultuous year, and the idea of traveling for cosmetic procedures may not have initially crossed your mind. HOWEVER, with the advent of vaccines in certain regions and the rise of remote work, PERHAPS, just perhaps, now is the opportune moment to consider cosmetic enhancements. Activate the COVID transformation!

If, like myself, you have contemplated undergoing a transformative procedure, the prospect of embarking on a voyage to a beauty-centric country like Korea undoubtedly appeals to you. Nevertheless, there is one significant hurdle: the language barrier. I, for one, lack proficiency in the Korean language, let alone the expertise required to navigate the oversaturated cosmetic market in one of the world's leading nations.
Enter the cosmetic concierges. Korea's beauty sector garners an astounding 33% of revenue from foreign clientele each year, and cosmetic procedures are no exception. As the arduous task of finding the RIGHT doctor often induces overwhelming anxiety, it is no surprise that these services have begun to proliferate!

So, What Exactly Is a Cosmetic Concierge?

To put it simply, cosmetic concierges are firms that collaborate with clinics to attract international clients. As a client, you can expect an array of services. The precise offerings vary among providers but may include crucial assistance such as translation services (arguably the most vital service), consultation aid, flight reservations, hotel accommodations, as well as airport pickup and drop-off services. Now, allow us to delve into the intricacies, for, despite the seemingly straightforward nature of these services, selecting the appropriate concierge can prove to be quite the challenge...

Korea treats medical introductions with utmost seriousness. I recently discovered that providers must possess a license to connect clients with other providers, and they are prohibited from publicly endorsing their partners directly. Consequently, you may encounter advertisements with mismatched watermarks. Fear not; you can inquire about their partners as soon as you engage a concierge. 
Beyond this, cosmetic concierges offer several tiers of services.  

The Array of Concierge Services

At the lowest end of the spectrum, some services merely provide contact information for clinics, offering no additional assistance or at most, a few written instructions on traveling to and from the airport. Personally, I harbor reservations about these services, as they fail to alleviate the stress of venturing to a foreign country for a life-altering procedure. Should you lack fluency in Korean, I strongly advise against opting for this level of service.


Above these basic services, you will find providers who offer introductions and accommodations, albeit without in-person translation or transportation assistance. If you possess exceptional navigational skills and feel comfortable navigating the pre-surgery conversations and consultations independently, this may be a viable option worth considering.

Lastly, we arrive at the crème de la crème of concierge services: providers who offer an all-encompassing experience. These services include complimentary consultations, comprehensive translation services (including accompanying you on the day of your surgery!), assistance with flights and accommodations, as well as transportation. In Korea, these providers are few in number, consisting of established names with years of experience, as well as VIP newcomers such as ShinMedical.

No matter which provider you choose, you can rest assured that they are wholeheartedly committed to securing the best deal for you, given the current market conditions, often offering discounts. Personally, I decided to entrust my journey to Shin Medical, as all their employees have undergone their own procedures and are fluent English speakers. For me, having the peace of mind that nothing would be lost in translation was of paramount importance. After all, when entrusting one's life to someone else's hands during a procedure, it is essential to feel a sense of kinship and familiarity.


This is precisely what these cosmetic concierges provide: peace of mind. If you are contemplating embarking on a journey for one or even multiple procedures, I wholeheartedly recommend opting for the VIP services to ensure a stress-free trip. Some of these concierges even arrange spa days for ultimate relaxation!