Philtrum Reduction at Retmus Clinic Review
Obligatory mention that this review is for the discount. But I was told to use my own photos and give my honest experience.
Me: 24F from Canada
Doctor: Chung Seungil
Clinic: Retmus Plastic Surgery
Price: ₩6,500,000
Procedure: May, 19th, 2026
Context
I've been insecure about the difference in size between my upper and lower lip for a long time, and finally decided to do something about it. After a lot of research and learning how expensive and also kind of bad the surgery is in Canada, I settled on Korea, as I have some friends here (I'm still in the country) and was already had a passing familiarity with the cosmetic surgery scene here. I had a rhinoplasty on the past, in Canada, so I wasn't looking to get that done and only wanted the philtrum reduction. I quickly saw retmus being recommended for the hidden scar technique and due to its specialization for this procedure and decided to reach out. I contacted some bigger clinics as well, but quickly decided I'd rather go to a boutique clinic even if it's pricier.
Before arriving
Correspondence with retmus was super great, very consistent during their opening hours, and the whole process was clearly explained in a friendly way, and all my questions were answered. This made me a lot more comfortable and confident in choosing them, and I decided to put in my deposit a soon as I had my schedule settled with work and other obligations. They check with you once you book your flight and the entire time they're open to any questions or concerns. They have a mandatory list of blood work to get done, I decided to do it in Canada before leaving, but they can do it in Korea as well, you'll just need to get the surgery a few days later once the results are in (at least to my understanding). I sent them to retmus and it was all clear.
Going to the clinic
I went to the clinic the day after I arrived in Korea, for both the consultation and surgery on the same day. The clinic is conveniently located right across the street from the train station so that was great. I went in and met the translator who I'd been corresponding with the whole time, and he basically stays with the English speaking patients the whole time you're there. He's amazing and honestly made the experience 100x less scary and stressful. I met with Dr. Chung as well. He can also speak English (another reason I chose retmus) and was very clinical and professional in explaining everything. We went over my possible options and if I wanted additional surgery on my nose which would let me have a bigger philtrum reduction. I decided to not go with the additional procedure, and had a reduction of 3mm. I would say the consultation is a bit brief, but it's straight to the point and I understood what was happening, and could give my input and have the doctor's honest opinion. I think went to go and get my medication from the pharmacy right next to the clinic (they also spoke English) and had to come back a few hours after for the surgery.
Surgery time
When it came to the surgery time, I returned to the clinic did the pre-surgery prep, has my post-op medication explained again, and went into surgery. Again I had the translator with me the whole time, and the time leading up to the surgery was pretty standard and went smoothly. The surgery before mine was a little delayed, so I had to wait a little longer, but they gave me a private room to wait in, so it wasn't so bad. I spoke to Dr. Chung again briefly, finalizing what we would be doing and how much of a reduction. I then went in to the surgery room, was prepped by the nurses and the surgery began.
Post-surgery
Afterwards, I recovered from the anaesthesia, Dr. Chung informed me that everything had went well, and was then promptly released after I felt well enough. Surprisingly I didn't feel that bad afterwards, and had no issue returning to my hotel using public transit. I wore a mask and easily navigated back, with minimal pain or any kind of woozy feeling.
Rest of the week
I spent the rest of the week being a normal tourist in the city (just with wearing a mask). I relied on convenience stores and delivery food a lot, since I felt kind of insecure about eating in public with stitches and swelling, but if that isn't an issue for someone they easily could. I was probably a bit extreme in terms of going around the city like I didn't just have surgery, but it wasn't much of an issue with me and didn't cause any problems later.
Removing stitches
I went into remove stitches on day 7. Once again I had the translator with me the whole time. The nurse did most of the stitch removal, which was done so well I didn't even realize they were taken out. Dr. Chung then came in and did the scar shot, he was less clinical and more friendly this time, and was glad I was happy with the results. I then left, and was told if I had any questions later to message and they'd answer.
My opinion
I think the results were exactly what I asked for, it's pretty natural looking, and achieved the goal of exposing more of my upper lip. I still have a bit of swelling, specifically the base of my nose, but I'm comfortable and will be returning to Canada tomorrow.
I would definitely recommend retmus for this procedure, especially if it's the only thing you want done, or you want it paired with nose work. The experience was highly professional, all the staff is friendly and welcoming, the clinic is clearly prepared for international patients, and Dr. Chung did an amazing job. If I had to nitpick anything, I would say the consultation was maybe a little cold (friendliness wise), which can kind of put you on edge, but in the grand scheme of things it's a minor issue. I don't have experience going to other Korean clinics, so I can't compare but in a vacuum I'm satisfied with how retmus conducted things.