Tumescent vs. Local Anesthesia Protocols – Cost in Korea
Tumescent vs. Local Anesthesia Protocols – Cost in Korea
Hair restoration procedures (FUT, FUE, etc.) in Korea typically utilize either tumescent anesthesia
—which involves infiltrating a dilute solution of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline to create a firm, numbed field—or traditional local anesthesia
injections for targeted areas. Tumescent offers better hemostasis and longer duration, while local is simpler and faster. Here's how costs compare when billed separately or as add-ons in clinics.
Comprehensive Cost Overview
| Anesthesia Type |
Estimated Cost (KRW) |
Approx. USD |
| Local Anesthesia Only (per procedure) |
₩200,000 – ₩400,000 |
$150 – $305 |
| Tumescent Anesthesia (infiltration method) |
₩300,000 – ₩600,000 |
$230 – $460 |
| Combined Local + Tumescent |
₩450,000 – ₩800,000 |
$345 – $610 |
| Anesthesia Upgrade (longer-duration agents) |
₩600,000 – ₩900,000 |
$460 – $690 |
Detailed Cost Analysis by Component
| Component |
Description |
Cost (KRW) |
USD |
| Basic Local Lidocaine Injection |
Standard local anesthetic per injection area |
₩200,000 – ₩400,000 |
$150 – $305 |
| Tumescent Solution Preparation |
Mixing lidocaine, epinephrine, saline; sterile setup |
₩100,000 – ₩200,000 |
$75 – $150 |
| Tumescent Infiltration (per area) |
Administration of tumescent fluid to donor/recipient |
₩200,000 – ₩400,000 |
$150 – $305 |
| Extended-Acting Anesthetic Add-On |
Using longer-duration agents like bupivacaine |
₩150,000 – ₩300,000 |
$115 – $230 |
Additional & Optional Services Cost
| Service |
Description |
Cost (KRW) |
USD |
| Enhanced Pain Management (Oral Sedation) |
Mild oral sedative taken before anesthesia |
₩100,000 – ₩200,000 |
$75 – $150 |
| Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas") |
Inhaled analgesic for relaxation |
₩150,000 – ₩300,000 |
$115 – $230 |
| Topical Numbing Cream (pre-injection) |
Applied to minimize needle pain |
₩20,000 – ₩50,000 |
$15 – $38 |
| Post-Op Analgesics Kit |
Pain relief meds (NSAIDs/acetaminophen) |
₩30,000 – ₩70,000 |
$25 – $55 |
Clinical Treatment Costs
| Service |
Description |
Cost (KRW) |
USD |
| Anesthesia Consultation & Plan |
Pre-op discussion of comfort level and options |
₩50,000 – ₩100,000 |
$38 – $75 |
| Anesthesia Monitoring (by staff) |
Vital checks during longer tumescent use |
₩100,000 – ₩200,000 |
$75 – $150 |
| Post-Anesthesia Recovery Check |
Monitoring for adverse reaction after procedure |
₩30,000 – ₩70,000 |
$25 – $55 |
| Emergency Support (if needed) |
Readiness for rare allergic or hemodynamic events |
₩100,000 – ₩200,000 |
$75 – $150 |
