“I spent 300,000 yuan on medical aesthetics treatments, but then I ate a lot of spicy fried noodles on the same day, which caused the swelling to take three more days to subside.”
This is a painful lesson learned by a Taiwanese girl on a South Korean forum. She underwent hyaluronic acid injections and Pico laser treatment on Jeju Island, spending ₩300,000 (approximately NT$7,200). The swelling was supposed to subside within two days, but unfortunately, on the same day after the procedure, she couldn’t resist eating spicy fried noodles and barbecue with soju. As a result, the swelling didn’t go down until the fifth day, and there was also some mild darkening of the skin.
Diet after surgery is indeed no trivial matter. Eating the right foods can speed up the reduction of swelling and double the effectiveness of the treatment; on the other hand, improper diet can lead to darkening of the skin, inflammation, and a significantly longer recovery time. If you also plan to undergo cosmetic procedures at the Jeju Junyue Hotel, this article has listed 8 local restaurants that are friendly to post-surgery patients. Their meals are light, nutritious, and non-irritating, and eating there can even help accelerate your recovery.
Three essential rules for diet after cosmetic surgery
Whether you choose Pico treatment, hyaluronic acid injections, fractional rejuvenation, or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, there are three key principles to follow regarding your diet after the procedure:
Rule number one: high protein and low sodium content
After the procedure, the skin needs to heal, and protein is essential for the regeneration of Collagen. However, excessive sodium intake can exacerbate swelling, so it is recommended to choose meals made from fresh ingredients and avoid processed foods and overly salty pickled foods. Seafood congee and plain boiled pork from Jeju Island are excellent options that are high in protein and low in sodium.
Rule number two: Abundant intake of vitamins C and A
Vitamin C promotes the synthesis of Collagen, while vitamin A accelerates the renewal of skin cells. The oranges (Hanla-bong) and pumpkins that are abundant in Jeju are natural sources of vitamins.
Rule number three: Avoid these minefields at all costs.
- Spicy foods: Spicy fried noodles, spicy tofu soup, spicy rice cakes – all of these should be temporarily avoided for at least one week.
- Alcohol: Beer, soju, cocktails – avoid consuming any alcohol for one week after the procedure.
- Risks of seafood allergies: Shrimp, crabs, and shellfish can easily trigger allergic reactions; it is recommended to avoid consuming them for three days after the procedure.
- High-sugar foods: cakes, milk tea, desserts – sugar promotes inflammatory reactions.
Recommended reliable clinics near Junyue for post-treatment care
The following recommendations are listed in order of distance from Junyue, starting from the nearest ones. All of these are light dishes that can be safely consumed after the procedure:
1. Seonong Tang – A time-honored establishment; a 10-minute drive from Junyue
Snowy Collagen Soup is a representative light soup in South Korea. It is made by simmering beef bones for a long time, resulting in a milky-white broth that is sweet but not greasy. Consuming Snowy Collagen Soup after surgery has three benefits: it is rich in protein (due to the collagen in beef bones), low in sodium (thus preventing increased swelling), and warm in nature (which helps promote blood circulation and reduce swelling more quickly). Paired with a bowl of white rice and a few side dishes, a meal of this soup costs around ₩12,000–15,000 (approximately NT$290–360).
2. Jizhou Abalone Congee — A 15-minute drive from Junyue
Jeju abalones are a famous local product. Fresh abalones can be cooked into porridge, and adding their internal organs enhances the flavor. Abalones are rich in zinc and vitamin E, which are very beneficial for skin repair. A bowl costs ₩15,000–20,000 (about NT$360–480). It can be consumed on the first day after surgery, as it is mild and non-irritating.
3. Pumpkin Porridge Specialty Store — A 12-minute drive from Junyue
The pumpkins from Jeju are of extremely high quality; locals have grown up consuming pumpkin porridge since childhood. After surgery, drinking pumpkin porridge can help replenish vitamin A and dietary fiber, while also aiding in reducing swelling and promoting diuresis. A bowl costs around ₩8,000 to 10,000 (approximately NT$190 to 240), making it an incredibly affordable option.
4. Dongmen Market Seafood Congee — A 20-minute drive from Junyue
As mentioned in the previous section about tourist attractions, Dongmen Market offers numerous stalls selling seafood congee. It is recommended to choose the non-spicy version of this dish (be sure to ask the owner “no spicy seasoning”); the abalone, dried scallops, and shrimp contained within are all high in protein and low in fat. A bowl costs around ₩10,000–15,000 (approximately NT$240–360).
5. Black Pork Stir-Fry (흑돼지 수육) — A 18-minute drive from Junyue
If you want to eat meat more than two days after the surgery, thinly sliced black pork is the best choice. It doesn’t require any marinating or spicy sauces; you can simply dip it in light salt water or mustard soy sauce. Jeju black pork is of extremely high quality – its flesh is sweet, tender, and chewy, with a high protein content. A portion costs around ₩15,000–25,000 (approximately NT$360–600).
6. Muguk (Radish Soup) Specialty Store – A 15-minute drive from Junyue
Carrot soup is one of the classic remedies for post-surgical recovery in South Korea. Dermatology clinics in South Korea often recommend that patients drink carrot soup after surgery, as carrots have diuretic and anti-swelling effects, and the soup itself is mild and not greasy. Combined with a bowl of white rice, it makes a complete meal. A bowl of carrot soup costs around ₩8,000-12,000 (approximately NT$190-290).
Post-operative diet schedule
| time | Recommended foods | Avoid consuming food |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours after the procedure | Pumpkin porridge, abalone porridge, warm water | Spicy foods, alcohol, seafood, and fried foods |
| 2-3 days after the procedure | Snowy thick soup, carrot soup, plain sliced pork | Spicy foods, alcohol, and high-sugar substances |
| 4 to 7 days after the procedure | Seafood porridge, black pork, and light Korean cuisine | Highly spicy, contains alcohol |
| 7 days after the procedure+ | Maintain a normal diet, eating small meals frequently | Excessive alcohol consumption |
For further reading
- The price list for Hongdae SWOMAN Reborn in 2026 has been leaked! The cost of Liquid Lifting treatment is 150,000.
- Half the price of that in Taiwan Province! Lamine Clinic prices | Kim Ji-eun Vector Lifting procedure for 300,000 yuan
- Han Niu’s secret to glowing skin! Review from Haye Skin Clinic | Director Park and the 200,000-glow treatment
How to make an appointment for medical beauty treatments in Jeju?
Option 1: Direct connection via WeChat to s-sourire
Add WeChat at s-sourire, provide your departure date and the treatment you wish to undergo, and you will receive a one-on-one pre-treatment assessment, be able to check in real-time whether the clinic director is available for your appointment, obtain internal discount prices, and also have the option of having a Chinese translator accompany you during the consultation. You can also request a complete post-treatment diet guide when making your appointment.
Option 2: The BeautsGO Mini Program
Search for “BeautsGO” on WeChat, enter the name of the Dermatology clinic you wish to visit in Jeju, and make your reservation directly. Through this platform, you can enjoy benefits such as transparent price comparisons, exclusive discounts offered by the platform, and a certified fast-track service.
Can’t eat spicy food after the surgery? What other delicious things are there in Jeju?
Korean cuisine is generally perceived as being very spicy, but in fact, the traditional dishes of Jeju Island are much lighter than those in Seoul. The reason is simple: Jeju is an island, so the ingredients are fresh, and there is no need to use strong flavors to enhance the taste. Here is a list of non-spicy Korean dishes that you can safely enjoy after surgery:
- Seafood Soup (해물탕): A clear soup made from fresh seafood from Jeju, with only a little salt and scallions added; it is sweet but not spicy. Be sure to tell the staff to “omit the chili” (고추 빼주세요).
- Roasted abalone (전복구이): Abalones from Jeju are brushed with a little soy sauce and cream before being roasted, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. Abalone is rich in zinc and vitamin E, which are beneficial for skin repair.
- Oranges and related products: Jeju Hanamal Mountain oranges are famous local products of the island. Orange juice, orange vinegar, and orange chocolate make excellent snacks after procedures, as they are rich in vitamin C.
- Mung Bean Sprout Soup (콩나물국): A simple soup made with mung bean sprouts, it is a common household dish in South Korea and is effective in promoting diuresis and reducing swelling.
- Mugwort Congee: The mugwort from Jeju is of extremely high quality, and mugwort congee helps to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling. Spring is the season when mugwort is at its most tender and fresh.
The Post-Surgery Friendly Restaurant within Junyue Hotel
If you really don’t feel like going out on the first day after the surgery, there are several great options within the Junyue Hotel:
- The Dining Room: The hotel’s main restaurant offers a variety of Western and Chinese buffet breakfasts and dinners. You can enjoy fresh fruit salads, oatmeal porridge, steamed seafood, and other light dishes – it’s completely fine to have meals at the hotel on the first day after your procedure.
- Room Service: With the room service option, you can order light meals to be delivered to your room. We recommend dishes such as plain porridge with seafood or steamed eggs. The cost is about 20% higher than that in the restaurant, but it is very convenient when it is not easy to go out after the procedure.
- Hotel lobby bar: In the afternoon, you can come here to enjoy a cup of warm herbal tea, accompanied by the light desserts prepared by the hotel itself. The environment is quiet, making it perfect for resting after any procedure.
What skincare products should I bring to Jeju? A list of essential products for post-surgery skin care
The skin is particularly fragile after cosmetic procedures; it is recommended to bring the following skincare products with you:
- Physical sunscreen with SPF50+: A must-after the procedure; reapply every 2-3 hours.
- Medical repair mask: Apply one sheet daily for the first three days after surgery to accelerate the reduction of swelling.
- Moisturizing essence: Essences containing Filler or ceramides, which help to prevent skin dryness after the procedure.
- Mild Cleanser: After the procedure, discontinue the use of any cleansers containing acids.
- Soothing creams: Creams containing panthenol or chamomile ingredients can help repair the skin barrier.
There is also a science to drinking water after surgery.
Many people overlook the importance of consuming enough water after surgery. Adequate hydration can accelerate metabolism, help reduce swelling, and facilitate the elimination of metabolic waste from the body. It is recommended to drink at least 2,000 milliliters of water per day, preferably warm or room-temperature water.
Drinks that are safe to consume include warm water, herbal teas (such as chamomile or mint), lightly sweetened honey water, and coconut water.
Things to avoid drinking: ice water (which stimulates blood vessel constriction and hinders swelling reduction), coffee (which causes excessive diuresis and leads to dehydration), alcohol, and sugary beverages.
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