# SMILE abroad: cost by country, savings & safety

> Informational only, not medical advice. Figures are sourced population data; outcome rates are population averages, not a personal prognosis. Source: CureMeridian (https://curemeridian.com/procedures/smile).

## Quick facts
- From $1,300 abroad (lowest sourced average across 3 destination(s))
- Save up to 76% versus typical home-country prices
- Destinations with sourced pricing: 3

## SMILE cost by country

| Country | Average cost | Typical range | Save up to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| South Korea | $2,800 | $2,100 to $3,600 | 49% |
| Thailand | $1,900 | $1,400 to $2,500 | 65% |
| Turkey | $1,300 | $975 to $1,700 | 76% |

## Safety & outcomes
Published outcome data (population averages, not a personal prognosis): published success rate 95%; serious complication rate 1%; revision rate 5%.

## Recovery
- 0 night(s) in hospital; safe to fly home after ~1 days; ~3 days total trip

## Hospitals offering SMILE abroad
- Memorial Bahcelievler Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey — rated 4.7 (9719 reviews)
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Atakent Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey — rated 4.2 (2956 reviews)
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Phuket, Thailand — rated 4.4 (2937 reviews)
- Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.4 (2282 reviews)
- Samitivej Thonburi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.6 (1525 reviews)
- Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Istanbul, Turkey — rated 4.4 (1346 reviews)
- MedPark Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.0 (1136 reviews)
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea — rated 3.9 (545 reviews)
- Vichaiyut Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.2 (385 reviews)
- BHT Clinic Istanbul Tema Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey — rated 3.9 (2530 reviews)
- Phyathai 2 Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.5 (2479 reviews)
- Phyathai 3 Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand — rated 4.6 (2413 reviews)

## SMILE: risks, recovery & what to expect
- Travel-related risk factors: Minimal; avoid dry air exposure.
- Activity restrictions during recovery: Avoid swimming and contact sports for 2 weeks.
- Typical return-to-activity (population averages): return to work in ~2 days; return to exercise in ~14 days.
- Costs to plan for: Potential costs for enhancement procedures.

Recovery timeline (typical, not a personal prognosis):
- Immediate Recovery: Rest and avoid eye strain.
- Early Recovery: Avoid rubbing eyes and follow eye drop regimen.
- Full Recovery: Vision stabilizes; follow-up check.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is a good candidate for SMILE, and how does eligibility differ from LASIK?
SMILE candidates must be at least 22 years old with stable myopia between -1 and -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 3 diopters. Unlike LASIK, SMILE currently cannot treat farsightedness. SMILE is often preferred for patients with pre-existing mild dry eye, since the smaller incision preserves more corneal nerves.

### How long do SMILE results last compared to LASIK?
Long-term studies show over 95% of SMILE patients maintain 20/25 or better vision after 10 years. The regression rate is generally smaller than with excimer laser procedures. Like LASIK, SMILE does not prevent presbyopia, so reading glasses will likely be needed after age 40-45.

### What are the key technical differences between SMILE and LASIK?
LASIK creates a corneal flap and uses an excimer laser to reshape tissue underneath, while SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea, removed through a small 2-4mm incision — no flap is created. This flapless approach preserves more corneal biomechanical strength.

### What happens if SMILE does not fully correct my vision?
If residual refractive error remains, an enhancement procedure can be performed — typically surface-based PRK rather than a repeat SMILE, since SMILE does not create a flap that can be re-lifted. Enhancement rates are comparable to LASIK at roughly 1-2% within the first year.

### How soon after SMILE can I safely fly home?
Most surgeons clear patients to fly 2-3 days after SMILE — slightly sooner than LASIK because SMILE has no corneal flap that could be displaced. However, plan a 5-7 day trip to allow for the pre-operative assessment, procedure day, and a follow-up exam to confirm healing. Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently during the flight, as cabin air is very dry.

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Source: CureMeridian, https://curemeridian.com/procedures/smile. Destination rankings are calculated by our algorithm and are not paid placements.