Removing abnormal cells before they become cancer

LEEP Procedure in Gangnam, Seoul: what to know before you decide

LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) removes a thin layer of the cervix that contains precancerous cells, using a fine wire loop with an electrical current. It is usually done under local anesthetic in about 10 to 20 minutes. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, female OB-GYNs review your Pap, HPV and biopsy results, but whether LEEP is available for you needs to be confirmed. An English-speaking coordinator on WhatsApp can pass your results to a doctor.

Availability: Sinsoe confirms cervical screening and follow-up: Pap smear, HPV DNA testing and cervicography. Whether LEEP can be done at Sinsoe for your case must be confirmed by a doctor after reviewing your results.

  • Ask the coordinator first
  • All-female OB-GYNs
  • Usually local anesthetic
  • Pap, HPV, cervicography confirmed
  • 4 min from Eonju Station, Exit 7
  • 10–20 min typical LEEP procedure time
  • ~4 wks no sex or tampons, as usually advised
  • 5 female doctors on one team
  • EN English coordinator from booking to results
The basics

What is a LEEP procedure?

LEEP is a treatment for cell changes on the cervix, usually CIN 2 or CIN 3, found by a biopsy during colposcopy. Removing these cells stops them from turning into cancer.

A thin wire loop carrying an electric current cuts away the affected area in one piece and seals the blood vessels at the same time. The tissue is sent to a lab, which confirms the changes were fully removed.

LEEP is also called LLETZ in some countries. It is one of several options. Your doctor may suggest watching mild changes instead, or a different method.

Why LEEP is used Common reasons for LEEP

  • CIN 2 or CIN 3 confirmed by biopsy
  • Persistent CIN 1 in some cases
  • High-grade Pap result when colposcopy is unclear
  • Changes that cannot be fully seen during colposcopy

What LEEP is not

  • It is not a hysterectomy. The uterus stays and you can still get pregnant
  • It does not remove HPV from the body. Follow-up testing is still needed. See HPV treatment
Is it for you?

Who is LEEP for?

LEEP is recommended based on biopsy results, not on a Pap smear alone in most cases.

Often recommended

LEEP may suit you if

  • Your biopsy shows CIN 2 or CIN 3
  • Cell changes have lasted a long time
  • Your doctor needs a full tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis
Talk it through

Discuss with your doctor if

  • You are pregnant. Treatment is usually delayed until after birth
  • You plan pregnancy soon
  • You are under 25, as mild changes often clear
  • You have had cervical treatment before
After LEEP, contact a doctor if you have:
  • Bleeding heavier than a period, or with clots
  • Fever or bad-smelling discharge
  • Strong pain that pain relief does not help

These can be signs of bleeding or infection. If you cannot reach us, go to a hospital emergency room.

The options

LEEP and other treatments for cervical cell changes

Your doctor chooses based on your biopsy, age and pregnancy plans.

Watchful waiting

Repeat Pap, HPV test and colposcopy at set intervals. Many mild changes go back to normal on their own.

CIN 1, young women

LEEP (excision)

Removes the abnormal area and gives a tissue sample to check margins. The most common treatment for CIN 2 and 3.

CIN 2 or 3

Ablation or cone biopsy

Freezing or laser destroys cells without a sample, while a cone biopsy removes a deeper piece. See cervical lesion treatment.

Selected cases
Step by step

Asking about LEEP in Seoul

Start by sharing your results. A doctor tells you whether LEEP fits and where it can be done.

  1. 1 Send your results On WhatsApp, in English. Share your Pap, HPV and biopsy results.
  2. 2 A doctor reviews them A female OB-GYN advises whether LEEP, another treatment or follow-up suits you.
  3. 3 Consultation on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Your doctor explains benefits, risks and alternatives.
  4. 4 If LEEP goes ahead Local anesthetic is injected into the cervix and the loop removes the area in about 10 to 20 minutes.
  5. 5 Results and follow-up The lab result comes back later. Follow-up Pap and HPV tests usually start about 6 months after.
Female doctor explaining LEEP with a model at Sinsoe Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul
Your doctor explains the procedure before you decide.
Private recovery room at Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Seoul
A private room to rest when needed.
Before LEEP

How to prepare

  • Book outside your period.
  • Eat a light meal beforehand unless told otherwise.
  • Tell your doctor about blood thinners or pregnancy.
  • Bring a pad, not a tampon.
Recovery

The first weeks after

  • Watery or brown discharge for 2 to 4 weeks is normal.
  • Avoid sex, tampons, swimming and baths for about 4 weeks.
  • Mild cramps are common for a day or two.
  • Light exercise is fine. Avoid heavy lifting for a few days.
Honest information

LEEP risks and side effects

LEEP is a common, well-studied procedure. These are the risks to discuss with your doctor.

Bleeding Uncommon

Light spotting is normal. Heavy bleeding is uncommon and may need treatment.

Infection Uncommon

Fever or bad-smelling discharge need prompt review and antibiotics.

Future pregnancy Small increase in risk

Removing cervical tissue slightly raises the risk of preterm birth, especially after repeated or deep treatment.

Recurrence Possible

Some women need further treatment, which is why follow-up tests matter.

OB-GYN pointing at the cervix on a uterus model at Sinsoe Women's Clinic, Gangnam
Where LEEP takes place, shown on a model.
Expats & visitors

Considering LEEP in Korea as a foreigner

Treatment and follow-up span several months. Plan where each step will happen.

If you live in Korea

Continuity of care

Bring your Alien Registration Card. We keep your results so follow-up tests are compared with earlier ones.

If you are visiting

Plan around flights

Light bleeding is common after LEEP. Ask your doctor about timing before a long flight.

If you need paperwork

English reports

Ask for English copies of results so your doctor at home can continue follow-up.

Quick answers

LEEP in Seoul: common questions

Where can I ask about LEEP in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?

Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul has female OB-GYNs and an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Message +82-10-9517-5719 on WhatsApp with your results.

Does Sinsoe offer LEEP?

It needs to be confirmed for your case. Sinsoe confirms Pap, HPV testing and cervicography. Send your results and a doctor will advise.

Is LEEP painful?

A local anesthetic numbs the cervix. Most women feel pressure and mild cramping, not sharp pain.

How long is recovery after LEEP?

Most women return to normal activity in 1 to 2 days. Avoid sex and tampons for about 4 weeks.

Can I get pregnant after LEEP?

Yes. LEEP does not remove the uterus. There is a small increase in the risk of preterm birth.

Does LEEP cure HPV?

No. It removes the abnormal cells, but follow-up HPV and Pap tests are still needed.

How much does LEEP cost in Seoul?

It depends on your case. The coordinator can give an estimate after a doctor reviews your results.

Can I fly after LEEP?

Usually yes after a few days, but ask your doctor, especially for long flights.

Ready when you are

Ask about LEEP in Gangnam, Seoul

Send your results in English. A female doctor reviews them and the coordinator explains your options.

Sinsoe Women's Clinic

537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South Korea
Eonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
Mon & Fri 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue, Wed, Thu 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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