Yes! We’ve got more Korean Actresses plastic surgery before after pictures of Korean actresses who have admitted to surgery, for you!

But before that, I have some thoughts on the matter and maybe you have similar thoughts too.

Each day, as I browse through the internet, it’s becoming more and more obvious that the culture of Korean plastic surgery procedures is being shrouded with dubious ideas. A casual browse through google search engine (or whichever of your favorite search engine) and you’ll see it – news reports titled along the lines of, “Asian women are turning to plastic surgery to look more Caucasian”.

Why Asian Cosmetic Surgery has less to do with ‘Wanting To Look Caucasian’

Now, is this really true? Sure, double eyelid surgery is a very commonly done procedure, but is it right to say that Asians want to look Caucasian? People come to Seoul for “Gangnam plastic surgery” – you know, to get traits like double eyelids, bigger-looking eyes, clear and untanned skin. But, Asians who opt for surgery do not necessarily want to look Caucasian.

Why do I say that these news reports are exaggerating the matter?

Let’s see:

• Some Asians are born with double lidded eyes, and some do not. It’s tempting to want what we don’t have, right? Who here hasn’t gone through an Asian family gathering with grandma paying extra attention on that cousin of yours? You know, the special snowflake with double lidded eyes.
• In the past, tanned skin can be an indicator of social class; think about the skin of farming communities versus wealthy families who did not have to be under the hot sun, caring for the crops.
• Big eyes and smooth, clear skin indicates good health and youthfulness.

The thing is, double lidded, big eyes, clear and untanned skin are attractive due to the science and cultural significance. When I think about it, the sweeping statement, “These Asian people just want to look Caucasian!” is quite silly and is not true.

Actress Who Have Admitted to Surgery

Min Hyo-rin

Actresses Who Might Have Had Surgery

Kim Nam Joo — maybe? Though, she did admit that she starves herself, to maintain her figure.

Park Chae-rim — we’re not too sure about her. She does look quite similar in this before and after shot.

Do you think these ladies look more Caucasian-like? I don’t think so.

Let us know what you think! Feel free to leave a comment below!

Disclaimer: (The pictures above were derived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post More Korean Actresses Plastic Surgery Before After Pictures – Those Who Have Admitted (Part One) appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel Company.

Have you ever noticed that the typical Asian nose is different to the typical Western nose; you don’t see an Asian with an aquiline nose, everyday! This is not to say that there are no Asians with longer, aquiline noses. It is just common that many Asians with shorter, snub-noses tend to undergo the knife – to have longer, straight noses. Think of it this way: Asians with shorter noses tend to want “more nose”, so as to balance out the overall facial appearance. In the case of westerners, say, someone with a Jewish nose, they might want “less nose”.

Plastic Surgery and Gwansang

Balancing out and creating harmony in our facial appearance makes sense. However, is there such a thing as the “Best Asian Nose”? Something that is fitting for an individual’s appearance could be said to be the best possible fit. But, beyond aesthetics, why do people want to get cosmetic surgery? Could it be, gwansang?

What is gwansang? As stated by Jo Kyu-mun, professor of East Asian Philosophy at Kyonggi University, “The focus of gwansang is the face, and that is based on the philosophy that the face is the reflection of one’s inner self.”

The culture of Korean Plastic Surgery could be very much related to “gwansang”. Why do so many Asian people opt for Korean plastic surgery? Is it because they want to look Caucasian, like how some media sources say so? It may very well have much more to do with gwansang, than it has to do with wanting to look Caucasian.

Now, let us look at the fact that we live at a time where Korean youth are undergoing cosmetic surgery as graduation gifts from their parents. It is almost like a ritual.

Obsessive, huh? Is it really a matter of “obsession”, though? I mean, why do we dress up in formal business attire for some jobs? Because we will be judged, and yet, we do want that opportunity — otherwise, we wouldn’t be wearing it. Mostly, they do this because they live in a competitive society and the question, “are cosmetic procedures a sensible investment?” does not need to be thought about too long and hard.

Beauty Through The Scalpel

Believing in the idea of  ”beauty through the scalpel” can only go so far, though! It cannot fundamentally change gwansang. Why? As Jo Kyu-mun continues, “So if the heart doesn’t change, then you can’t fundamentally alter your gwansang.”

Yes, Korean rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery are very commonly requested procedures. Yes, changing the appearance can diminish self-doubt and boost confidence. Indeed, it could open more doors for experiences and opportunities. It cannot, however, change someone’s character or the heart.

On a last note, the best Asian nose, we think, is what you feel most comfortable and confident with. Just as, the best you is someone who is firstly, comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Disclaimer: (The picture above was derived from the blogosphere and is not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post Is There A Best Asian Nose? appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel Company.

These days, double jaw surgery also known as V-line surgery is all the rage. But, before running to the surgeon, what everybody ought to know about double jaw surgery is that it can be rather invasive. Hence, it is perceived as an extreme form of face contouring surgery.

Talking about extremes, you know, some people even go to the length of getting ‘round-head’ plastic surgery which uses bone cement in the procedure. Bone cement is used to anchor artificial joints, by the way! But that’s for another article!

Alright, back on topic. Here are some of our favourite before and after V-line Surgery pictures of the week. Try to spot the glaringly obvious similarity – besides their newly shaped jaw line —  in all the images!

 Noticed the similarity? The answer is actually really simple, or you may even think it’s so simple an answer that it’s stupid!

The answer: They look happier with themselves!

I’m sure that we have all been ridiculed for our looks (whether the flaw is real or people are just being nasty) at some point of our lives, whether it is your “Asian” eyes – and that may be why double eyelid surgery is so popular with Asians — or that supposedly sharp beak of a nose. That’s one of the main reasons why people choose to undergo surgery, no matter how dangerous it may be, right? It stems from the fear of living life day in and day out – all the while being ridiculed and judged harshly on appearances alone. We’re afraid of missed opportunities and of being alone. You know, it’s the fear of being ridiculed and not being taken seriously; the fear that no one will ever get to know who you are as a person, deep down, appearances aside.

Our looks aren’t something that we chose at birth, and usually, neither is our birth name. Some people choose to change their names while others choose to change their looks, and some even go so far as to change both their name and looks.

Disclaimer: (The pictures above werederived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post Before and After V-line Surgery | Seoul TouchUp’s Favourites Of The Week appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel Company.

Yes! This is a real thing that’s going on right now; it’s said to be an ideal procedure for those ridiculed with having the appearance of “flat and sunken heads”. The pictures above will give you a rough idea here.

“Round head” plastic surgery uses bone cement which is actually used as a kind of “glue” between the artificial joint and real bone in knee replacement surgery. Said to only add about 20 to 80 grams of weight to the patient’s head, if all goes well and it adheres to the skull, it may give the appearance of a rounder-looking head.

We wouldn’t classify “Round Head” plastic surgery under “common types of plastic surgery” such as double eyelid surgery or Korean rhinoplasty. It does, however, add on to the pile; some South Korea plastic surgery procedures have been known for its eccentricity and while it might be well-received in Korea, it might not be in other parts of the world.

Back in September, there was the permanent smile surgery trend which was rather heavily ridiculed. Now, we can only wait and see how this trend plays out. Will it be well-received, heavily criticized or forgotten?

What do you think of this “round head” surgery? Do you like it? Would you or anyone you know ever get it? Is it a bit too excessive even for Korea? Feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Disclaimer: (The pictures above werederived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post New South Korea Plastic Surgery Procedure to Achieve Rounder-looking Head appeared first on Best Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

Not seen as a Big Deal: Less stress and less judgment

In a society that so heavily advocates to cosmetic surgery, beauty procedures are not perceived as much of a big deal in South Korea. This is probably a good thing if you had just gotten surgery done, where half your face is bandaged up! Imagine this, you’re walking the streets and yet, no one’s actually treating you as though you are a leper!

This is exactly what Ethel Yeo shares, in an article by Singapore Yahoo Entertainment, titled “More Singaporeans flying to Seoul for plastic surgery”.

“We went out with our bandages and everything after one week of staying in ‘hiding’, and you know what, no one even looked twice at us. We shopped, ate and had fun. If we did it in Singapore, people would be looking at us like we were zombies or just crazy,” said Ethel.

Compared to the culture in a country such as Singapore, cosmetic surgery may be more openly accepted in South Korea. Less judgment, less stress.

Asian Beauty Trends Differ From Western Beauty Trends

If you mention “double eyelid surgery” and “Korean rhinoplasty” in a country like Australia or America, most non-Asians will look at you with a puzzled expression — unless they’re familiar with modern Asian culture or plastic surgery trends and news.

In Asia, current beauty trends include the appearance of big, double lidded eyes, white skin and a well-defined nose. In America, that may very well be different. Just look at the men portrayed in western media and Hollywood; these men are tanned, muscular and macho. This is vastly different to the “flower boy” that gets fan-girls cooing and swooning over.

For the Overall Experience

Getting beauty procedures done is just one aspect to the overall experience for many travellers. There is much more to revel in; there is also the plentiful of shopping outlets such as the fashion districts: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Dondaemun Market, to name a few. Also, let’s not forget their unique Korean cuisine as well as the music, culture and various novel sights to see.

These are three reasons why Seoul, South Korea is among the top 3 medical tourism destinations in Asia as well as why South Korean Plastic Surgery is exceptionally popular in Asia.

Disclaimer: (The pictures above werederived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post 3 Reasons Why South Korean Plastic Surgery Is Exceptionally Popular in Asia appeared first on Best Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

Right now, some Korean teenager is reaching across the table for his or her “jaw-rolling squeezing device” – a dubious DIY solution for these kids who are unable to afford v-line face surgery. Teenagers are buying these tools online, and children as young as elementary-school aged, are using them as well.

There’s even something that these teenagers are using to replace double eyelid surgery: an eccentric-looking eye device that forces their eyes to stay open, without blinking. Besides eyelid surgery, Korean rhinoplasty is another procedure that is commonly requested; In their culture, a raised nose bridge is perceived as desirable. You’ve guessed it right; there is also a DIY widget for that.

Why do these teenagers choose to do this? Perhaps, these teenagers think that the pain they gain from these products are minor and are less life-threatening, as compared to the actual cosmetic procedures themselves. There’s that, and they’re inexpensive too – as low as $2. But, how effective are these substitutes? As of yet, not many have reported any significant, permanent injuries from these DIY processes. I mean, these tools are still being distributed and sold!

Why These DIY Tools Could Be Life-threatening

However, it could be life-threatening. The possibility is always there. According to social psychologist, Carl Sustein, human beings may experience a cognitive bias called “probability neglect”. It is our inability to properly grasp a proper sense of peril and risk.

What am I talking about? Does anyone remember the horrific case of the woman who injected cooking oil into her own face after doctors refused to give her any more plastic surgery?

Hypothetically speaking, if we leave an obsessed person alone in a room with very ordinary and everyday items, they could really hurt themselves.

You may ask, then, “Are cosmetic procedures a sensible investment?” and you are right to question: Most cosmetic procedures come with risks and they’re not cheap too. However, it is always advisable to not take the shortcut in this case. For your well-being, it is best to only sought out the services of the professional, certified and experienced. 

The post Korean Teens Resort to DIY V-line Face Surgery Enhancements appeared first on Best Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

K-pop girl group 2ne1’s Minzy admitted to getting a Korean nose job for medical reasons.

Minzy’s admission came after reports that there have been ongoing speculations that she underwent Korean rhinoplasty. Fans pointed out that the 20-year-old singer looked noticeably different in her recent photos.Her new look was previously attributed to weight change, aging, hair and makeup, but netizens said her nose looks a lot thinner than it did in the past.

It turns out that the youngest member of the international idol group did get an operation to fix her rhinitis, and then decided to also undergo a Korean nose job to straighten her nose while she was in the hospital.

According to a YGGLADIES article titled, “[131126] EXCLUSIVE: Minzy, beauty tip? “nose surgery” straightforward acceptance“, the singer said she has been frequently troubled by rhinitis, which made singing and dancing difficult and prompted doctors to advise her to undergo surgery.

“When I went to the hospital, they said my nose was slightly twisted. To perfectly fix it I had no choice but surgery,” she said.

During the group’s recent appearance in a live concert, many fans noticed that the youngest 2ne1 member appeared different, pointing out the change in her nose and jaw.

“I have never done a surgery before so I was worried at first. But my mom advised me to do plastic surgery if I am going to correct my nose anyways. So I thought about it for a long time,” the idol star said.

Rhinoplasty refines the shape of the patient’s nose by bringing it into balance with the face’s other features. According to cosmetic surgeons, because the nose is a prominent facial feature, a slight alteration can bring out vast improvements on a patient’s appearance.

Minzy said she was worried that the head of 2ne1’s music label YG Entertainment, Yang Hyun Suk, would oppose her decision, but she was surprised to hear a different response.

“He had hostility towards plastic surgery so I was afraid the mention about it first. But I collected my courage and asked him. He said ‘Gummy and Wheesung also suffered from rhinitis. If you have to do the operation do as your mother says.‘ I confessed that I am going to do my nose job as I treat my rhinitis,” the singer said. An agency representative told media that the condition made it hard for Minzy to perform live.

Rhinitis is caused by an inflammation of the mucous membranes on the nose. Doctors said its most common symptoms include runny nose and stuffy nose.

Korean celebrities and plastic surgery are always creating buzz among netizens and fans. But you see, getting a nose surgery, a Korean eye surgery or any other cosmetic procedure done is not always for aesthetic purposes. Take Minzy for example. Her main goal is to treat a medical issue, but the result she got is a pleasant one, not just medically, but also visually.

Disclaimer: (The pictures above were derived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post 2ne1’s Minzy Admits To Getting Korean Nose Job appeared first on Best Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

These days, ask most people the question, “What does South Korea do best in the world?” and most of them will tell you that cosmetic surgery tops the list.

One of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures in South Korea amongst the Asian crowd is double eyelid surgery.

Mostly An Asian Thing

Yeah, it is mostly an Asian thing. Partly, the importance of ptosis eye correction surgery to Asians owes its dues to the unkind and derogatory ideas associated to “Asian eyes”. Somehow, it has become somewhat common for typical Asian eyes to be associated with “looking half asleep” or even worse, mean-spirited people may take “one look at you” — assume that you’re fresh off the boat – and then treat you accordingly.

It’s also a rather peculiar case because it may even hit close to home: it is a culturally valued asset. It seems to be the case that bigger eyes with a prominent crease is favoured, maybe, even by grandma.

Well, this week, we showcase some of the most well-done before and after Korean eye surgery pictures that will put grandma to shame.

Our Favorites of The Week

These pictures are simple – nothing too extravagant — but also highlight the stark contrast in results that this single cosmetic procedure can produce.

Some of these after-images look as though they’re saying, “Who’s awake now, grandma?”

If you’re Asian, would you ever get surgery done on your eyes and just on your eyes alone? Usually, we’d hear plenty about someone who’s keen on getting Korean eyes surgery. But, are you somebody who is against it? If you are, we’d love to hear your thoughts even more so!

Disclaimer: (The pictures above were derived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

The post 6 Before and After Korean Eyes Surgery Pictures | Seoul TouchUp’s Favourites Of The Week appeared first on Best Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

The Korean medical tourism is on a steady rise.

According to a new report, medical tourists from around the world could reach about 1 million and help South Korea generate revenue of U.S. $3.2 billion in seven years.

The Korea Tourism Organization was quoted in a BusinessKorea article, “Medical Tourists tso Korea Expected to Reach One Million per Year in 2020” in saying that the number of foreigners who visit the country for medical treatment is projected to rise from 399,000 in 2013 to 998,000 in 2020.

The organization said the estimate stems from the growing popularity of Korean medical tourism, which stemmed from its high-quality medical services, cutting-edge technology and well-trained professionals, in other countries. These are among the reasons why Korea is a hit in medical tourism.

A number of the foreign visitors to Korea include our Asian neighbours, such as China and Singapore, as well as those from other western countries.

Tourism officials told the news agency that medical tourism in Korea could gain 3.5 trillion won in 2020 from foreign patients alone. This number triples the 1 trillion won revenue generated in 2013.

According to the report, 62 percent of some 31,000 Chinese visitors on 15-day medical tourism visas in 2012 came to South Korea for cosmetic surgery.

What Are The Popular Korean Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?

By far, the most sought-after procedure is the double eyelid surgery. Asians have distinct monolid eyes, and this procedure will help make the eyes look wider, creating a bright-eyed, fresh look by creating a crease on the eyelids.

There’s also face contouring surgery to correct uneven facial structure and improve a person’s overall look. It also helps to correct a receding chin line, giving women a more feminine and delicate appearance.

Korean rhinoplasty is also a popular choice since it not only helps reduce the size of the nose, it also changes the tip of the nose. What sets it apart from its Western counterpart is that Korean cosmetic surgeons know what works best for Asians. For this reason alone, many Asians around the world look toward Korea as the place to get a natural-looking cosmetic procedure.

The post Korean Medical Tourism To Rise As Visitors Likely Reach 1M In 2020 appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

For skeptics and the curious, there is a reality show that is bringing up the popularity of South Korean plastic surgery for people wanting to have a second chance at life.

Already in its third season, “Let Me In,” is a South Korean plastic surgery makeover TV show on a cable channel. The show picks the candidates — male or female — who will undergo dramatic makeovers that will boost their self-esteem and ultimately change their lives.

In its article, “Reality TV hypes plastic surgery craze,” The Korea Herald said the number of applicants rose from 300 when it was launched in 2011 to 2,000 for the second season, and to 4,300 for the third.

According to the production crew, it was the before-and-after images of the contestants that have kept viewers, especially the women, tuned in. Producers said the show “aims to offer physical, psychological and social help to those who are suffering because of their appearances” by a panel of specialists that range from plastic surgeons, a dentist, a psychiatrist and stylists.

“It has become harder to select contestants who we can offer help. We have seen severe cases of plastic surgery failures, and even someone with no eye,” said the show’s executive producer Park Min-woo during a press conference.

“Let Me In,” is not the first in the line of South Korean plastic surgery shows on cable television. Culture critic Lee Sun-young wrote that “Challenge, Cinderella” spearheaded the popular genre in 2013, and since then, “the makeover shows have played a significant role in driving the cosmetic surgery boom and trend in Korea.”

In the United States, women were also given extreme makeovers in the 2004 reality TV show, “The Swan.” The show ran for two seasons, and each season, a number of “ugly ducklings” were assigned a team that will help them transform. At the end of the season, the contestants will compete in a pageant for a chance to be crowned as the Swan.

There is a science in understanding facial cosmetic surgery or any other medical procedure. But for those who are curious, just what is entailed in these dramatic makeovers?

In one episode of “Let Me In,” a 20-year-old man who has problems with his weight, breasts and “unattractive facial features” and a 30-year-old woman suffering from excessive hair growth due to a hormonal problem went under the knife for several procedures, including double eyelid surgery. The duo was also driven to lose their excess weight, and when they finally stepped into the limelight, viewers, family and friends applauded the pair for looking “unbelievably great.”

The show has since boosted the popularity of cosmetic surgery in the country. According to the article, the V-line surgery that shaves a square jawline to create an oval face has become popular after some celebrities admitted to having it done. Other popular procedures include Korean rhinoplasty.

Trends come and go, but one thing is for sure: these reality television shows have boosted the popularity of South Korean plastic surgery to neighbouring Asian countries and beyond.

The post South Korean Plastic Surgery Popularity May Owe its Dues to Reality TV Show appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

While surfing the net, you may have stumbled upon forum threads or various pieces of information that say: South Korean plastic surgery cost 1.5 to 2 times the amount for foreigners. This is true; some major hospitals overcharge foreigners as reported by The Korea Times.

The Demand of Plastic Surgery Amongst Locals

There are some 500+ clinics available to the local people of South Korea where popular procedures such as Korean rhinoplasty and double eyelid surgery are provided. While it seems that South Koreans are obsessed with plastic surgery, as the media makes it out to be, this isn’t entirely true. There exists an oversupply of clinics and less demand for surgery amongst the locals. With so many sources available, it makes sense for lowered prices.

Let’s remember that after all, the cosmetic surgery industry is a business just as supermarkets or clothes shops are a business. Low prices means less profit, but this undesirable outcome is counterbalanced by the high demand for South Korean cosmetic surgery amongst foreigners.

The verdict here is that it is not unethical to charge higher prices to foreigners than locals. Where the some 500 + clinics are not readily accessible, foreigners are willing to pay more for the quality service and overall travel experience.

More importantly, most foreigners will tell you that they have carefully compared the prices and did their own research before choosing Korea, as their choice for cosmetic surgery travel.

Legit Medical Tourism Agencies Are ‘Transparent’

From air-port pick-up to facilitating your entire surgery process, a legal medical tourism agency plans your trip from A to Z for you. Some travelers enjoy the idea of having a helping hand while others choose to plunge into a foreign environment and take it upon themselves. Medical Tourism Agencies may or may not be your kind of thing, and that is fine as it is completely up to your personal preference.

With legal agencies, they care about quality; in the event that something undesirable happens during the experience such as failed surgery, then they will mediate the situation and act to resolve it. Is your medical tourism agency legit? A good way to figure this out is actually quite simple.

The distinctive factor here is that legal medical tourism agencies are completely honest and up-front about the fact that they are a medical tourism agency; they are  ’transparent’. This is not the case with illegal medical tourism agencies that pretend to be something else – if you think about it, why is it necessary to pretend to be something else?

Feel free to leave a comment; we’d love to hear your perspective!

The post Does South Korean Plastic Surgery Cost Double the Amount for Foreigners? appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

You think you only had to get your parents’ go signal to get Asian nose job?

While some Asian countries and their western counterparts are embracing the beauty of cosmetic surgery, in Taiwan, the government is forbidding local teens from getting an Asian nose job and other cosmetic surgery procedures that are deemed “unnecessary.”

An official from the country’s Ministry of Health and Welfare was quoted in the China Post’s article, “MHW officially bans minors from going under the knife,” as saying the executive order is based on advice from medical experts and aims to protect minors.

“People who have not reached the age of 18 are not completely developed yet,” said Bureau of Medical Affairs Director General Lee Wui-chiang. “So we do not advise doctors to conduct invasive plastic surgeries on minors.”

Aside from rhinoplasty, officials said among the banned cosmetic surgery procedures also include liposuction, Asian breast augmentation, double eyelid surgery and bone reduction. According to the health ministry, any doctor who is found guilty of performing invasive plastic surgery procedures to anyone under the age of 18 is liable to receive a maximum fine of NT $200,000 or close to US $7,000 for each surgery performed.

But have no fear, because the report said Botox and hyaluronic injection, intense pulsed light and laser treatment for pigmentation as well as other micro-cosmetic surgeries can still be performed on patients even if they have not reached the age of 18.

Lee said minors can still undergo surgical treatments for bromidrosis, or commonly known as bad body odor, and scars as long as it’s necessary and the patient has permission from his or her guardian.

“If some people really want to undergo any plastic surgery, they should wait until they are 18 years old,” Lee said.

According to the MHW, at least 800 people under the age of 20 undergo cosmetic surgeries every year, and only 5 percent of the number has invasive plastic surgeries.

The decision to get plastic surgery is always a personal choice, and each one has a different reason for going under the knife. It has been proven that there is merit to undergoing cosmetic surgery. For instance, the importance of ptosis eye correction surgery to Asians is warranted, and it has a laundry list of benefits that makes it a popular choice among men and women.

But as with any other aspect of their lives, teens need to be guided when making their decisions, because for one, it could be that the patient is only pushed by friends to undergo cosmetic surgery just because it’s a popular trend.

What is your stand on this? Should teens readily be allowed to undergo invasive procedures, or should they wait – you know, like waiting for the legal age to drink or drive – before making the decision?

The post Teens in Taiwan Are Banned From Getting Asian Nose Job And Other Procedures appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

Now this is what you can call taking Asian nose jobs to even greater heights.

Brace yourself, because doctors in China have taken Asian nose jobs to a whole new level for a good cause. This is after a team of surgeons in the southern province of China decided to grow a new nose on a man’s forehead to replace his original nose.

The 22-year-old patient, who was identified as Xiaolian in the 10News article, “Chinese doctors grow nose on man’s forehead to replace damaged original,” has his nose damaged from a traffic accident. The nose was heavily infected that his doctors decided the only way to save his face was to surgically form a new one of the patient’s forehead.

According to the report, tissue expanders were placed under the skin on the left side of the patient’s forehead before they were cut to resemble a nose. A medical expert at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, said forehead skin is used to help reform noses because it is the closest match to the skin on the nose.

“My guess would be that they felt that the tissue in the nose was so damaged, they had to use the forehead skin on the interior part of the nose,” said Dr. Patrick Byrne, director of Facial, Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. “It’ll be a real nose and (have a) breathing passage way.”

In the report, local media said Xiaolian’s doctors expect to impact the new nose soon. When the nose is transplanted, cartilage from Xiaolian’s rib will be used so that the nose more structure.

Surgery experts said the new nose is in its most vulnerable stage during the 18 months after it is transplant.

“If he gets a little infection, the cartilage can disintegrate. (What looked like a nose) now looks like a blob,” Byrne said.

But as long as the patient is able to avoid complications, Byrne said the new nose will work nearly as well as his original nose.

“He should be able to smell, the smell receptors are pretty high in the nose,” Byrne said.

Could this be the future of Korean rhinoplasty?

With the help of advancing technology and studies, Byrne said doctors in the future will be able to grow entire ears and noses in the lab before transplanting them on the patients.

“(We could) take a skin sample and some cells from the patient’s DNA and cartilage and use those cells to grow entire structure prior to reimplantation,” Byrne said.

In Asia, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures both among men and women. Many Asians want to undergo rhinoplasty to balance their looks because typically, Asians have shorter noses, often with larger nostrils and wider compared to those of Caucasians.

Because the Asian nose lacks definition and projection, most patients opt for tip plasty procedure to improve the projection of the nose tip. This procedure often starts narrowing the nasal base, and then cartilage will be extracted from the back of the patient’s ear to add to the tip of the nose.

While it’s not as extreme as practically growing a new nose, there are definite advantages of having nostril reduction for Asians. The reason for this type of surgery is because many people want to enhance their noses and bring balance to their faces. The aim of getting a rhinoplasty procedure is to enhance and work with proportions.

The post Doctors in China Take Asian Nose Jobs to New Level – For Good Cause appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

For those who have plans to undergo the knife, specifically uniquely Asian procedures such as double eyelid surgery and Korean rhinoplasty, the options are abundant; from South Korea to Thailand to China, there are many destinations to choose from. But, no matter how popular a country is – in terms of cosmetic surgery – it is important to be mindful of whether or not a surgeon is officially certified.

Yeah, no matter how famous Korea plastic surgery is, it is possible for  botched operations — as long as there are unlicensed and inexperienced surgeons out there. According to the Shanghaiiest in an article titled, “Uncertified Korean plastic surgeons botch operations in China”, at least twenty Korean cosmetic surgeons come to China to practice in Shenyang, and among 56 cosmetic surgery organizations in the location – only two foreign cosmetic surgeons are certified. It is the rule that surgeons who come to China to practice on a short-term basis must register with the government.

Perhaps the cost is cheaper with these uncertified surgeons, but it comes with a price; you’re putting your health at risk. Right now, there is another crowd who opt for a cheaper alternative; unable to afford Gangnam-style plastic surgery, Korean teens deploy DIY methods to substitute for surgery. What are your thoughts on these cheaper alternatives? Would you ever put your well-being at risk, for the sake of cutting costs?

The post Korea Plastic Surgery Botched Operations in China by Uncertified Surgeons appeared first on Best Plastic Surgery Clinics in Korea | Korean Plastic Surgery Travel.

Body shape ideals are now a dime a dozen; from V-line to S-line to X-line to Y-line. There’s many more where that came from! But when you hear “V-line”, you’d probably think of Asian V-line surgery or double jaw surgery; it is better known as a type of facial contouring surgery .

Still, there is a V-line body shape ideal that has nothing to do with jawlines; we’re talking about the ideal “V-line” for breasts.

Is It Possible To Achieve?

So, these days, there are so many alphabetical body shape ideals. That much, we know of, but are they actually possible to achieve?

When it comes to double eyelid surgery, the procedure itself is pretty straight-forward in the sense that there is a clear end-result in sight. However, to achieve a “body shape ideal”, that is another matter altogether that involves much more tweaking.

Take the X-line for instance. The X-line is a new obsession for young women; it is an ideal that cannot be achieved through mere exercise and dieting alone. To be of an X-line shape, this includes having ample breasts, wider hips, a slim waist and a flat stomach. Exercise and dieting can only do so much. For one thing, diet and exercise cannot change the shape and size of the breasts.

Not a “New” Trend

Still, no matter how hard it is to achieve said body shape ideal, the culture of Korean Plastic Surgery procedures have made it possible. It does come at a price, though, as the hardship that women and men go through to obtain the ideal shape still exists.

In the not so distant past, women used to starve themselves in order to achieve the stick-thin model look. This ideal body shape business has been going on for a long time now, as old as the time where corsets were produced. You know that garment that is used to slim the figure?

This preoccupation with the ideal body shape could not have been better explained than in ‘An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie, and Sexuality’, a major contribution to the history of fashion and of women.

To quote from the book, “Forsaking glamour is like forsaking my identity. It’s an image I’ve worked too hard to attain and preserve.” and “The career of Jane Russell, another film actress whose celebrity was galvanized by attention to her breasts, further illustrates the connection between glamour and women’s breasts.”

In general, this is nothing new! Society’s engagement with the ideal body shape has been around for a long time now — it’s not merely a Korean thing or an Asian thing at all.

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So much more than Gangnam Style, Korea is also known for their K-POP; It is more than a musical genre. It is everything you want in a musical group; it has music, choreography and fashion – all rolled up in a one complete package, sent from Korea. Ask any fan from neighbouring Asian countries and they would agree that Korea makes it to the top of the list when it comes to popularity in cosmetic surgery.

But, there is also a high demand of beauty ‘upgrades’ in Vietnam. Averaging at 100,000 cases each year, Ho Chi Minh City is to Vietnam what Seoul is to South Korea.  According to the Ho Chi Minh City Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, favoured procedures for men include double eyelid surgery, eyebrow surgery and facial skin smoothing. For women, their favourites include asian breast augmentation and nose surgery, among others.

High Expectations and Excessive Demands

As stated by Tuoi Tre Newspaper, among 2,500 customers, only 654 were carried out by surgeons who agreed to put their customers under the knife. Why is this so? It wasn’t due to technical or troubles with techniques, but unrealistic expectations and excessive demands from customers.

According to Surgeon Cao Ngoc Bich, the vice head of the Ho Chi Minh City Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, only but 20 percent of customers clearly know what they need to ‘improve’ while the remaining 80 percent misunderstand cosmetic surgery as a ‘magic wand’ that will transform them into an entirely new person. Though cosmetic surgery can do wonders, there are still limitations and implications that will come from cosmetic surgery. This is what the 80 percent do not seem to realize; they have high expectations and excessive demands. But, this high demand for plastic surgery Asian ‘upgrades’ is not only limited to Vietnam alone.

The culture of Korean plastic surgery procedures is not unlike that in Vietnam; many fans in Korea or in neighboring Asian countries and beyond, desire to look like their idol. It is one thing to want to better your physique, but it is another altogether to want to literally get rid of yourself, how you are right now. Going under the knife can indeed do amazing things, but only under the right circumstances. Is it really worth it to jump straight into the action, but put your health and natural beauty at risk?

Avoiding Complications

To think of your body as a commodity, needing an ‘upgrade’ – may do more damage in the long run. Why? Because of complacency and carelessness. For those aged 40-50, who may suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease and, or diabetes, there is a higher risk for complications during surgery. To avoid these complications, going through thorough tests is one such preliminary step in preparation for the big day. To avoid unwanted surprises and for a smooth recovery, we think that the best course of action is to take the time for the necessary preparations, do your own research and figure out the best plan for your individual case.

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Huyn Jang Jin never had a boyfriend, was ridiculed, bullied and taunted in high school for her masculine face – she had a square jaw-line.

That all changed after high school. Sponsored by her University, she underwent surgery and though it is not explicitly stated by news sources, it is obvious that work had been done on her jaw-line, some kind of face contouring surgery.

After surgery, the surgeon had proposed to the 33 year old and now, the both of them are engaged. Stories like these are not uncommon. It can be said that there’s nothing really cosmetic about v-line jaw surgery – in the sense that, it does fix lives. Having an under-bite or an overbite can affect one’s physical health, not to mention emotional well-being. The point is, yes, cosmetic surgery can be a vain pursuit, but in this case, it isn’t completely just for vanity.

33 year old Huyn Jang Jin, engaged to her surgeon.

Though, we know that the common teaching we’ve been told since we were children, runs along the lines of, “Don’t judge a book by its cover!” The harsh reality is that we do judge each other by our looks; in romance, looks matters most to the beautiful and in the workplace – especially in South Korea, how you look determines whether you’re getting your foot in the door.

Looking back, Asia had lagged behind when it came to the plastic surgery wave – unlike the West. But since the early 2000’s, gone were the cultural hang-ups, arrested medical skills and poor demand. There’s even uniquely Asian procedures i.e. double eyelid surgery and Korean V-line surgery. Now, the popularity of cosmetic surgery has been rising throughout Asia and beyond.

Disclaimer: (The pictures above were derived from the blogosphere and are not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

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These days, most people would agree that South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are among the top ten most accepting, or rather, plastic surgery dependent countries in the world. Why is this so? The cosmetic surgery craze probably owes its dues to two factors: (1) the association between Korean celebrities and plastic surgery, and (2) supposedly Western influence in aesthetic beauty among the Asian population.

Envy: The Root of it All

Those familiar with K-POP and Korean entertainment, will find that a number of celebrities have admitted to have undergone the knife, already. It’s not surprising that many fans find themselves wanting to look like a certain celebrity.

But, the second factor is a bit ambiguous, so I’ll go into a bit more of an explanation here. There has been a lot of media coverage on how ‘Asians are seeking Surgery for Western look’. Still, it is a bit of a stretch to say that every Asian person seeking surgery wants to look Western-like.

In our age of globalization, Western media, entertainment, and advertisements bombards most developed countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea — to name a few. Every day, you’ll see countless billboards and various advertisements displaying models and celebrities from the West. They’re either selling a product or looking sexy in a BMW. As for South Korea, ads for cosmetic surgery are readily publicized even in subway stations.

The ideal look, the beauty standard and what is desirable is thrown right in our faces, so, it’s really easy to become envious.

Hot Among Asian Teenagers: Do-it-yourself

All that aside, who ranks first in this cosmetic surgery craze? It’s an easy guess, that’s right – it’s South Korea with 16 procedures per 1,000 people. Coming in sixth place is Taiwan, followed by Japan who ranks seventh.

Even with high rates of cosmetic surgery across Asia, the procedures themselves can be costly and invasive, especially when revisions are taken into account. Just look at grafting in revision rhinoplasty, it happens often; as reported, rhinoplasty, a difficult aesthetic surgery, has a revision rate of up to 21%. Going by those statistics, a quarter of the people are returning patients who spend a hefty sum.

Perhaps this is why, in recent years, there has arose a rising trend. Hot among Asian teenagers is a cheap but dubious alternative: DIY cosmetic surgery in Korea, as well as in neighbouring Asian countries. You’ll find as young as elementary-aged children, using these tools on themselves!

Among these DIY tools, there is the glasses-like contraption that claims to provide the user with a double-fold eyelid, only after five minutes a day of wearing it.

So, this glasses-like contraption that costs peanuts versus the increasingly popular, 20-minute double eyelid surgery. Which of the two provides less hassle and is a safer option? We don’t know, but a better question is: how effective and safe are these tools? Despite not knowing these two questions, this ‘DIY cosmetic surgery’ has become a rising trend amongst Asian teens.

Would you ever use one of these tools, or do you find more relief in tried and true practices? Mind you, Korean eye surgery is costly, and it can be invasive – still, even with these risks, there has been many cases where people have been satisfied with their results.

How many people do you know, who have reported lasting and satisfactory results after using these DIY tools? Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

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After recovering from the currency crisis from a decade ago, the rising living standards in South Korea has enabled a number of men and women to pursue various pleasures and luxuries in life; one of these luxuries is cosmetic surgery. A growing number of Japanese, Chinese, Asian Americans and others from South-east Asia have also flocked to Seoul.

Now, the South Korean economy is one of the largest in the world, ranking 13^th. Despite this, only 61.2 percent of women with higher education degrees, aged 25 to 64, were employed in 2007 – as reported by the Korean Women’s Development Institute. Compared to other OECD Member countries, South Korea is at the bottom there.

By 2013, 72.7 percent of women aged between 25 and 29 were employed. For those aged between 35 and 49, the statistics are grim, with only 56.1 percent being employed. With such a deplorable female employment rate in Korea, it’s no wonder then that some women, if they have no plans to become homemakers, are empowering themselves — to ensure job security.

Not just a matter of being trendy

The on-going beauty trend is that of having wider eyes, a fairer complexion and a higher nose bridge. There is the belief that by ‘enhancing’ looks, this provides an edge to the individual, as well as greater career prospects. This is often done through Korean eye surgery, rhinoplasty and laser skin treatments, to name a few.

It’s not just women, however, as elementary-aged children have also been seeking to achieve the ideal look; how is this done? Through, DIY cosmetic surgery in Korea: cheap but dubious – as in, how effective are these DIY tools, really? These cheap solutions are an alternative to popular procedures such as the 20-minute double eyelid surgery. Whatever methods used, the belief is the same – that by altering looks, you’ll be able to better navigate life’s challenges. This is the belief in empowerment through surgery that is prevalent in South Korea. There’s been so much buzz. It’s been hyped up by various news sources that now, South Koreans and plastic surgery could almost be said to be interchangeable.

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In the last few years, the topic on Korean celebrities and plastic surgery has gotten a lot of attention. Now, it’s no surprise that a big star like Hyorin from SISTAR has admitted to wanting surgery done, yup this happened in Korea — in a recent episode of the Korean variety show, “Beatles Code”.

But, it may come as a surprise to many fans that the South Korean singer and actress has confessed that at some point, she didn’t consider herself to have a pretty face.

She said, “My mother has never told me that I was pretty. She instead tells me that my face has a lot of personality, but that it’s not a pretty face.”

When asked by an MC whether she thought she was pretty or not, Hyorin said, “I don’t think I’m pretty and I don’t think my face has personality either.” Her own mother didn’t think she was pretty either – according to the beauty standards in Asia.

The star had previously admitted to have done the popular 20 minute double eyelid surgery done, but that is a relatively simple procedure compared to the highly invasive face contouring surgery – something that she has expressed reluctance in getting.

“But I am too scared. I’m okay with getting IVs and shots,” she said, “but I get really scared when something comes near my face.”

While the East favors a delicate, pure and fair look, the West appreciates exactly how Hyorin looks; her curvy, sensuous figure, beaming smile and expressive eyes – it is unique, to them. It’s rather peculiar, if you asked us, how different parts of the world value so differently – what is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so to speak. Maybe Hyorin’s face has too much “character” that is, too different from the Asian beauty standard, but is it not beautiful?

On the other hand, we’ve heard of Asian Americans and standards of attractiveness, how some have felt pressured in conforming to Western beauty ideals, but that’s not the point.

The crux of the biscuit is this: Before getting plastic surgery in Korea, if you ever considered it … What is treasure and trash to you, reader? What if the society you lived in, valued both double lidded eyes and mono lidded eyes? What if society valued an aquiline nose instead of a straight, well-defined nose? The ball is in your hands, do you see? It’s important not to get too caught up in conventions, after all, wasn’t the belief that started it all, “Beauty is not defined, but created”?

Look at Hyorin, isn’t she well-respected and her work is valued by her fans – even though she doesn’t exactly fit the Asian beauty standard?

Disclaimer: (The picture above was derived from the blogosphere and is not associated with Seoul TouchUp)

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