If you have ever stepped into the Gangnam district of Seoul, you will notice South Korea’s peculiarly beauty-driven culture; at the heart of the affluent district, hundreds of cosmetic surgery clinics can be found; half of all advertisements are promotions for various kinds of surgeries, nips and tucks.

A glance through plastic surgery statistics and it’ll tell you that South Korea is the most cosmetically-enhanced country in the world.

This can be a bit disconcerting for those who are not used to such an image-driven culture, one that has a narrow standard of beauty, but, beauty nonetheless.

Why is it beautiful nonetheless? Most people will tell you that they find larger, double-lidded eyes, fair skin and neotenous features to be desirable. We are hard-wired to coo and adore babies – why is it surprising that we find baby-looking faces attractive as well?

However, after tragic cases where surgery had gone wrong, the locals have urged Seoul to limit plastic surgery ads. Due to these growing complaints, Seoul has now set restrictions: only but 20% of all advertising placed in public transportation areas can be connected to cosmetic surgery.

“Many people complained these ads make people, including youngsters, believe that plastic surgery can be done so easily,” city council official Lee Chang-Min had said.

According to Channel News Asia, “Earlier this month a 34-year-old woman died of asphyxiation while having surgery on her nose and a man in his 30s died three days after undergoing a procedure on his jawbone.”

It is unfortunate that such matters happen, which makes it doubly important to find the best plastic surgeons in Korea – only those that are board-certified, professional and ethical.

With all that said, there are 3 lessons to be learn from extreme plastic surgery in Korea that went wrong:

• Knowing your limits: The story of Hang Mioku is one fine example. The ex-model did not know her limits; she injected cooking oil into herself when she was not able to get a proper procedure done, which caused her fatal accident that had left her severely disfigured.
• Risking it with a relatively new fad: Compared to other procedures that have been around for a much longer time, procedures like jawline surgery may still be risky business.
• Cheap comes at a price: Any experienced and ethical professional won’t be charging insanely low rates.

Perhaps if more cases of plastic surgery gone wrong in Korea were to happen, Seoul may have to further limit its ads connected to plastic surgery. Who knows, really? Leave a comment below if you think this is bound to happen. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday 21^st century life, we don’t really take notice of the potential dangers of our selfie-loaded culture. But obsession with self-image can indeed become a problem, as in a rather recent case where a British teenager reportedly tried to kill himself because he wasn’t satisfied with the quality of his selfies. This is why some people choose to opt for cosmetic surgery, but even then it could still be a problem!

As highlighted in the 3 lessons to learn from extreme plastic surgery in Korea that went wrong, Hang Mioku, a former Korean model is a good example here: she was perpetually dissatisfied with her looks and after being low on funds, made the unwise decision of injecting herself with cooking oil. She was a plastic surgery addict. According to plastic surgery statistics, South Korea is said to be the most cosmetically enhanced in the world, with plastic surgeons that are 1.7 times more experienced than Taiwan, 6.9 times more than Thailand and 17 times more than China.

Even with some of the best plastic surgeons in Korea, this cannot fully protect plastic surgery addicts from themselves. There have been countless of cases where after feeling dissatisfied with their looks, teens to adults have killed themselves.

If you know someone who is keen on cosmetic surgery, a sensitive soul and image-conscious, you’ll want to keep an eye out on the 3 signs of a Korean plastic surgery addict – just in case.

Sign # 1:
Obsessive, Compulsive and Image-conscious
Does the person worry too much about their looks? Everyone worries about how they look to others at some point, but they don’t check their little compact mirror for the thousandth time in a day,or compulsively taking a million selfies in a single day, before crying their eyes out at every single picture — lamenting on how ugly they think they look.

But in reality, they’re not a Frankenstein-zombie hideous monster that they make themselves out to be.

Sign #2:
How far do they go in their pursuit for the ideal image?
Are they spending all their resources such as money, time and energy on cosmetic surgery purposes? Do they eat instant ramen noodles 24/7 for months on end, miss out on work or skip out on school often? Simply put, is their mental, emotional and physical health deteriorating in their pursuit of the ideal image?

This is unfortunate. All we got is the present moment, really. Cosmetic surgery is a means to an end, but when people forget about the importance of the process, the journey itself, life itself can be hell. There is a difference between saving up for a nose job, and forsaking everything you are and have right now, for a nose job that will be done in a year.

Step #3:
Reacting Aggressively and Violently to Help

Okay, so you may know someone who may be an addict, based on the first two signs. Maybe you’ve tried to butt in and tell them that maybe they’ve gone too far. Do they react violently to you? Violence is not always physical, it can be emotional too. Marshall Rosenberg, a psychologist and author of the book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, had once said, “All violence is the result of people tricking themselves into believing that their pain derives from other people and that consequently those people deserve to be punished.”

As cliché as the old saying goes, to give out love, a person has to first learn to love themselves.

Now, look at her:

Even though she’s overweight and not considered to be a “conventional beauty”, she gives out an air of confidence. Are those gym clothes? Wow, someone’s been working hard!

Personality is just as attractive, if not more attractive than looks. I mean sure, people probably tease her from time to time. But she looks relaxed, as though she has acknowledged and accepted her flaws. More importantly, she knows that she has the power to change for the better. So, who cares what anyone else has to say?

Recent Korean plastic surgery statistics show that more Chinese than Americans enter the country for beauty purposes. There were 32,503 tourists that had come from China back in 2012, and in 2009, there were more Japanese tourists. All of them were on a search for the best plastic surgeon in Korea who could meet their needs.
With some of the best plastic surgeons in Korea, it’s really not a big surprise what would have come next: women from China and Japan, who make up a large portion of expats seeking medical treatments in South Korea, are not able to re-enter their home countries after surgery. As reported by Kotaku, custom officials are very strict and efficient in making sure that people match the photo in their passport. In a way, this is all thanks to the surgeons for doing an excellent job!

Fortunately, as also reported, some hospitals are now issuing a document, a “plastic surgery certificate” as proof. This certificate includes the patient’s passport number, the length of their stay, the name and location of the hospital and the hospital’s official seal. This practice has been done for the last three years, but has increased with the soaring number of travellers coming into Korea.

Why has there been so many Chinese tourists coming into Korea for surgery?

According to Kotaku, “It comes from the mistrust of the system entrenched in their psyche,” to quote surgeon Park Byong-choon, “Chinese parents come to Korea even for childbirth. The death of a young singer under a Chinese cosmetic surgeon’s knife a few years ago makes people think twice about doing it at home.”

For anyone who will be getting cosmetic surgery in Korea, you might want to keep this in mind and request an official document!

Take a look at some of the latest plastic surgery statistics, and you’ll find South Korea to be at the top of the list. Korean plastic surgery is huge in Asia, but if you’ve ever wondered why that is, you might want to check out this very insightful documentary. It’s not a Korean Plastic Surgery Documentary per se, but it has everything to do with the South Korean youth’s way of life, their culture and beauty standards.

On television, Korean celebrities and idols sport a similar look: large, lidded eyes, fair skin, a defined nose and a slim figure. It’s just become the norm now, so much so that locals as young as elementary-school aged children choose to get DIY cosmetic surgery in Korea – an inexpensive but dubious alternative.

But it can’t be helped really. We’re naturally attracted to what is familiar, because familiarity increases liking. As you know, how we look in the mirror is not actually how others see us! It is a reversed image of how we actually are. When you take a picture and the end result is automatically flipped by your phone or camera, you might have been horrified, “Who is this weirdo?” you might have thought.

Sometimes we look weird in pictures, because we’re not used to seeing ourselves this way. We’re used to seeing the one in the mirror. The same thing happens when you listen to a recording of your own voice!

What did you think of the preview of this documentary?  Would you want to see it completed?

There have been numerous studies that have shown prejudice at the workplace. Promotions and job offerings that are based solely on someone’s appearance is a reality that is a bit hard to swallow.

But it’s true, especially in South Korea. The Korea Herald has reported an earlier study where 44% of male college students in Korea were considering to get some form of cosmetic surgery done. These days, it is common for men to embrace what is commonly seen as “vain” and “feminine” pursuits – enhancing their looks through beauty products or cosmetic surgery.

Just How Many Men Are Getting Plastic Surgery Done?

In fact, The Korean Association for Plastic Surgeons estimated that the number of Korean men who had cosmetic surgery had amounted to 15% in 2010. Furthermore, plastic surgery statistics in Korea show that it’s not just South Korean men, but men from all over the world who are visiting the cosmetic surgery capital of the world.

Still, even with some of the best plastic surgeons in Korea, there have been mishaps – you might have heard of all these failed procedures in the news, especially regarding ‘extreme’ forms of surgery such as V-line surgery. It’s a no brainer why patients with severe under bites and over bites would consider corrective jaw surgery. But what would all these people with fairly normal jawlines, want from a jaw-shaping procedure? The reason why Asian jaw plastic surgery is so popular could very likely be due to the fact that we, humans are naturally drawn to neotenous features.

It’s Not About Looking ‘White’

Neotenous features are what you would call baby-like: big, round eyes, a small chin and smooth skin. Even with some of the best plastic surgeons in Korea, getting the wrong work done on your face can backfire your plans. There are some things that are immutable, and this is one of them. Naturally, we have an instinct to nurture and protect babies, and this is why women with neotenous features are seen as attractive by men and women.

Funny enough, onlookers usually say that Asians want to look white, that’s why they get surgery done. But how true is that? Could it be, that double eyelid surgery gives the appearance of large, round eyes? Similar to a baby’s eyes? You know, neotenous features that everyone, both men and women are attracted to?

Remember the days when technology was still fairly new to the world? Kids could never get their hands on tablets (they weren’t even invented then!) and a far few even knew how to use a mobile phone. Now, it’s commonly found in every household.

Aha, and then there’s the selfie. Yes, the selfie trend that even children are not shy of. Have you ever seen a parent’s facebook page with album after album of selfies, but of their child? Perhaps that is why, besides being technology-savvy, kids these days are also very interested in beauty. Most of all, we’re talking about the children in South Korea.

“Surgery” or “Treatment”?

So, how “beauty-obsessed” is South Korea, anyway? What better way to find out than through Asian eyes?

Ask any teenager in South Korea and they will tell you that a Korean double eyelid surgery procedure is no longer even considered “surgery”; it is now merely seen as “treatment”. While surgery implies heavy consequences that could be life-threatening and dangerous, treatment is a flippant thing.

This is not to say that these beauty “treatments” are not life-threatening, because they can be. Still, this does not stop youngsters and the old alike, to be operated on. Children as young as grade-schoolers are already wanting to change how they look. Going under the knife too young will definitely have its consequences; children are still growing, developing their personality and self-esteem.

As reported by Korea Herald, a woman in her 40s had reportedly said, “We live in a time when appearances are one’s competitiveness. I cannot defy the trend.”

Also mentioned by the Korea Herald: Lee Dong-geun, a freshman majoring in piano at Seoul Arts School had said to them, “The media often misleads people’s minds and thoughts by presenting distorted views on beauty. Today, a person’s appearance is considered more important than personality and ability.”

Debunking the “De-racialization” Myth

The reason for this “beauty-obsessed” culture is quite obvious. Chiselling, nipping and tucking, gives the person a competitive edge to survive in society.

Even then, Western media claim that this “beauty-obsessed” population, South Koreans and other Asians from neighbouring countries undergo the knife to look more “White”. But how true is this sweeping statement?

The fashionable look is that of having large double-lidded eyes, fair skin, a small chin (V-shaped jawline) and well-defined nose with a bridge. Of course, there are reasons for this:

• It is tempting to have what one does not have.
• Asians usually have smaller eyes without the crease of a double eyelid, a snub nose and sometimes, tanned skin.
• Men and women are both drawn to neotenous features, simply, baby-like faces that have clear skin, large eyes and small chins.

Perhaps this is the reason why Asian jaw plastic surgery is so popular! V-shaped jaw lines produce a smaller looking chin after all.

Uncanny facts

But wait, there’s more! Plastic surgery statistics show a slightly different picture: the most popular procedures are those that relate to hair and skin. These aren’t exactly “extreme” forms of plastic surgery.

Yes, it is true that there is a lot of pressure placed on South Koreans to look the best, in order to compete. But, are Asians really that “beauty-obsessed” as so many reports by the media have claimed?

Finally, some news on plastic Surgery in Asia with a twist!

This may come as a surprise, but a reverse plastic surgery show, is finally in Korea. Yes, this is a reality TV show that focuses on reversing the results of plastic surgery. The show is called “Back To My Face”, where participants that have had more than ten procedures done are to decide on whether or not they want to have reconstructive surgery – to remove the work done by plastic surgery.

From counselling sessions to walking around asking strangers to rate their before and after pictures, this feat is no walk in the park.

South Koreans have earned a reputation for being the most cosmetically enhanced people in the world, according to recent plastic surgery statistics. While the most popular kind of surgery is for skin and hair, South Korea plastic surgery is famed for its supposedly ‘obsessive’ quality – from V-shaped jawlines to S-shaped bodylines. A point that should be mentioned though, is the reason why Asian jaw plastic surgery is so popular, as well as other “obsessive” procedures.

While most media turns your attention to the idea that Asians want a more westernized look so they opt for surgery, we disagree. Food for thought: Neotenous facial features is found to be attractive by both men and women. Having large eyes, a small chin, clear and fair skin are not only a beauty trend in South Korea, but they are also neotenous traits.

For those curious, definitely check out the show, “Back to My Face” — this popular “reality makeover show” has gotten good ratings.

Getting reconstructive surgery done can be a very stressful task. That’s probably why you are here – doing your research!

A glance through recent plastic surgery statistics, and you’ll find that South Korea ranks first among the top 5 countries to have gotten the most cosmetic surgery. Still, with South Korea plastic surgery, there are hundreds of cosmetic surgery clinics in Gangnam-gu alone. So, which to choose and among those clinics, which surgeon is the best for your individual needs? How can you ensure that this will be the best plastic surgery in Korea that you’ll ever experience?

Shaping the Uniquely Asian Form

First things first, for Asians, you may wish to read up on the 3 reasons why you’ll want an Asian plastic surgeon. Common features found in the oriental face and body include eyes without an upper eyelid crease, a less defined nose, smaller breasts and shorter stature.

All these affect the type of procedure you’ll be wanting to get, and how it is done. To illustrate this point, take breast augmentation for example – some Asian patients have complained that their entire body looked unbalanced and scarring became evident after breast augmentation. These complications and undesirable results can be avoided under the trained hands of a surgeon specialized in shaping Asian forms.

Certification Will Save You Time and Trouble

The next crucial point: Lately, the customs officials have become stricter in their approach, refusing to let people who are traveling home after surgery, to pass. Why? Thanks to the surgery work! They look nothing alike in their pre-surgery passport photos. This is why, now, people traveling home afterwards need certificates to prove who they are – and you might want to keep this in mind especially if you are coming from China or Japan.

Research, research and research

Life is a never-ending process of learning. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error for us to get things right. No one gets it right the first time, but in the case of getting cosmetic surgery – getting things right the first time is of utmost importance. The best way to ensure no botched jobs is to do your research and consult reputable and reliable sources of information should you require further help! Never be afraid to ask.

Ah, South Korea, one of the top 3 medical tourism destinations in Asia. The culture embraces everything beauty and body modification related, from selling snail mucus masks to providing jaw-shaving surgery. How obsessed or unhealthy these pursuits are? We can’t know that, but we do know that many flock to Gangnam-gu famous for plastic surgery in Korea. The statistics are unlikely to lie.

In 2012, The Korea Herald Industry Development Institute or KHID, collated the data and found that 32,503 tourists from China had travelled to South Korea for cosmetic surgery.

While Chinese tourists are said to be the largest group to enter the country for South Korea plastic surgery, the trendy destination lures Malaysians as well, with an average of 15 to 20 Malaysian patients being served in established hospitals or clinics; this average figure was reported by The Sun Daily, Malaysia’s first free daily newspaper.

You have solo travellers who are said to be the more conservative Malaysians, then there are those who are more open with their intentions and would join cosmetic surgery tours. For the South Korea plastic surgery experience, both groups are willing to spend tens of thousands of ringgit for anything ranging from a double eyelid surgery to more extreme forms.

It is said that most of them spend between the range of RM 15,000 and RM 30,000 to reshape and contour their facial features. It’s no secret that the culture’s K-POP sensation with its pretty ‘flower’ boys, petite and pretty faced women are not only well-liked for their music and performance by fans around the world, especially Asia, but many fans also desire for their looks.

This year has proved to be quite a unique time for cosmetic surgery culture, from a Brazilian man who undergoes surgery to look Asian, to the showing of a South Korean reality television show focusing on reversing the effects of plastic surgery – all these are stories involving plastic surgery in Asia with a twist.

That aside, while these are definitely peculiar and interesting stories, we cannot forget how it is considered normal in South Korea to get a double eyelid surgery, or the immense pressure put on its people to look picture perfect. In “Along the Lines of Beauty”, a plastic surgery in Korea documentary, many South Korean women are interviewed and asked about their opinions on cosmetic surgery, how they feel about the culture, as well as the prejudices and challenges they face while living in South Korean society.

A girl explains at the beginning of the video, “So many people look at you — so many people here and you have to keep that image of yourself by wearing full set clothes and you’re kind of showing your face and your status in them – through what you wear.”

Another elaborates on the strict dress codes in Korean schools, a stark contrast to life after high school, “College is a time where you can show yourself the most, and it’s time to show yourself. Especially in Korean high school, you can’t really show yourself, you can’t really wear what you want, you can’t really have your own style. (…) College is the beginning, it’s when you start showing yourself – and I think freshman is kind of more pressured to wear pretty clothes because it’s like the initial point where you’re looking for your own identity.”

A girl compares the difference in her experiences while living outside and in Korea, “When I used to live overseas, I would hardly ever put makeup on (…) Now, I always do. I think it’s because in Korea, people care a lot about how they are perceived by other people – and like, also I think they’re very look-oriented. In other words, they don’t try to see what’s inside the people — the inner beauty of people. That makes them concentrate more and more on the looks, especially the girls.”

There are a lot more stories shared in the documentary, if you enjoy first-hand anecdotes to get a better understanding of South Korean culture and its beauty standards, be sure to check out this Korean plastic surgery documentary on youtube!

You can also watch it embedded here:

Anyone who is a fan of K-POP will immediately associate the country’s beautiful celebrities to their cosmetic surgery industry – it’s no secret anymore: some celebrities have admitted that their physical beauty is not God-given, but the work of man. Perhaps this is why South Korea is gaining so much attention, being among the top 3 medical tourism destinations in Asia.

If you’re reading this, you might very likely be someone who is looking to get plastic surgery done in Korea. Okay, so you’ve got your passport and other Korea travel essentials ready, you’ve flown to Korea, now what?  You might have many unanswered questions such as: among the many options to choose from, which surgeon and clinic to go for exactly? Which part of South Korea has the best Korean plastic surgery available? Friends and family may have directed you to check out Gangnam district’s clinics.

It is a fact that Gangnam has the most plastic surgery clinics in Seoul. According to the Korea Herald, four out of ten plastic surgery clinics are based in the Gangnam district, and about 1,245 self-employed surgeons had set up their business in large cities, with almost 60 percent of them based in Seoul. Other popular metropolitan areas include Busan, Daegu and Incheon. But Seoul’s total number of plastic surgeons accounted for 60% of the lot. Does Gangnam offer the best Korean plastic surgery? That question is too complex, so let’s break it down.

Is popularity always equals better service? Maybe, maybe not, but it does give a wider range of options to narrow down to a skilled surgeon. Some mistakes that people may make while deciding on the best option for them:

Thinking that popularity means better quality service
The most important factors include your individual case – what kind of surgery are you thinking of getting, and which surgeon is going to perform the procedure on you?

Thinking that Gangnam’s popularity is overrated
On the other hand, while popularity may not necessarily mean better service, again there is a wide range of options to choose from. Among the 1,245 self-employed surgeons, 60% are located in Seoul – chances are, you’ll find some decent professionals here!

Judging by all the ads around Seoul’s stations and streets, there are so many popular clinics, each claiming to be the best at what they do. It can get downright confusing! We would say, choosing your clinic based on word-of-mouth information from friends, family, relatives and experts is one of the better ways of deciding where to go from here. There is also an abundance of resources and information available on the internet, including the community over at the TouchUp forum. Research away!

Online and offline, famous Korean plastic surgery scare-stories, miraculous successes and cautionary tales are frequently reported. These days, cosmetic surgery is rarely seen as taboo in South Korea, where the media and ads are strongly encouraging the people to transform their faces and bodies.

Furthermore, figures from the latest plastic surgery statistics show that the proportion of Koreans who have gotten plastic surgery work has risen to 13.5 out of every 1,000 people. Are you interested in getting cosmetic surgery in Korea? Then you might be interested in the top 5 famous Korean plastic surgery hot spots of 2014:

Gangnam-gu

Besides its metropolitan atmosphere and fast-paced city life, the affluent Gangnam-gu is hands down the most concentrated in Seoul, when it comes down to the number of plastic surgery clinics. According to the Korea Herald, four out of ten plastic surgery clinics are based here.

You can never miss seeing a cosmetic surgery advertisement here. Many people accounting for the 13.5 in every 1,000 people statistic are getting less invasive procedures; commonly requested are the likes of botox and fillers. Still, ads on before and after pictures of face-altering procedures like double eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty are scattered about everywhere, from stations to buses.

Seochu-gu

As it turns out, Seocho-gu has the second-largest number of clinics in Seoul. As compared to Gangnam-gu, however, the total number of clinics in Seocho-gu equates to just about 20% of the number in Gangnam-gu.

Busan

Being the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, after Seoul, Busan is another popular destination. Travellers that arrive to South Korea not just for cosmetic surgery alone, but to explore the culture and their many sights certainly don’t miss out here; the city has the world’s largest department store, the Shinsegae Centum City as well as Korea’s largest beach and the longest river.

The statistics show that seven out of nine plastic surgery clinics are situated in the bustling Busanjin District.

Incheon

Not too far from Seoul, Incheon boasts as South Korea’s “English City”, where a program was conducted to make Incheon as much of an English-speaking city as possible.

About eighty percent of plastic surgeons have set up their business in the likes of Incheon, Busan and Daegu. However, sixty percent of them are based in Seoul.

Daegu

In the fourth largest city after Seoul, Busan and Incheon comes Daegu. While the two main religions in South Korea are Christianity and Buddhism, Daegu is a much more conservative city as compared to Seoul. Its main religion amongst the people is Buddhism.

Other facts: Due to their humid subtropical climate, this city is known to produce high quality apples hence given the nickname, “Apple City”. Aisde from that, their production of textiles used to be the main thing reeling in most of the city’s economy. Now, Daegu is focusing on cultivating their fashion and technology industries.

In terms of the number of plastic surgery clinics, Daegu shows a similar pattern like Busan.

A few decades ago, the Asian culture can be said to be more conservative, shying away from taboo subjects and ‘vain’ endeavours. Now, it’s a different story. The latest plastic surgery statistics show that South Korea ranks first, in terms of the most number of procedures done (per 1,000 population). Also, the country’s fellow Asian counterpart, Chinese tourists are flocking towards South Korea for plastic surgery vacations.

In 2012, more than 32,000 tourists had hailed from China alone.

But what about surgery trends? The answer has also been found: when it comes to South Korea plastic surgery, while many requested procedures fall under “skin and hair”, facial reconstructing is near the top of the list, as well. 

Beauty ideals fluctuate and change within the years, but some things never change; neotenous features in women are seen as highly desirable by both men and women. The Asian beauty ideal that everyone seems to gravitate towards is that of having big, distinctively lidded eyes, fair skin, a defined nose, a slim body and a smaller jawline. Not surprisingly, those traits are aligned with neotenous features! 

Unfortunately, all this comes at a price. A lot of pain, a whole lot of pain. You can watch the video of an Asian women, Jessica Choi as she shares her journey, here: the pain of recovery.

Whoever said beauty is pain, well, they’re right. Would you undergo extreme surgery for the sake of beauty? Comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Anyone who wishes to undergo plastic surgery needs to first consider the doctor that they will turn to for support. Apgujeong plastic surgery is one of the most popular places in the world for such procedures, but it still requires additional research for finding the right clinic for the job. There are various medical tourism destinations that people go to for the perfect doctor, but before you do such a thing, you will need to know what to look for in your doctor.

Top qualities for a good doctor and a good clinic

When you are undergoing any type of surgery you need to be sure that you will be taken care of properly and that you will receive everything you need to make a safe and quick recovery. Apgujeong plastic surgery may be one of the most popular destinations, but even that area has a variety of options. When you have chosen your type of cosmetic surgery in Korea, the first thing you need to do is look for a clinic that specialises in that particular procedure. Although plastic surgeons understand the procedure of plastic surgery for almost every body part, they still specialise in certain areas on an individual level. A doctor who has experience in hundreds of nose procedures but only a dozen for eye procedures will obviously be more qualified for the nose ones. This is how you need to narrow down your search as well. Plastic surgeries are not something that you can do every day, and although most of them are very much reversible, there is no need to put yourself through the process more times than you need to.

How to check for these qualities

Even when you think that you have found the right clinic and the right doctor, you will still need a way to check this information and make sure that you are on the right track. Apgujeong plastic surgery includes a huge number of qualified doctors, and yet, because you are look for the right amount of experience and good results, you will need to find a way to sift through your initial choices. One way to go about this is to look for relevant research that the doctor has contributed to their area of expertise. You can look for the doctor’s name in medical journals where you will also find reviews from readers. Look for previous patients, or ask people if they know someone who has also undergone a procedure at the doctor that you wish to go to. Make sure that you ask them as many questions as possible, and get to know the negative sides of the procedure as well as the positive ones.

No one is perfect, and you will always find flaws in people if you are looking for them, but you really should choose a doctor with as few flaws as possible. Plastic surgery in Asia
may be a well developed niche, but it should still be approached with caution and only when you as the patient have confidence both in yourself and your doctor.

Cosmetic surgeons are a dime a dozen in Seoul, with just about hundreds of clinics populating the affluent Gangnam district as well as scattered about other parts of South Korea. The country is a delight to visit, especially for all things beauty-related. Notwithstanding the number of horrible cases that have also arose from their cosmetic surgery industry, up to date plastic surgery statistics show that the country has done the most number of cosmetic surgery procedures in the world.

Between the years 2008 to 2012, many of South Korea’s tourists visiting the metropolitan cities have come from Asia. The buzz surrounding this idea is exemplified by the news that more Chinese than Americans enter the country for beauty purposes. Is this true?  If we look into figures from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the answer is yes – well, at least in the year 2012 with 32,503 tourists coming from China.

Reshaping the body and face hurts. But as the saying goes, you win some and you lose some. Thanks to the South Korean pop culture boom, fans don’t just admire the talent, but envy their beloved celebrities for their pretty boy and picture perfect girl looks. According to an insight from Xinhua, a China newspaper, getting plastic surgery in Korea or rather, Korean-styled surgeries is becoming a hot summer trend among students in China.

As the Xinhua insight goes, “The country’s ‘correction’ and ‘alteration’ industry gained attention when the Xijing Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, was reported last week to have received more than 400 clients daily since the beginning of July, double the amount of the pre-holiday period. Students account for over 80 percent of the total, according to Sun Feng, a surgeon with the hospital.”

It goes further to say, “Many tout their ‘reshaping’ ads, particularly the ‘ROK(Republic of Korea)-style’ surgeries, with images of ROK pop stars to lure students (…)”

Here’s some food for thought: are these ROK styled eye, nose or facial plastic surgeries the same as the Korean nose plastic surgery done in South Korea? What are your thoughts? Would you get a ROK-style also known as Korean styled surgery in China or in Korea? Comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

One of the most recent trends is the Korean plastic surgery on eye bag. The procedure is intended for people who wish to have bigger looking eyes, and one of the most efficient ways to do that is to make the eye bags bigger. Many people who do not wish to undergo full surgery are currently using a special kind of sticky plastic underneath their eyes in order to create the eye bag effect. However, while this sticky plastic is effective to a certain extent, it can be quite annoying to constantly have to use it, which is where Asian eyelid surgery comes in to fix the problem and give the patient bigger looking eyes.

Why do people do this?

There is a general consensus in Korean that bags underneath the eyes make a person look more youthful. However, make no mistake; they are not referring to the blue eye bag you get when you haven’t had enough sleep. The eye bags that they are talking about are the cute ones you get from smiling, which really can make someone’s face look friendlier. Korean plastic surgery on eye bag aims to give the face a fresh and friendly goal through the use of a simple procedure.

How is it done?

The surgery for the youthful eye bag can be done in two ways. The first is to make a small incision into the muscle structure of the area, which would create a small eye bag. Another way to have this done is to add some fat to the eye bag by removing the fat from other parts of the body. This type of lateral canthoplasty is currently a very popular trend in Korea, and both men and women are undergoing the procedure.

It is human nature to wish to change their appearance in a way that will make them feel the most beautiful, and this Korean plastic surgery on eye bag is no different. Some people do it with makeup, while others undergo more serious procedures, but the final goal is always to have the look that you feel fits you best.

Korean plastic surgery pre-operation preparations also apply for this type of procedure, and they should certainly be followed according to the doctor’s instructions at all times. It is very important that the patient follows all of the doctor’s instructions, because this will help the operation run smoothly, and will also help the patient with the recovery time. There is expected to be some swelling right after the operation, but it should go down in a couple of weeks, after which patients can resume their everyday activities.

Many people will argue that Korean men and women are beautiful as they are and that they do not need any surgery. This is certainly true, but people have the right to adjust their bodies however they think will make them feel their best. Even the smallest procedure can have a huge impact on someone’s self-esteem.

They’re usually tall and thin with chiselled faces and not a hair out of place; they are your 21^st century K-pop idols. This is in stark contrast to how things were before. Way back before the rising popularity of Korean plastic surgery and Gangnam style, Koreans  led a more traditional, Confucianism way of life; you were supposed to honor what your parents had given you, that is, your natural body. These days, nips and tucks are so heavily promoted in advertisements and society at large that they really are no longer a taboo, at least in South Korea. How did this all come about? It’s no secret: understanding contemporary South Korea through K-pop is the key here.

Perhaps talent, a good work ethic and hard work is of greater importance than your image, but which does society and the workplace value more? In Korea, image is everything. It can make or break a job interview and a career. More and more Asian countries, especially image-driven ones, are also becoming more tolerant and accepting of this supposedly luxurious pursuit, as it is no longer stands as a luxury but perhaps a necessity for competing and thriving in society.

Taking a look at current plastic surgery statistics will reveal just how popular Korean plastic surgery is, with both the locals and global audience. According to the figures, South Korea has the most number of plastic surgery procedures done in the world. Everything from less invasive face and skin treatments, onto the popularly requested double eyelid surgery and finally, more extreme make overs.

Once one of the least developed areas in Seoul, Gangnam has come a long way now. It is now not only an affluent district with a song about itself, “Gangnam Style” that has acclaimed world-wide recognition, but situated and densely packed in this metropolis are 500 cosmetic surgery clinics. But does Gangnam offer the best plastic surgery? We can’t say for sure, but it is a fact that it houses the most number of clinics in all of South Korea. Chances are, you’ll find a reputable and experienced surgeon in a decent clinic right here. Not all of its traditional and cultural aspects has morphed with the times, however, with many sweet sights to see, from ancient palaces, to temples and majestic mountains to climb.

In 21^st Century Asia, there is a whole lot of procedures catered to the Asian population, also called “Ethnic plastic surgery”. Blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty are two such procedures that fall under that category, where both are intricate procedures better to be administered by only the best plastic surgeons in Korea, China and Japan, the top nations specializing in ethnic plastic surgery

According to the report by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 360,000 procedures were carried out in 2010. Among which, getting liposuction, blepharoplasty, double eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty in Korea were the most common. In 2014, the latest plastic surgery statistics also show that on top of all that, hair and skin treatments are also frequently done in Korea.

The more invasive form of surgery, facial contouring still the most mysterious of Asian procedures to non-Asian folk.

Compared to the West, there are countless media reports on facial contouring that have been done in Korea. Whether it may be a report on a grotesque post-surgery result born from obsession or exaggerated claims bordering on racism, rhinoplasty can be a means to an end of achieving facial balance and beauty, when it is done right.

Symmetry is attractive to the human eye, and so is neotenous features. These two factors, when combined together, align with what is now the beauty trend in Asia. For anyone looking to venture into the world of cosmetic surgery, depending on where you go, the top nations may just be your safest bet.

The Korean plastic surgery brow lift procedure is popular with the older generation crowd. As people age, the skin on their brows begins to soften and to sag a little. This drop causes additional wrinkles to appear on the face, which can change your ‘resting’ expression to angry, sad or tired. Facial contouring surgery can help with this problem by placing your brows in a higher position.

How is a brow lift achieved?

In order for a surgeon to achieve this he must cut a line from ear to ear behind the hair line. This allows him access to the most prominent face muscles, after which he can release the required muscles, remove extra skin, and then lift the eyebrows to a higher position. This procedure can be modified to fit any shape of head and forehead, and the place of the cut is slightly different from person to person depending on their anatomy. Sometimes, the surgeon will insert small hooks in the back of the cut which will hold the skin and muscles in place. The hooks are made of natural material and they will melt over time as the operation heals. Once they disappear completely, the patient will be left with higher brows and less wrinkles. Patients who ask for this procedure as usually between 40 and 60 years old, since this is the age when the skin begins to sag.

What can you do as a patient to help?

As with any cosmetic surgery in Korea, you need to be as informed about the procedure as possible. The Korean plastic surgery brow lift will usually feel a little uncomfortable right after the operation is done. This is because the cuts and the new changes made to your skin will need some time to heal before you have access to all of your facial expressions again. There is nothing to worry about however, because your skin will heal quite quickly, and will allow itself to be reshaped according to the doctor’s incisions made.

In order for the entire procedure to heal, it usually takes 10 to 14 days. Patients are advised not to try and use other products to speed up the healing process, because the best end results will only appear if you allow your body to regenerate and heal at its own pace. You can of course make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet, because this will give your body the strength and energy it needs to recover.

Plastic surgery in Asia has evolved to give its customers comfort, satisfaction and greater self-esteem. While you should always make sure that you are in touch with the best doctors available, the plastic surgery industry as a whole in South Korea is one of the best known in the world. In fact, with plastic surgeries being so popular in Korea, it will be a lot easier for you as a patient to find reviews by people who have done it in certain clinics before, and with this information, to find the clinic that is the best one for you.

South Korea has come a long way in earning a reputation for being one of the world’s most cosmetically enhanced country.

According to plastic surgery statistics, getting rhinoplasty done in Korea is on the rise for both men and women. Looking at 2013, the AAFPRS had found a 10 percent increase in rhinoplasty procedures done in 2013 over 2012. Another study of theirs have also found that the rise of “selfies” has been a huge impact on the increase in requests for plastic surgery procedures.

Perhaps this case is not limited to America alone. Looking back to the last few decades, Seoul’s Gangnam district was one of the least developed areas. Now, it’s described as the heart of Seoul’s cosmetic surgery industry, with over hundreds of clinics packed together in this district alone.
It’s been going on for a while now: In 2007, around 38 percent of Korean male adolescents between the ages 15 to 19 had been opposed to the idea of getting plastic surgery in Korea and elsewhere in the world. They were just against the entire idea. Only 32 percent were for, and not against the idea.

This year, according to Yonhap News Agency, a recent poll that was conducted has found that half of Seoul’s teenage boys favours plastic surgery — 49.4% to be exact. As for how many were opposed to the idea? A drop in percentage, with only 16.9% who answered, “no” instead of 2007’s recorded 38% rate of rejection. The most popularly requested of the lot includes minor skin and hair treatments, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty, followed by more invasive facial contouring. So, it’s really not just women but men who are embracing this; it even has its own terms on the internet now, with “Asian Male Rhinoplasty” or “Male Cosmetic Surgery” being a thing.

Times are changing, that’s for sure; getting plastic surgery in Asia was never really a huge thing until very recently, with more and more people becoming more tolerant of this pursuit, whereas once it was a taboo subject subjugated by the country’s conservative culture and Confucian teachings.