Vanity Talks: The Rising Popularity of Korean Cosmetic Surgery

by Beauty Blogger Chelsea Kim

Plastic surgery – which has been enjoying a huge following in the United States for a very long time already – is not a hyped concept in Asia until recently. But the East is keeping up with the trends, and now Korean cosmetic surgery has surpassed its Western counterparts with outstanding results.

The Figures

Did you know that over 5.8 million cosmetic procedures were done in Asia in 2010 alone?

In a report released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, South Korea has the world’s biggest market for Asian plastic surgery done. South Korea is hailed as a plastic surgery Mecca. In fact, the Gangnam district of Seoul (yes, that Gangnam from the viral hit song) is most famous for housing a beauty belt with over 400 Korean plastic surgery clinics in its Apgujeong area.

What are the popular Korean cosmetic surgery procedures?

The most popular procedure by far is the double eyelid surgery. Asians have a distinct characteristic of having monolid eyes, and this Asian plastic surgery procedure removes the upper eyelid’s excess skin to create a crease on the eyelids, or more popularly called double eyelids. This also makes the eyes look wider, creating a bright-eyed, fresh look.

Rhinoplasty, one of the most popular Cosmetic Procedures in Korea

If you’re looking to get a more permanent contoured look – the beauty gods know how hard it is to look contoured and fresh looking in the morning – then there’s face contouring surgery. This procedure will correct uneven facial structure and improve a person’s overall look. Face contouring also works to correct a receding chin line, giving women a more feminine appearance.

There’s also Rhinoplasty. Let’s face it, the Asian nose sticks out (no pun intended) because of its wide nostril, bulbous tip and poorly-defined or even nonexistent bridge. Rhinoplasty not only helps reduce the size of the nose, it also changes the tip of the nose. This procedure can even be used to alter the angle between your upper lip and nose.

What sets Korean rhinoplasty from its Western equivalent is that Korean cosmetic surgery doctors know what works best for Asians. A Caucasian nose will not fit on an Asian face, and for this reason, many Asians – both locally and overseas-based – look toward Korea as a place to get a natural-looking nose job.

Finally, there’s breast augmentation. This is a fairly simple procedure that will help a woman get fuller-looking breasts. This straightforward procedure involves miniscule surgical incisions and silicone implants, and the whole experience only takes a couple of hours.
It’s Time to start looking, feeling better
Through technological advances and scientific breakthroughs, Korean plastic surgery methods have become very sophisticated over time. There is a wide variety of cosmetic surgery procedures at a price package that best matches you. Did you know that medical tourism in Korea has the whole beauty trip package – from accommodations and consultations to scheduling appointments, and even community support? Beauty tourism agencies, recognized and accredited by the Korean government, will help you get the look you desire without the stress. Just get your passport ready.