How to Make Sure You’ll Get the Best Plastic Surgery in Korea

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

 

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.

 

 

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Plastic Surgery in Asia with a Twist

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

 

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.

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Through Asian Eyes: Understanding South Korea’s “Beauty-obsessed” Culture

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

 

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?

 

 

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Plastic Surgery Statistics in Korea Show that Men Are Embracing Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

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?

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Who Else Wants to See This Korean Plastic Surgery Documentary Completed?

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

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?

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