3 Things to Learn From These Beautiful Bodies: South Korea’s Female Bodybuilders

Written by Seoul TouchUp. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

It’s no secret that Gangnam plastic surgery has been a growing trend in Asia, but these traditional views are being challenged by South Korea’s female bodybuilders. There are three things we can learn from these babes.

More Than a Beautiful Body

While liposuction in Korea can get rid of the unwanted flab and protruding belly, remember that it does not better your health – it does nothing for BMI. These beautiful bodies reflect a beautiful mind, too, it reflects their discipline and self-love.

Your Own Idea of Perfection

Another thing to learn from these beauties is that instead of following what’s popular and trendy, they are in a way creating their own idea of perfection. Similarly, cosmetic surgery can be a means to an end of creating your idea of perfection, or at least a part of it. (See “More Than a Beautiful Body”)

While a small jawline, larger eyes and clear skin are indeed indicators of health and youth, there have been cases where a person has gotten a kind of surgery to fit a certain mould, only to find that it does not suit them. Find what works with what you got, and what you are.

Do it for Yourself

Money can be taken away. So can designer clothes and make-up. Muscles can atrophy. What cannot be easily taken away, though, is your own internal motivation. It may falter and fade from time to time, but it’s still there. These women are not sitting on their butts all day, wishing for better health or a perfect body but they are working actively towards it.

If you do want plastic surgery, go for it. Don't let other people stop you, and especially not because it offends them. This is your life!

Whatever you do, double eyelid surgery or not, do it for yourself and not just because someone says it is beautiful. Is it beautiful to you? A good example is Bi-Rain, he doesn't have double eyelids and he’s sexy. He exudes confidence. He's attractive, who can argue about that? The end note here is a little reminder that confidence stems from within you, and not gained from plastic surgery or anywhere else.

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Thai Woman Becomes Splitting Image of Let Me-In’s Hostess Hwang Shin-hye

Written by Seoul TouchUp. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

Depression. Low self esteem. These are just a few conditions that those unlucky from birth may suffer from, these are people who had to bear years of humiliation for something that was never in their control --  their physical appearance. By 'physical appearance', we mean living with deformities that passersby would gawk at -- as though you were a fish out of water.

In the popular make-over show, “Let Me In”, a recent episode featured a Thai women who lived that sort of reality. Except, the twist here is that she undergoes cosmetic surgery and it is said that she now resembles the show’s young hostess, Hwang Shin-hye. The program films complete make overs for women and men, usually those who suffer from physical abnormalities that put a damper on their emotional well-being. There is some word play here: “Me-In”  means “Beauty” in Korean.

Thai Woman is Splitting Image of Hwang Shin-hye

On September 4, producers of the show flew to Thailand to film the make-over of two candidates; one of which was Nit Sa Nat, the girl who was to become what they called, a splitting image of Hwang Shin-hye. Before, it was reported that she suffered from low self-esteem and severe depression due to a longer than average lower jaw as well as protruding lips – facial features that gave rise to the cruel nickname of “Witch” or “Transgender”. Through jawline surgery among other less invasive operations, she earned the nickname of “Little Hwang Shin-hye”. Going into their fourth season, “Let Me In” represents the best results coming from Gangnam plastic surgery, as well as modern day Korean culture and their belief in empowerment through surgery.

More Than Five Hundred Clinics in Gangnam

Thanks to the Korean Wave, and Seoul’s reputation as a hot spot for all things beauty-related in Asia, flying to Korea for plastic surgery vacations is not uncommon these days. However, if you or a loved one is interested in traveling to Korea for cosmetic surgery, it should be mentioned that Seoul is not the wonderland of plastic surgery; among the hundreds of clinics in Gangnam district alone, there are shoddy and unethical practices.

There are people who claim to be doctors, but who prior to operating on a patient, had only attended a short course. Though, there are board-certified, experienced and reputable practices. Remember though, the very best surgeons are not just surgeons, but are decent human beings too. So on top of that, look for one who is open to listening to your concerns, questions and are there to provide the necessary support during your post-surgery recovery period -- these are the best plastic surgeons in Korea. How do you find them? Before diving into Seoul, it is advisable that you ask around, research, make a consultation, and always, always ask questions !

 

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

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What this Beauty Queen Did is Shocking but Refreshing

Written by Seoul TouchUp. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

When scandals hit the news, they usually serve as a reminder of the harsh reality that we live in. This one was no exception. Rather than yield to pressure, a dethroned Burmese beauty queen decides to rebel against the standards and fight back against the judgments placed upon her.

Though controversial, May Myat Noe has had a lot to say, and so did the relevant parties. According to The Guardian, it is said that she was stripped off her title for refusing to get breast surgery.

The director of media for the pageant, David Kim had claimed that the girl was unappreciative and dishonest; he had offered Korean breast implants to the sixteen year old, free of charge as a ‘boost’ to stardom. However, the 2014 Miss Asia Pacific World winner had reported that she had done no wrong and wanted an apology.

It was claimed that she had ran off with the crown that was worth up to $100,000, but according to her, she had boarded the plane even before learning that she had been dethroned.   “I’m not even proud of this crown,” she said, “I don’t want a crown from an organisation with such a bad reputation.” Whatever the facts are, there is something to admire about the dethroned beauty queen here; she did not let anyone tell her what was beautiful or what she should be doing to her body.

May Myat Noe talks to journalists after her dethroning.

 Cosmetic surgery is a huge investment and there are risks involved here -- it’s certainly not for everyone. As with any other invasive surgery procedure, understanding the pros and cons of breast implants should come first, before social acceptance, fame or fortune. Then there’s the question of, among over five hundred clinics in Seoul alone, where should someone looking to get Gangnam plastic surgery, start looking? According to the Guardian, the Miss Asia Pacific World pageant is now in its fourth year and has had its share of controversy. As it is when it comes to the beauty industry, controversy is no stranger. It’s the same when it comes to cosmetic surgery – where should you be getting surgery? Who exactly is the best, not just board-certified and experienced, but also possessing the integrity of a respectable professional? Feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

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

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From Pudgy Teenager to Super Model Looks: Thai Guy Barely Recognisable After Plastic Surgery

Written by Seoul TouchUp. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

On August 29, Stomp, Singapore’s Stomp Straits Times reported on the successful transformation of a Thai man named Babapan, from a pudgy teenager into a man with super model good looks. They got their sources from a Thai news report, for anyone that’s curious.

Not much is known about the man, Babapan, but here are shots of him as a teenager.

Before and After shots. He looks a lot like a Korean celebrity.

 

The result of another successful, amazing transformation.

These before and after transformation stories are abundant on the internet. Often times, many choose to travel to a different country with better reputation and services for cosmetic surgery, with the top 3 medical tourism destinations in Asia being India, Singapore and Korea. Why get surgery overseas? The reasons are plentiful, it could be as simple as wanting to get a procedure that had originated from Korea, or someone wanting to kill two birds with one stone, opting for a plastic surgery vacation.

Teeming with plastic surgery clinics, what with over 500 clinics in Seoul alone, and the promise of being under the hands of professional surgeons who have operated on Korean celebrities, getting Gangnam plastic surgery is a popular choice in Asia.

But we must remember that just as there are success stories, there are the hidden, unsuccessful ones as well. It has been reportedly seen that there are residents who have been scarred after botched plastic surgery. According to the Straits Times, a local newspaper in Singapore, a doctor from Gleneagles Hospital has much to say about the potential pitfalls of cosmetic surgery, “Sometimes, it’s hard for us to solve the problem if we don’t know what the doctor on the other side has done… And not everything can be fixed… (The women) come to us and we have to tell them the damage is permanent.”

The truth is that with so many clinics and surgeons in South Korea, the industry is so competitive – and where not every clinic has the reputation and skills -- that any walk-in patient would be like a lamb to the wolves. To ensure the success of your procedure, it is best to consult only board-certified surgeons with the reputation, skills and integrity. The best way to go about that? Research, ask the right questions (because who would really want to let someone poke and prod them with a scalpel without knowing how it is done, right?) and make consultations!

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

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Busting the Biggest Myth On Korean Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

Boasting more than five hundred clinics, while Gangnam district is known as the mecca of cosmetic surgery, South Korea has gained a bad rep in recent years with news coverage often presenting the nation as an image-obsessed nation.

Let's Bust the Myth

The second idea that has been thrown around in the media, is that many Asians who choose to change their appearance are said to be, “ashamed of looking Asian and want to look white.” Arguments have been raged on why double eyelid surgery is so popular in Korea. Which of course, media reports claim that it is to achieve a more Western looking eye. We think this is complete hogwash.

If you are Asian and want to get cosmetic surgery, don’t listen to that rubbish. It doesn't mean you secretly harbour feelings of shame from being Asian. So don’t you beat yourself up over it!

The truth is, it is in our biology that most people are drawn towards cute, baby-like faces. In most people, the sight of a baby produces protective and nurturing responses. These are faces with larger eyes, higher eyebrows, smaller nose bridges, rounder faces, thicker lips and lower vertical placement of features, creating a higher forehead and a shorter chin.

A study found that pretty women have more oestrogen, and higher oestrogen levels are seen as more feminine and attractive – these attractive faces had bigger eyes, larger forehead area, small chins and larger lips. Is it merely a coincidence then, that popular Gangnam plastic surgery trends involve larger eyes, a smaller chin and a smaller nose bridge?

Another thing is, if most Asians coming to Korea to get cosmetic surgery only did it to look like a white person, let’s not forget that many black people have double eyelids too! By following the ridiculous reasoning that ‘double eyelid surgery is used to look more like white people’, then it should be just as true to say that ‘double eyelid surgery is used to look more like black people’.

Sure, there might be some people who really hate being Asian and dislike their oriental features. But it is an exaggeration to say that for all Asian people. For the most part, it has nothing to do with race here.

Empowerment through Surgery

While it is true that cosmetic surgery is heavily advertised in South Korea, it is also true that their society believes in empowerment through surgery; this is a country that is highly competitive and where looks matter a lot to even score a job interview. As for Asians in neighboring countries, some would like to look like a certain Korean celebrity. Some others just like to create their own look, it’s like make-up but a more permanent solution.

Yes, it’s true that South Korea is an image-conscious place, but the media should give it a break and quit making exaggerated and subtle, racist remarks in their reports. It’s really getting old, don’t you think? Reshaping your body and changing your looks can be life-changing, but it's not going to instantaneously bring you success. One should never forget their roots and where they came from, because it influenced you into who you are today and it fuels your drive as to where you are heading tomorrow.

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