Table of contents

• Trends in Korean Plastic Surgery
• The Most popular plastic surgeries in Korea
• Other Common Cosmetic Procedures
• The Social Implications of Plastic Surgery in Korea
• 54 Plastic Surgery Procedures Popular in Korea

South Korea is famously known as the global hub of plastic surgery. The high demand for cosmetic enhancements in the country has resulted in an industry that is highly specialized, offering a vast variety of 54 different procedures. Here, we delve into the diverse assortment of available surgeries, and aim to provide a comprehensive look at this booming industry.

Trends in Korean Plastic Surgery

In Korea, societal emphasis on appearance and aesthetic beauty has led to plastic surgery becoming commonplace. The prevalent culture encourages the idea of achieving physical perfection through surgical enhancements. Some of the most sought-after procedures include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), rhinoplasty (nose jobs), jawbone surgery, and various types of other facial contouring surgeries.

The Most popular plastic surgeries in Korea

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty is the most popular procedure in South Korea. This surgery aims to create a crease in the eyelid, giving the appearance of larger, rounder eyes.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is another highly requested procedure. This surgery can reshape, resize, and lift the nose to create a more balanced facial aesthetic.

Jawbone Surgery

This procedure, also known as mandible contouring or V-line surgery, alters the jaw to give it a more V-shaped look. The aim here is to achieve a softer, more feminine facial contour.

Other Common Cosmetic Procedures

Apart from the major surgeries, there are various other cosmetic procedures that are also popular. These include:

• Botox and fillers: Used to smooth out wrinkles and add volume to areas like the lips or cheeks.

• Liposuction: This procedure removes excess fat from certain parts of the body to create a more streamlined silhouette.

• Breast augmentation: This involves using implants to increase the size of the breasts.

The Social Implications of Plastic Surgery in Korea

While the high rate of plastic surgery in Korea is a testament to the advanced skills of its surgeons, it also reflects societal pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty. Some critics argue that this excessive focus on physical appearance may have negative implications for mental health and self-esteem. Nonetheless, the popularity of these procedures shows no signs of waning, pointing to the continuing influence of beauty standards in South Korean society.

54 Plastic Surgery Procedures Popular in Korea

Plastic surgery is a significant aspect of Korean culture. The high rate of plastic surgery in the country is largely driven by societal standards of beauty, and there is a wide range of procedures available. Here, we break down 54 of the most popular procedures you'll find in Korea.

1. Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): This procedure involves creating a visible crease in the upper eyelid to make the eyes appear larger and more defined. There are various techniques depending on the desired outcome and natural eyelid anatomy, such as the incisional method, non-incisional suture method, or a partial incision method. Recovery time and outcomes can vary, with many people seeking this procedure to gain a more "Westernized" appearance or to enhance their natural aesthetic.

2. Rhinoplasty: Often called a "nose job," rhinoplasty can involve resizing, reshaping, or altering the angle of the nose to better fit a person's facial features. Techniques include reducing or augmenting the nasal bridge, refining the nasal tip, or correcting structural defects such as a deviated septum. This procedure is both cosmetic and functional, often improving breathing for those with nasal obstructions.

3. Jaw Reduction Surgery: This surgery targets the mandible's shape to achieve a softer, more oval-shaped face, commonly desired in East Asian beauty. It involves either shaving down parts of the bone or repositioning the jawbone through incisions either inside the mouth or on the face. Recovery can be extensive, often requiring pain management and a special diet until swelling and healing progress sufficiently.

4. Chin Augmentation: Chin enhancement is achieved by either inserting silicone implants or advancing the bone structure. This procedure helps balance facial features, making a recessive chin more prominent, complementing other facial structures, and potentially enhancing the appearance of the jawline. Surgeons often recommend this procedure in conjunction with rhinoplasty for harmonious facial proportions.

5. Forehead Augmentation: This is often chosen by individuals wishing to create a more protruding or symmetrical forehead. The use of custom implants or fat grafting can address concerns like a flat or uneven forehead. Recovery generally involves dealing with bruising and swelling, and the results are a fuller, more youthful forehead with improved contour.

6. Cheekbone Reduction: This procedure addresses overly prominent cheekbones, which can make the face appear wider. By shaving down or repositioning the zygomatic bones, surgeons can achieve a smoother, softer cheek contour. It's a complex surgery requiring careful consideration of facial symmetry and is popularly performed in Korea to meet specific local beauty ideals.

7. Fat Grafting: Typically used to enhance volume in the face, breasts, or hips, this procedure involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, purifying it, and then injecting it into another area. It's a favorable option for those seeking a more natural enhancement as it uses the patient’s tissue. Results are typically subtle but provide a natural feel and appearance, with minimal risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

8. Facelift: A facelift targets sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone in the face and neck. By surgically removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues and muscles, a facelift rejuvenates the facial appearance. This comprehensive procedure can be tailored to also target specific areas, like the midface or lower face, often resulting in a restored youthful appearance without overly tight skin.

9. Neck Lift: This surgery aims to remove excess skin and fat deposits under the chin and along the neck. The procedure tightens the neck muscles and skin to provide a more defined jawline and smoother neck appearance, addressing issues like "turkey neck" or jowls. It's often combined with a facelift for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck area.

10. Lip Augmentation: Enhancing the lips can be achieved through injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid, or via surgical options, such as fat transfers or implants for longer-lasting results. This procedure offers increased fullness and shape, often correcting asymmetries and achieving balance with other facial features. Recovery from fillers is quick, while surgical augmentation may require more downtime.

11. Breast Augmentation: This involves the placement of silicone or saline implants to increase breast size and enhance overall shape. Other techniques include fat grafting, which uses the patient's fat for a more natural look. Patients can customize the size, shape, and placement of implants to achieve the desired aesthetic, and results can have significant impacts on self-esteem and body confidence.

12. Breast Reduction: Also known as reduction mammoplasty, this procedure is aimed at reducing breast size to alleviate problems such as back pain, posture issues, or rashes under the breasts. The surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and skin and often repositioning the nipple for a natural appearance. Besides physical relief, this surgery can provide psychological benefits, including enhanced self-esteem and the ability to engage in physical activities more comfortably.

13. Breast Lift (Mastopexy): With age, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, breasts can sag, losing their youthful position. A breast lift addresses these changes by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to uplift the breasts. This results in a firmer and perkier breast contour, often enhancing the overall silhouette and balancing body proportions.

14. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This comprehensive surgery involves removing excess fat and skin, and, in most cases, restoring weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. It is particularly popular among those seeking to regain their pre-pregnancy abdomen, individuals after significant weight loss, or those who cannot achieve desired results through exercise and diet alone.

15. Liposuction: A highly popular cosmetic procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. It involves inserting a cannula beneath the skin to suction out fat cells, and is typically performed on areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and under the chin. The procedure contours and reshapes specific body areas, often resulting in an overall slimming effect.

16. Calf Reduction: This surgery aims to create slender and more delicately shaped calves through either partial muscle removal or selective muscle relaxation by neurotoxin injections. It's preferred by those seeking balance in their leg proportions or desiring more shapely calves to enhance the fit of clothing and aesthetics of the legs.

17. Brow Lift (Forehead Lift): This is used to raise drooping eyebrows, smooth forehead lines, and eliminate furrowed brows. By gently repositioning the forehead tissues, the procedure provides a revitalized appearance, opens up the eyes, and significantly reduces signs of aging. Techniques vary, from endoscopic methods to traditional coronal lifts, depending on the degree of lifting required.

18. Ear Pinning (Otoplasty): Ideal for individuals with prominent ears, otoplasty repositions the ears closer to the head to improve facial harmony. It involves reshaping the cartilage through incisions usually made behind the ear, leading to minimal visible scarring and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

19. Thigh Lift: This procedure reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat for smoother skin and proportionate leg contours. It’s particularly popular after significant weight loss, addressing issues of skin laxity and tissue sagging to improve the symmetry and tone of the legs.

20. Buttock Augmentation: Also known as a "butt lift," this procedure enhances the size and shape of the buttocks using either silicone implants or fat grafting (Brazilian Butt Lift). It aims to create a fuller, rounder buttock appearance, often harmonizing with the patient's natural physique for balanced body proportions.

21. V-line Surgery: Designed to create a slender and more contoured jawline, V-line surgery involves reshaping the jaw and chin areas. By excising parts of the jawbone and reducing the chin, this surgery offers a feminine V-shaped face, highly sought-after within Asian beauty standards.

22. Smile Lift Surgery: This procedure targets drooping mouth corners, often a sign of aging or naturally downturned lips, by lifting and repositioning the tissue. The result is a naturally happier and more approachable appearance without needing to maintain a constant smile.

23. Hairline Lowering Surgery: Also known as forehead reduction surgery, this procedure shortens the forehead by bringing the hairline forward. It is typically sought by individuals with a high or receding hairline and can significantly alter the overall balance and proportions of the face, enhancing aesthetic appeal.

24. Nipple Reduction: Focuses on decreasing overly large or protruding nipples, this procedure provides a more balanced and natural-looking breast appearance. It generally involves removing a portion of the nipple to achieve desired proportions, and is often sought for cosmetic reasons or improved comfort.

25. Areola Reduction: This is performed to reduce the diameter of the areola, often in conjunction with other breast surgeries like reduction or augmentation. The goal is to achieve a more proportional appearance, with techniques that allow for minimal scarring and long-lasting results.

26. Ptosis Correction: This surgery corrects drooping of the upper eyelid that may impair vision or affect appearance. By tightening or reattaching the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid, this procedure results in a more alert and open eye appearance and can significantly enhance visual function.

27. Cupid Bow Lip Surgery: Aimed at enhancing the central lip contour to accentuate the "Cupid's bow," this surgery reshapes the lip line through precise incisions or fillers. This cosmetic enhancement is popular for those seeking to improve the aesthetic definition of their lips and overall facial expression.

28. Dermal Fillers: These injectable treatments restore lost volume and smooth out wrinkles or folds on the face. Common types include hyaluronic acid and collagen-based fillers, which can be used to enhance the cheeks, lips, and jawline. Results are usually instant but may vary in duration from months to over a year, depending on the product used.

29. Botox Injections: Widely used for reducing dynamic facial wrinkles caused by muscle activity, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Botox temporarily relaxes target muscles, smoothing out the skin and providing a refreshed appearance. It's a non-surgical treatment with results lasting several months, making it popular for those seeking subtle improvement with minimal downtime.

30. Laser Skin Resurfacing: This rejuvenating treatment targets wrinkles, blemishes, scars, and skin irregularities by removing the damaged outer layer of the skin. Laser resurfacing promotes collagen production and cell renewal, leading to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. Different laser types allow customization for various skin concerns and areas.

31. Acne Scar Treatment: Addresses the texture and appearance of post-acne scars using methods such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microneedling. These treatments stimulate collagen production and skin renewal, gradually improving the skin's texture and reducing the visibility of scars, often enhancing overall skin quality and evenness.

32. Permanent Makeup: Utilizes tattooing techniques to apply pigment in areas where conventional makeup is used, such as eyebrows, eyelids, and lips. Popular for those seeking to enhance features without daily makeup application, it offers longer-lasting results but requires touch-ups over time to maintain vibrancy.

33. Skin Whitening: Various interventions like chemical peels, laser treatments, and topical applications aim to brighten the skin by reducing melanin concentration. Chosen for achieving a more even skin tone or addressing pigmentation issues, these treatments can require multiple sessions for desired results and maintenance.

34. Porcelain Veneers: These thin ceramic films are bonded to the front of teeth to enhance brightness and perfect the appearance of a smile. Veneers are custom-crafted for each individual, correcting discoloration, gaps, chips, or misalignment, and offering a durable and aesthetic improvement that can last many years.

35. Dimple Creation Surgery: A minor procedure that artificially creates dimples by connecting skin muscles with tissue, typically on the cheeks. It enhances facial expressions and charm, with the results being either permanent or semi-permanent, depending on surgical technique and individual healing.

36. Under-Eye Bag Removal (Blepharoplasty): This procedure reduces the appearance of under-eye bags by adjusting or removing fat cushions under the eyes. It addresses aging concerns and promotes a more rested and youthful appearance, often coupled with skin tightening techniques for optimal results.

37. Gummy Smile Correction: Aims to reduce excessive gum visibility when smiling, using techniques such as lip repositioning, gum contouring, or orthognathic surgery. This enhancement creates a balanced smile aesthetic and boosts confidence for those self-conscious about their gum-to-teeth ratio.

38. Nipple Reconstruction: Often following mastectomy, nipple reconstruction restores the nipple using skin or tissue from another part of the body or local flap procedures. Techniques can create a natural appearance, with many women undergoing reconstruction as part of their journey toward regaining bodily integrity and self-image.

39. Body Contouring Post-Weight Loss: Involves various procedures, including tummy tucks, arm lifts, and thigh lifts, to remove excess skin and enhance body shape following significant weight loss. Contouring tightens and refines body areas, often supporting individuals in completing their weight loss transformation and achieving desired body contours.

40. Labiaplasty: This procedure reshapes the labia minora, reducing size or correcting asymmetry for functional or aesthetic reasons. Motivated by comfort during activities or dissatisfaction with appearance, it results in a more proportionate vaginal area with typically discreet scarring.

41. Penile Enlargement Surgery: Techniques include suspensory ligament release, grafting, or fat transfer, aimed at increasing penis length or girth. This procedure remains controversial, with outcomes varying significantly, and carries risks and considerations regarding sexual function and satisfaction.

42. Tracheal Shave (Adam's Apple Reduction): Typically chosen by transgender women or those uncomfortable with their Adam's apple prominence, the tracheal shave reduces its size through cartilage removal. The surgery is subtle yet effective in feminizing the neck and throat profile.

43. Mole Removal: Involves surgical excision or laser treatment to remove moles for cosmetic or medical reasons. Post-removal, the skin usually heals with minimal scarring, yielding a clearer and more even skin appearance.

44. Scar Revision: Seeks to reduce the visibility of scars, using surgical or non-surgical methods like lasers, injectable treatments, or dermabrasion. This customization allows significant improvement of scar aesthetics, smoothing their appearance and blending them more naturally with adjacent skin.

45. Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Treatments like laser therapy and chemical peels target dark patches and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or acne. These procedures accelerate skin turnover and promote a more consistent complexion, often requiring multiple sessions for best results.

46. Freckle Removal: Lasers or other targeted treatments lighten or eliminate freckles, specific pigmented skin cells, offering a clearer complexion. This procedure appeals to individuals seeking a more uniform skin tone, although results and recurrence can vary based on skin type and sun exposure.

47. Gynecomastia Surgery: For men with enlarged breast tissue, this procedure involves removing excess glandular tissue or fat to achieve a flatter chest. It's often life-changing, improving self-esteem and alleviating any physical or emotional discomfort associated with gynecomastia.

48. Abdominal Etching: This precision contouring technique involves liposuction to highlight the natural muscular structure of the abdomen, emphasizing a "six-pack." Ideal candidates are those close to their ideal body weight who desire more defined abdominal muscles.

49. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Aimed at removing loose skin and excess fat from the upper arms post-weight loss or aging, resulting in more toned and firm arm contours. It enhances the overall upper body appearance, with incision lengths and scars varying based on the patient's degree of correction needed.

50. Stretch Mark Treatment: Therapies like laser treatments, microneedling, or topical applications reduce the texture and appearance of stretch marks. Stimulating new collagen and renewing skin layers can significantly diminish the visibility of stretch marks, offering smoother skin texture.

51. Non-surgical Nose Job: Involves using dermal fillers to temporarily refine and contour nasal shape without surgery, ideal for correcting minor bumps, asymmetries, or adding volume. Results are immediate with minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick adjustments.

52. Skin Tightening: Non-invasive treatments utilizing ultrasound or radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production, firming, and lifting the skin. Ideal for early signs of aging, these treatments offer subtle but noticeable improvements over time, often requiring multiple sessions.

53. Microblading: A semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that enhances eyebrow appearance by manually tattooing tiny, hair-like strokes. It provides fuller-looking brows that last for 1-2 years, offering a natural and defined look for those with sparse or uneven eyebrows.

54. Cellulite Reduction: Treatments like radiofrequency, laser therapy, or specialized massages aimed at reducing the appearance of cellulite, improve skin texture and smoothness. These procedures break up fibrous bands under the skin, stimulating circulation and promoting a smoother, toned skin surface.