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Types of Korean Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: Aug 26

 Korean Plastic Surgery

South Korea is globally renowned for its advanced plastic surgery techniques and high-quality care. This article explores the various types of Korean plastic surgery, their popularity, the top clinics, the benefits of undergoing cosmetic procedures in Korea, and the recovery times for popular procedures.




Introduction

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery in Korea has become a major trend, attracting both locals and international patients. The country's innovative techniques, experienced surgeons, and high success rates make it a top destination for cosmetic procedures. In this article, we delve into the most popular types of Korean plastic surgeries and why this country is a preferred choice for many seeking aesthetic enhancements.




Types of Korean Plastic Surgery


Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging skin, deep folds, and wrinkles on the face and neck. The procedure involves lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning the skin to create a more youthful appearance. The results can be dramatic, offering a significant reduction in the signs of aging. Facelifts can be combined with other procedures like neck lifts, eyelid surgery, or brow lifts for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.


Forehead Lift

A forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, rejuvenates the forehead and brow area by tightening the skin and muscles. This procedure can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines, correct drooping brows, and provide a more alert and youthful look. Incisions are typically made along the hairline or within the scalp to minimize visible scarring.


Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a high-speed rotary instrument to remove the outer layers of skin. It is effective in treating acne scars, fine lines, sun damage, and uneven texture. The process stimulates the growth of new, smoother skin, resulting in a more even complexion. Recovery involves a period of redness and sensitivity as the new skin heals.


V-Line Jaw Surgery

V-line jaw surgery, or mandibuloplasty, reshapes the jawline to create a more slender and feminine V shape. The procedure involves reducing the width of the jawbone and sometimes the chin. It can also include contouring the angle of the jaw for a smoother and more balanced appearance. This surgery is popular in Korea for achieving a delicate and refined facial structure.


Zygoma Reduction

Zygoma reduction, or cheekbone reduction surgery, aims to reduce the prominence of the cheekbones. The procedure involves cutting and repositioning the zygomatic bones to create a softer and more harmonious facial contour. This surgery is often sought by individuals with prominent cheekbones who desire a more balanced facial profile.


Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation enhances the size and shape of the chin to improve facial harmony. This can be achieved through the use of implants or by reshaping the bone. The procedure is beneficial for individuals with a weak or receding chin, helping to create a more balanced and proportionate facial appearance. The choice between implants and bone manipulation depends on the desired outcome and the patient's anatomy.


Genioplasty

Genioplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the chin through bone manipulation. Unlike chin augmentation, which typically uses implants, genioplasty involves cutting and repositioning the bone to achieve the desired shape. It can address issues such as a receding chin, a protruding chin, or chin asymmetry. This procedure offers a permanent solution for improving chin aesthetics.


Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes the buccal fat pads in the cheeks, resulting in a slimmer facial appearance. This surgery is ideal for individuals with full or round cheeks who desire a more sculpted and defined look. The incisions are typically made inside the mouth, ensuring that there are no visible scars.


Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, creates a crease in the upper eyelid, giving the appearance of larger, more defined eyes. This procedure is highly popular in East Asia, where many individuals have a single eyelid without a natural crease. The surgery can also correct asymmetry and enhance the overall aesthetics of the eyes, making them appear more open and alert.


Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty addresses drooping eyelids and under-eye bags. The procedure can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Upper blepharoplasty can also improve vision in patients with severely sagging eyelids. The results are long-lasting and can significantly enhance facial aesthetics.


Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, reshapes the nose for both aesthetic and functional purposes. This procedure can alter the size, shape, and proportions of the nose, correct congenital disabilities, repair injuries, and improve breathing difficulties. The surgery involves reshaping the bone and cartilage, and sometimes adding grafts to achieve the desired result. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and individualized plastic surgeries.


Forehead Augmentation

Forehead augmentation enhances the contour and shape of the forehead. This can be achieved using implants or fat grafting. The procedure is beneficial for individuals with a flat or recessed forehead, providing a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing profile. Incisions are typically made along the hairline or within the scalp to minimize visible scarring.


Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation involves placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size or change its shape. The surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to restore breast volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy. There are many types of implants, such as silicone. Selection of implants, incision locations, and placement techniques are customized based on patient preference and anatomy.


Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation treats hair loss by moving hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to a bald or thinning area. Techniques like Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are commonly used. This procedure is highly effective in restoring a natural-looking hairline and density. South Korea is renowned for its advanced hair transplant techniques and high success rates.


Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation enhances the size and shape of the lips using injectable dermal fillers. This procedure provides fuller, plumper lips and can also improve lip symmetry and contour. The most common fillers used are hyaluronic acid-based, which offer temporary results but can be adjusted for the desired effect. Lip augmentation is a popular choice for those seeking a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation.


Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy and are left with loose, sagging skin. The result is a firmer, flatter abdomen and improved body contour. Recovery involves managing swelling and discomfort, with a gradual return to normal activities.


Liposuction

Liposuction removes excess fat deposits to improve body shape and contour. This procedure can be performed on various body parts, including the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, arms, back, and face. Liposuction involves using a suction technique to remove localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure can be combined with other surgeries, such as tummy tucks or facelifts, for enhanced results.


Facial Liposuction

Facial liposuction targets excess fat and sagging skin in areas like the cheeks, chin, and neck. The procedure helps contour and shape the face for a more youthful and defined appearance. Facial liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other facial procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation.


Cheek Plastic Surgery

Cheek plastic surgery can reduce large cheeks by removing buccal fat pads or enhance cheek volume using fillers or fat grafting. The procedure aims to create a balanced and harmonious facial appearance. Cheek reduction surgery is ideal for individuals with prominent cheeks who desire a slimmer facial profile, while cheek augmentation can provide a more youthful and lifted look.


Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, or fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into areas that need volume enhancement, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks. This procedure provides a natural way to add volume and improve contour. The results are long-lasting, and the use of the patient's fat reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.


pre to post operation care



Popularity of Plastic Surgery in South Korea

Advantage of Korean Plastic Surgery
Advantage of Korean Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery in Korea is highly developed and renowned worldwide.

The country ranks first globally in aesthetic plastic procedures per capita, with clinics conducting an average of 16 surgeries per 1000 people annually.

About 20% of Koreans undergo plastic surgery in their lifetime, attracting many foreigners to the country's advanced and innovative cosmetic treatments. Korean plastic surgery clinics are known for their high-quality care, depth of experience, and use of cutting-edge technologies, providing a relatively painless and confidential experience.




Top Korean Plastic Surgery Clinics


Some of the leading plastic surgery clinics in Korea include:

  • Inique Plastic Surgery

  • View Plastic Surgery

  • Wonjin Plastic Surgery

  • Braun Plastic Surgery

  • Dream Plastic Surgery

  • Lienjang Plastic Surgery

  • BIO Plastic Surgery

  • Gio Plastic Surgery

  • Geurim Plastic Surgery

  • Cheongdam Deesse Plastic Surgery

  • The Sung Eyul Ahn Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Clinic

  • BR Dermatology

  • Banobagi 11 Dental Clinic

  • 345 Plastic Surgery


These clinics offer specialized consultations, a one-stop pre and post-operative system, and customized strategies for various surgical fields. Thorough research is recommended before booking any procedure.

 


Benefits of Getting Cosmetic Surgery in a South Korean Clinic

advanced equipment
  • High-quality treatment: Regulated by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and international organizations like JCI.

  • Experienced doctors: South Korea is a global center for plastic surgery education.

  • Affordable costs: 30-40% less expensive than in Europe, the US, Japan, or Singapore.

  • Innovative technologies: Cutting-edge tools from leading Korean tech companies.

  • Painless procedures: Laser and endoscopic instruments reduce healing time.

  • Confidentiality: Ensured for all patients.

  • Tailored approach: Procedures maintain natural facial and body forms.


Beautiful and fancy environment



Korean Plastic Surgery Before and After


While before and after photos can be a good indicator of clinic proficiency, they should be viewed with caution due to factors like makeup, photo angles, and retouching. This applies to both female and male interventions, with male beauty standards evolving towards the "pretty boy" ideal influenced by K-pop and K-drama idols.


Recovery Time for Popular Procedures

Recovery time varies based on the patient's condition and healing speed. The following times are based on general data:

  •     Breast Augmentation: 2 weeks

  •     Breast Lift: 2 weeks

  •     Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): 2 weeks

  •     Liposuction: 2 weeks

  •     Tummy Tuck: 2 weeks

  •     Body Lift: 2 weeks

  •     Brow Lift: 1 week

  •     Facelift: 2 weeks

  •     Eyelid Surgery: 1 week



Conclusion

Korean plastic surgery offers a wide range of procedures tailored to meet diverse aesthetic needs. The country's advanced techniques, experienced surgeons, and high success rates make it a leading destination for those seeking cosmetic enhancements. Whether it's anti-aging treatments, facial contouring, or body sculpting, Korea's plastic surgery industry continues to set global standards.




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