South Korea’s fascination with plastic surgery has been the focus of international media attention ever since Psy’s hit single “Gangnam Style” shined a spotlight on the nation’s newfound wealth and decadence. We’ve documented some of the most inspirational and outlandish plastic surgery stories to come out of this Asian country, including a string of beauty contestants who looked remarkably similar and a prominent K-pop star who is refreshingly candid about her nips and tucks.
Recently, Mercury News, a U.S. news outlet, covered the rapidly expanding plastic surgery industry in South Korea and the aggressive efforts of plastic surgeons to draw more international clientele. Currently, the country is a go-to destination for people throughout Asia who are interested in cosmetic enhancements.
“The number of tourists visiting South Korea for cosmetic surgery has increased more than fivefold since 2009 to 15,428 last year,” the source reports. “The trend is helping the government’s aim to add about 20,000 jobs, mainly nurses and interpreters, in the medical tourism industry over the next four years.”
But is traveling overseas for your plastic surgery really such a good idea? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that committing to such a procedure abroad can pose several very real risks. For example, if you aren’t familiar with the certifications in a particular country, it can be difficult to verify whether your surgeon is truly qualified to perform your chosen operation. In addition, you must keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure, and there is always the possibility that you’ll experience complications. Requiring further medical attention in a country you’re unfamiliar with can not only be stressful, but also very dangerous.
At the Lett Center in Lebanon, Tennessee, we specialize in a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to learn more!