South Korea has been called the “plastic surgery capital” of the world because of its highest global surgery rates in the world. Some estimates have put the percentage of South Korean women between 19 and 29 who have had plastic surgery at ⅓, while others have that number at 50% or more. All these lead to the fact that South Korea is considered to be the country with the largest cosmetic-enhanced population.
From a subtle eyelid lift or facial reshaping to a complete transformation, Korean cosmetic surgeons are recognized for blending advanced medical techniques with a deep understanding of beauty aesthetics that guarantee natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.
In this guide, we will cover all the things you should know about plastic surgery in Korea: from the types and prices of procedures to clinics, travel tips, and expert advice for 2025.
The Rise of Korean Plastic Surgery
It is normal to want to fit into the beauty standard, but why in Korea are cosmetic surgery rates extremely high? South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgeries performed per capita and is considered the cosmetic surgery capital of the world. According to ISAPS, South Korea has 13.5 cosmetic procedures per 1000 people. It's estimated that as many as 1 out of 3 South Korean women between ages 19 to 29 have had plastic surgery. Indeed, the global rise in popularity of K-beauty and K-pop trends will surely continue to help this country keep its stronghold on the global cosmetic surgery industry.
The rise of the figure is a result of many reasons:
Korean society has no problem with plastic surgery and in fact, they admire it.
The clinics have the most up-to-date equipment and are fully technologically advanced.
The medical practitioners in Korea are subjected to a very tough and long training period, during which they are trained to merge accuracy and art, and hence they are very skilled.
Common Celebrity Korean Plastic Surgery Procedures
It is a common belief that one's external attractiveness increases opportunities to gain employment, which may motivate an individual in selecting an aesthetic procedure. Personal dissatisfaction with external appearances is the most common motive for aesthetic surgeries. This would be due to pervasive “lookism,” or discrimination when not achieving cultural standards of beauty.
Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic operations carried out in South Korea. Many Korean women and K-pop idols have this procedure to outline a defined crease, which gives their eyes an enlarged and expressive appearance.
Epicanthoplasty & Lateral Canthoplasty: These adjust the inner and outer corners of the eyes to enhance the shape and size for a more youthful, alert appearance.
Average cost: $1,500 – $3,000 USD
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
A high-bridged, pointed nose is very characteristic and important in Korean concepts of beauty. Most people have rhinoplasty to correct the bridge for a more slender one and point up the tip a bit for better facial balance without being overly artificial.
Tip refinement and dorsal augmentation give a natural yet elegant definition to the nasal framework.
Average cost: $3,000 – $7,000 USD
V-Line Jaw Surgery
The V-shaped jawline is considered the ultimate beauty standard in South Korea. Many Korean women and idols underwent V-line jaw surgery for a leaner and well-contoured face.
Mandible contouring also known as jawbone shaving or chin reduction forms the most delicate and elegant facial profile.
Also, the Jaw Botox is a nonsurgical method of reducing the width of the jaw muscles for a softer appearance.
Average cost: $8,000 – $15,000 USD
Buccal Fat Removal & Facial Contouring
Some women in Korea go to the extent of having buccal fat removal, a surgical procedure that removes extra fat from the cheeks to give them a more defined contour and sculpture-like features.
Fat grafting could be performed in order to highlight the cheekbones and even out the face.
Average cost: $1,500 – $4,000 USD
Skin Whitening & Rejuvenation Treatments
Part of the beauty of Koreans is a bright and flawless face with no blemishes. To have charming, glass-like skin of the youth, many people go through skin care treatments.
One can help skin tone and skin texture by skin whitening with laser treatment, PRP treatment, and mesotherapy.
BB Glow & Meso Botox are beauty treatments that give a natural look with a lasting, radiant glow.
Average cost: $120 - $3,200 USD
Breast Augmentation
Though a lot of K-pop stars look natural, some women in this country choose subtle enhancement of their breasts by fat transfer or small implantations to give a natural and balanced appearance.
Average cost: $5,000 - $15,000 USD
Lip Augmentation & Gummy Smile Correction
Lips are one of the most important aspects in the K-beauty standard. Many people decide to use lip fillers to have fuller and symmetrical lips.
Gummy smile Botox is a method that helps in shortening the gum part when smiling which is the main reason for a better facial feature balance.
Average cost: $3,600 - $4,800 USD
Body Contouring & Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
One more beauty ideal in Korean beauty standards is having a well-proportioned body with a slim waist and nicely shaped curves. The procedure is done to reshape the waist by throwing away the unnecessary fat. The Brazilian Butt Lift, also known as BBL, is a method that helps to achieve a more contoured and balanced figure by using fat transfer to the hips and buttocks.
Average cost: $3,800 - $6,500 USD
Before and After Korean Plastic Surgery: What to Expect
Initial Consultation and Planning
This starts with a one-on-one consultation from an expert surgeon. This will be a crucial time when you will design your aesthetic proceedings. He will explain the procedure to be done, possible risks, and benefits to answer all of your questions.
Surgical Procedure
Most of the aesthetic procedures in South Korea, especially surgical ones, are done under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. The length of time for surgery will depend on the procedure. After the surgery, you will be brought to a recovery room where you will be monitored closely by our medical staff. Swelling and bruising will occur, but this is normal in the process.
Recovery Process
Recovery is where the "before" transitions into the "after." It is an important period. Patience and adherence to post-operative instructions are key during this time.
Immediately after surgery: Swelling and bruising are expected. Pain medications are prescribed to control any discomfort. Hospital stay for 1-2 days is common with more complex procedures.
First week: Swelling will be at the maximum. You will be scheduled for follow-up visits to oversee your recovery and to remove sutures.
First month: Most of the major swelling will subside, and you will start seeing your new look. You can usually go back to most daily activities.
Several months: The final results of your facial plastic surgery Korea will become more apparent as all swelling disappears and tissues fully heal.
Is Korean Plastic Surgery Safe?
Korea is popular for having very strict standards of medicine and highly skilled surgeons. Good plastic surgery clinics in Korea are very strict in their safety measures to ensure total safety and also the technology used is very advanced.
There is always a certain amount of risk that comes with any surgery; nevertheless, the safety record of plastic surgery in Korea is impressive. Patients must research thoroughly and make a selection of clinics that are accredited and have surgeons that are experienced.
Two major organizations are responsible for overseeing the field of plastic surgery:
- The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS)
- The KMA, or Korean Medical Association
These associations are instrumental in establishing moral standards, surgeons' training, and the dissemination of safe practices throughout the industry. All clinics treating foreign visitors must be registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Many also elect to get certified under the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients, or KAHF.
Common Risks
While South Korea is considered to have high standards for plastic surgery, there are some real risks of which international patients should be aware.
Ghost Surgeries and Unlicensed Surgeons
Ghost surgeries are one of the most disturbing issues where the procedure is conducted by an unqualified substitute instead of the licensed surgeon. It was estimated that between 2008 and 2014, around 100,000 patients were affected, with reports of five deaths from 2014 to 2022.
In addition, surgeries have also been performed by unlicensed practitioners both dentists and nurses chiefly in clinics that sell low-cost package deals to foreigners. This mostly occurs because some private clinics do not face strong law enforcement and supervision.
Black-Market Clinics and Misleading Deals
Additionally, black-market clinics offering very low prices usually cut corners, increasing the risk of complications. Language Barriers In addition, language barriers may be an added problem that causes miscommunication regarding the procedure or after-care. These problems often involve patients who use unofficial third-party agents when booking surgeries or take advantage of very low-priced package deals without verification of the clinic's credentials. This is especially risky for first-time visitors or anyone unfamiliar with how the Korean healthcare system works.
How to Minimize the Risk
These are some measures that you must implement to secure yourself and to have a less risky experience:
You may also do a virtual consultation with the surgeon if it is a concern of yours about his identity and qualifications before or during the operation.
Besides, you may verify the surgeon's qualifications with the KSPRS or other international boards like the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Do not trust extremely low-priced package deals that barely cover the cost of the procedure and thereby most probably include unlicensed staff or unsafe practices.
Conversely, you should go to clinics with transparent prices and verified patient reviews.
Clinics Providing International Patients With Assured Treatments
Below are the clinics recognized for their safety, openness, and extensive experience with international patients:
JK Plastic Surgery Center
The clinic is KAHF-accredited and offers one to one language coordinators for communication. In fact, it is a facility that caters to more than 100 countries worldwide.
AB Plastic Surgery Korea
Medical Korea certified. One of the most notable features of the clinic is AI-assisted 3D facial modeling and giving the patients the prices with full transparency.
SAERO Plastic Surgery
Facial contouring specialist with proven results, rapidly gaining popularity among international patients.
VG Plastic Surgery
JCI and ISO accredited clinics are also recognized for their facial rejuvenation procedures and strong international patient care.
Korea’s plastic surgeries are still leading the world in terms of creativity, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. If you want just a small improvement or a total change, the South Korean plastic surgery market is the place to get the highest standard of quality along with the best treatment and care by far.
It is evident why Korean plastic surgery in 2025 is still the number one option for those looking for beauty anywhere in the world, given the advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and results that are recognized globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Korean plastic surgery so popular?
Combining cutting-edge technology, top-notch surgeons, and natural results, Korea is the world leader in beauty operations.
How much does Korean plastic surgery cost for foreigners?
The prices for different procedures range from $1,500 to $15,000 USD, typically are much more affordable than in the U.S. or Europe, and the quality of the care is still very good.
What is the most common plastic surgery in Korea?
The most common surgeries are double eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.
How long should I stay in Korea after surgery?
It depends on the surgery type, but generally, you will need 10–14 days for recovery and follow-up visits.
References
Wasim, Shahtaj. “Is South Korea Safe for Plastic Surgery?” Clinics on Call, 4 Nov. 2025
clinicsoncall.com/en/blog/is-south-korea-safe-for-plastic-surgeryFibemed Healthcare. “The Most Popular Plastic Surgeries Among K-Pop Stars.” Fibemed Healthcare, 7 Mar. 2025
www.fibemed.com/blogs/blog/the-most-popular-plastic-surgeries-among-k-pop-starsWikipedia contributors. “Cosmetic Surgery in South Korea.” Wikipedia, 20 Oct. 2025
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_surgery_in_South_KoreaPark, R. H., Myers, P. L., & Langstein, H. N. (2019). Beliefs and trends of aesthetic surgery in South Korean young adults. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 46(6), 612–616
https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.01172
