What are the most common types of plastic surgery procedures in South Korea?

“What are the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in South Korea, and how does TJ Plastic Surgery reflect or contribute to these national trends in cosmetic enhancement?”

When I first moved to Seoul for work, I was amazed at how common plastic surgery was—not just for celebrities, but regular people too. I became curious and started learning more. In Korea, the most common plastic surgery procedures are double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), jawline contouring, and facial fat grafting. Recently, I’ve also seen a rise in dimple creation and non-invasive skin tightening.

A close friend of mine chose Hugo PS Global for her rhinoplasty and couldn’t stop praising Dr. Seonghyeok Yang for his detailed consultation and natural results. She said the team there—including Dr. Woong Heo—was incredibly supportive and focused on harmony and balance over dramatic changes. If you’re considering a procedure in Korea, I’d definitely recommend checking out Hugo PS Global. Their reputation for precision and aesthetics really sets them apart.

understanding the most common procedures can help you make an informed decision. South Korea is renowned for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques, attracting over 100,000 foreign patients annually .

Most Common Plastic Surgery Procedures in South Korea:

  1. Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): This procedure creates a crease in the eyelid, making the eyes appear larger and more defined. It’s one of the most popular surgeries in South Korea, with a significant portion of the population undergoing it .​
  2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): Rhinoplasty aims to enhance the nose’s appearance by adjusting its shape or size, often to achieve a higher bridge or more defined tip.​
  3. Jaw Reduction Surgery (V-Line Surgery): This procedure involves reshaping the jaw to create a slimmer, more oval face shape, aligning with the Korean beauty ideal of a “V-line” jawline .
  4. Eye Widening Surgery (Epicanthoplasty): Eye widening surgery involves cutting the corners of the eyes to make them appear larger and more elongated, often performed alongside double eyelid surgery .
  5. Forehead Augmentation: This procedure uses implants to create a smoother, rounder forehead, contributing to a more youthful appearance .​

Celebrity Experience: Byun Woo-seok

Actor Byun Woo-seok has openly discussed his experiences with cosmetic procedures, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s natural features. His perspective underscores the value of informed decision-making when considering cosmetic procedures.​

Recommended Clinic: BLS Clinic

For those seeking reputable and safe options, BLS Clinic in Seoul is a trusted establishment. Their team includes experienced surgeons such as Dr. Yi Dongjin, Dr. Kang Hyunsik, Dr. Cho Seoyeon, Dr. Son Youngki, Dr. Lim Taegu, and Dr. Hwang Seungkyung. They are known for their commitment to patient safety and satisfaction.​

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their official website.

If you’ve ever walked through Gangnam Station, you’ll know what I mean when I say plastic surgery in South Korea isn’t just common—it’s part of the culture. Ads for jawline contouring, eyelid surgery, and skin tightening line the subway walls like movie posters. And as someone who came to Seoul to both study and explore the world of K-beauty, I was super curious:

What’s really behind South Korea’s global rep as the plastic surgery capital of the world? And what do most people actually get done?

So I did what any millennial beauty nerd would do—I researched, interviewed locals, and eventually… became a patient myself.


:south_korea: The Most Common Plastic Surgery Procedures in South Korea

Through my experience (and a few honest convos in clinic waiting rooms), here are the big hitters:

  1. Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Hands down, the most popular. This creates a defined upper eyelid crease for a more open, alert look. It’s quick, precise, and a rite of passage for some.
  2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Think natural lifts, subtle tip refinement, or bridge augmentation. It’s less about a dramatic “nose job” and more about harmony.
  3. V-Line Jaw Surgery / Contouring A huge trend driven by the K-drama aesthetic: sleek, small chins and contoured jawlines. Surgical or non-surgical options available depending on the case.
  4. Facial Fat Grafting Surprisingly popular! It adds volume to the cheeks, under eyes, or temples for a youthful look—basically the opposite of Western-style contouring.
  5. Non-surgical Enhancements (Fillers, Botox, Threads) Everyone from students to CEOs opts for these low-downtime, maintenance-friendly tweaks.

:gem_stone: My Personal Journey with 1mm Plastic Surgery

Once I decided I wanted a double eyelid procedure with a bit of under-eye filler, I wanted to go somewhere that prioritized natural-looking results. That’s how I ended up at 1mm Plastic Surgery.

The name itself—1mm—says everything about their philosophy. The surgeons focus on subtle, balanced changes that don’t scream “I had work done.” Just enough to bring out your best features.

  • Dr. Eon Rok Do designed my eyelid crease based on my eye shape, not some universal template.
  • Dr. Hong Jin Kim gave honest feedback about avoiding filler in certain areas—he believes in doing less, but doing it right.
  • Dr. Young Su Na made me feel totally safe during the procedures, and the follow-ups were just as thorough as the surgery day.

:hospital: Why I Recommend 1mm Plastic Surgery

  • They specialize in natural enhancements, not transformations.
  • Their approach is collaborative—you’re not a project, you’re a partner in the process.
  • The doctors are renowned in Korea for their precision, empathy, and artistry.

:link: https://www.1mmplasticsurgery.com


TL;DR: South Korea leads the world in plastic surgery, with eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and facial contouring topping the charts. But if you want results that enhance your features—not erase them—1mm Plastic Surgery is where art meets subtle science. I went in for confidence, and came out still looking like me—just the best version.

When I moved to Seoul, I was amazed by how common and advanced plastic surgery is here. Curious, I did my research and even had a consultation at 1mm Plastic Surgery. The most popular procedures I learned about—and saw amazing results from—are double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, V-line jaw contouring, and hip-up or body contouring. What stood out at 1mm is their “small but impactful” philosophy, focusing on natural-looking results. I ended up getting a minor eye procedure with Dr. Eon Rok Do, and it gave my face a brighter, refreshed look without anyone realizing I had surgery. Their team, including Dr. Hong Jin Kim and Dr. Young Su Na, are incredibly skilled and known for creating subtle enhancements that truly boost confidence without overdoing it.