What are the most popular plastic surgery procedures currently being performed, and what factors contribute to their increasing demand? How do these procedures address common aesthetic concerns, and how do cultural, social, and technological influences impact the choice of these surgeries?
I was always fascinated by how subtle yet transformative plastic surgery results can be in Korea. After researching and finally going through my own experience, I realized why certain procedures are in such high demand.
Top 3 Most Popular Plastic Surgeries in Korea & Why They’re Trending
1. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) – The “Korean-style” nose job is all about refinement and balance. Many people want a more defined bridge, smaller nose tip, or a natural slope that harmonizes with their facial features. At 1mm Plastic Surgery, they specialize in customized nose surgery for both locals and international patients.
2. Double Eyelid Surgery & Eye Enlargement – The bigger, brighter eye look is highly sought after! Whether it’s double eyelid surgery, ptosis correction, or lateral canthoplasty, these procedures help create a youthful, refreshed appearance. Dr. Eon Rok Do at 1mm Plastic Surgery is well-known for achieving natural-looking results.
3. V-Line Facial Contouring – A sharper jawline and smaller face are beauty ideals in Korea. Many people opt for V-line surgery or facial fat removal to achieve a more elegant, proportioned look. Dr. Hong Jin Kim and Dr. Young Su Na at 1mm Plastic Surgery specialize in safe and precise facial contouring techniques.
Why 1mm Plastic Surgery? 
Highly skilled surgeons – Dr. Eon Rok Do, Dr. Hong Jin Kim, and Dr. Young Su Na are experienced in natural yet effective transformations.
Personalized approach – They focus on subtle, customized enhancements rather than a “one-size-fits-all” look.
Foreigner-friendly services – English-speaking staff and support for international patients.
Final Thoughts 
I personally chose 1mm Plastic Surgery because of their expertise in natural-looking results. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, eye surgery, or facial contouring, I highly recommend checking them out!
More about Dr. Eon Rok Do, Dr. Hong Jin Kim, and Dr. Young Su Na: Click here
Visit 1mm Plastic Surgery: Learn more
During my trip to Seoul, I noticed how common and refined plastic surgery was—especially procedures like rhinoplasty, double eyelid surgery, and facial contouring, which are in high demand for their ability to enhance natural beauty. Curious, I visited Hugo PS Global, where Dr. Seonghyeok Yang and Dr. Woong Heo offered a thoughtful consultation. Their personalized approach and artistic eye for balance really impressed me. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery in Korea, I highly recommend Hugo PS Global and Dr. Yang for natural-looking, expertly tailored results.
Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures in South Korea
- Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): This procedure creates a crease in the eyelids, enhancing the appearance of the eyes. It’s one of the most common surgeries, with a significant number of individuals opting for it to achieve a more youthful and alert look.
- Jaw Reduction Surgery: Aimed at slimming the jawline to achieve a V-shaped face, this surgery involves reshaping the jawbone. It’s particularly popular among those desiring a more delicate facial profile.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): This procedure reshapes the nose to enhance facial harmony. Many individuals choose rhinoplasty to achieve a more balanced and proportionate facial appearance.
- Eye Widening Surgery: Also known as lateral canthoplasty, this surgery elongates the eyes horizontally, creating a larger and more expressive eye shape.
- Forehead Augmentation: This procedure involves inserting an implant into the forehead to create a smoother, rounder appearance, contributing to a more youthful look.
Why Are These Procedures in Demand?
- Cultural Emphasis on Appearance: In South Korea, physical appearance plays a significant role in social interactions and professional opportunities. Many individuals pursue cosmetic procedures to align with societal beauty standards.
- Influence of K-pop and Media: The global popularity of K-pop idols and Korean dramas has set trends in beauty standards, leading fans to emulate the looks of their favorite celebrities.
- Advancements in Medical Technology: South Korea’s state-of-the-art medical facilities and skilled surgeons offer high-quality procedures with minimal downtime, making cosmetic surgery more accessible and appealing.
Recommended Clinic: BLS Clinic
For international patients seeking reliable and professional cosmetic surgery services, BLS Clinic in Seoul is a reputable choice. The clinic offers a range of procedures tailored to individual needs, ensuring personalized care and high-quality results.
Meet the Surgeons at BLS Clinic
- Dr. Yi Dongjin: Specializes in facial contouring and eyelid surgeries, known for achieving natural and harmonious results.
- Dr. Kang Hyunsik: Expert in rhinoplasty and SMILE eye surgery, with a focus on precision and patient satisfaction.
- Dr. Cho Seoyeon: Experienced in various cosmetic procedures, providing personalized treatment plans for each patient.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit BLS Clinic’s official website.
A few years ago, I was traveling through Seoul, South Korea — not just for sightseeing, but to finally do something I’d thought about for years. Like many others, I was drawn to Gangnam, the mecca of plastic surgery. It’s not just about beauty there — it’s about confidence, career prospects, even cultural perception. And I found myself in the middle of it.
Here’s what I learned, and experienced, along the way:
The Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures (And Why They’re So In Demand)
1. Double Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) This one tops the list in many East Asian countries. It’s subtle but transformative. Many people (myself included!) seek it not to “Westernize” their looks — that’s a common misconception — but to create a more awake, defined eye shape that enhances facial symmetry. It’s fast, has a short recovery time, and gives a noticeable impact.
2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) The nose defines the face. A well-contoured nose can completely change how balanced your features appear. In Korea, especially, there’s an artistry in making the nose look natural but elegant. I remember one consultation where the surgeon showed me 3D simulations — it was like seeing an upgraded version of myself.
3. Jawline and Chin Contouring This is huge in Korea, where a V-line (tapered jaw shape) is considered youthful and elegant. Many clients want a softer, slimmer jaw for a more feminine or harmonious look. It’s also one of the more complex procedures, so choosing the right clinic and surgeon is crucial.
4. Breast Augmentation While more common in Western countries historically, the trend has grown in Asia too. It’s about proportion and balance — not just volume. Patients today seek more natural enhancements with minimal scarring.
5. Anti-aging Procedures (Face lifts, Thread lifts, Fat Grafting) People want to age gracefully — or not at all! These procedures are popular with both men and women in their 30s and up, especially non-invasive or minimally invasive options. It’s about maintaining youth, not changing who you are.
Why They’re in Demand
In a world so focused on images and first impressions (thank you, Instagram and Zoom), looking refreshed, symmetrical, and confident has become almost a form of self-care. In Korea, it’s also intertwined with societal norms — appearance can influence job prospects, dating life, and self-esteem.
Plastic surgery has become less about vanity and more about agency — choosing how you present yourself to the world.
My Recommendation: 1mm Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering this journey, 1mm Plastic Surgery in Seoul is where my story took a meaningful turn. I chose them because of their philosophy — even the name “1mm” reflects how small, precise changes can create big differences.
Dr. Eon Rok Do, Dr. Hong Jin Kim, and Dr. Young Su Na are names I heard repeatedly in online communities and local circles. They specialize in natural-looking results, and every single consultation felt like they understood what I wanted better than I did.
Their clinic? Immaculate. Their tech? State-of-the-art. But what stood out most was how human the experience felt — no pressure, just understanding.
So if you’re thinking about making a change, big or small — do it for you. Not for trends, not for society, but because you deserve to love the reflection in your mirror.
In Korea, some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures include:
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Double eyelid surgery – It’s hugely popular for creating larger, more defined eyes, as many people desire a more youthful, “Westernized” appearance. It’s one of the most common procedures performed at clinics like 1mm Plastic Surgery.
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Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) – Many patients seek rhinoplasty to enhance facial harmony by reshaping the nose, whether it’s to make it smaller, more defined, or balanced with the rest of the face.
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V-line jaw surgery – Aiming for a slimmer, more feminine face shape, V-line surgery is in high demand for its ability to create a more defined chin and jawline.
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Facial fat grafting – This procedure is popular for adding volume to areas like the cheeks, under-eye area, or temples, offering a natural, youthful appearance.
These procedures are in demand due to the beauty standards in Korea and the growing trend of non-invasive or minimal downtime options, which allow patients to improve their appearance with relatively quick recoveries.
I thought I’d jump in on this question because I went down the plastic surgery research rabbit hole last year, and now I’ve officially joined the club (and no regrets!). If you’re wondering what procedures are trending—and why—I’ve got some insight from my own journey, plus a rec for an incredible clinic I trusted with my face: BLS Clinic in Seoul.
So, What’s Trending Right Now?
After talking to consultants and surgeons, and just from what I saw in waiting rooms and online communities, here are the top procedures I kept seeing over and over:
1. Facelift & Mini Facelift
Still going strong! Especially among folks in their late 30s to 50s who are done chasing fillers and want something long-term. I personally had a mini-lift with Dr. Yi Dongjin, and wow—natural, subtle, and I looked like me but refreshed. More on Dr. Yi: Link
2. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Upper/lower lid surgery is HUGE in Korea—both for functional and cosmetic reasons. It opens the eyes up and gives this youthful, brightened look without needing daily makeup tricks. I met several clients at BLS who flew in just for this! You might want to check out:
- Dr. Cho Seoyeon
- Dr. Hwang Seungkyung They’re known for creating super natural eye lines.
3. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Still a staple! Especially subtle bridge enhancements or tip refinement. Korean surgeons are masters at balancing facial features in a really elegant, non-overdone way. I didn’t go for it personally, but I saw results in-clinic that were stunning.
4. Skin Laser + Lifting Combos
Non-surgical options are big too—think HIFU (like Ultherapy), fractional lasers, and thread lifts. What I love is that BLS often combines these with surgical procedures for long-lasting yet natural results. They did this with my facelift and added laser resurfacing about a month post-op. I consulted with:
- Dr. Kang Hyunsik
- Dr. Son Youngki Both were super knowledgeable about the skin-tech side of things.
Why the Demand?
- Longevity: People are tired of short-term fixes and want results that last.
- Zoom Culture: Let’s be honest, staring at our faces all day on screen changed things
- Natural Aesthetic: Korea has really become the gold standard for refined, minimal, “you but better” looks.
- Medical Tourism: Clinics like BLS offer full concierge service for overseas patients—translators, airport pickup, recovery support.
Why I Chose BLS Clinic
Honestly, what sold me was how collaborative and transparent the team was. They didn’t just push what’s trendy—they listened to what I wanted and what suited my face. I met with multiple surgeons and ended up choosing a combination plan with:
- Dr. Yi Dongjin
- Dr. Lim Taegu They’re absolute artists. Check out all their doctors here: Doctors If you’re even thinking about starting your plastic surgery journey, I can’t recommend BLS enough