Cosmetic Surgery and Unrecognizable Faces

Today, cosmetic surgery and these procedures, theoretically intended to enhance appearance, often drastically deform faces and bodies, making individuals unrecognizable and creating bureaucratic issues. This trend is particularly pronounced in Korea, where individuals undergo transformations, often aiming for a more "Western" look.

The Boom of Cosmetic Surgery in Korea

South Korea ranks fourth globally in the number of cosmetic surgeons, with over 2,000 specialists catering to a high demand. Over one million procedures were performed in 2014 alone. Seoul clinics specializing in cosmetic surgery now dedicate a significant portion of their services to patients from China and Southeast Asia, fueling medical tourism.

This established trend has normalized cosmetic surgery in South Korea. Undergoing procedures is as commonplace as visiting a hair salon. Eye shape, facial morphology, cheekbones, and ears are altered as easily as hair color. Parental acceptance, even encouragement, is common, driven by a desire to alleviate perceived "defects" associated with Korean features.

What are the most requested cosmetic surgeries by Koreans?

One common concern is a prominent chin and mouth.

While improving one's self-image through surgery is acceptable, the resulting homogenization and facial deformation raise concerns.

Common procedures include eye reshaping, enlarging and rounding the classic almond shape—effectively erasing unique features and creating a more Westernized look.

The resulting uniformity is evident in beauty pageants, where contestants bear a striking resemblance, making identification difficult.

Further complications arise with travel. Extensive facial alterations have led to border control issues, as individuals are unrecognizable in their passports. Certificates from clinics attesting to the procedures are now required.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Loss of Identity

The motivations behind these identity-altering procedures remain complex. Beyond the substantial costs, the psychological impact of drastically altering one's features deserves consideration.

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Korea: Cosmetic Surgery and Work

Physical appearance significantly impacts job prospects in South Korea, often outweighing experience. A survey revealed that over 90% of companies require applicant photos. Appearance is prioritized to the extent that a third of HR managers admitted hiring solely based on appearance, regardless of qualifications. Half of the surveyed managers confessed to rejecting qualified candidates due to appearance.

Specific aesthetic standards exist, and failure to meet them can significantly hinder employment prospects.

Common procedures include nasal bridge augmentation using fillers to create a more three-dimensional face, eyelid correction, and jawline reshaping. These aim to create more Caucasian features, considered more attractive in Asia. While this trend holds for women, a preference for slender eyes is emerging among men.

Parental influence is significant, often extending to post-graduate individuals. For men, procedures enhance career prospects; for women, finding a husband—reinforcing the expectation of attractiveness for marriage.