South Korea Cosmetic Surgery Market Overview, 2029

South Korea has long been recognised as the world's leader in cosmetic surgery. The market began to grow considerably in the 1990s, as South Korea's economy expanded and cultural beauty standards improved. The concept of changing one's look to conform to societal beauty criteria gained traction, particularly when the Korean Wave (Hallyu) swept K-pop and K-drama idols' visuals over the world. Technologies such as 3D facial sculpting simulations, minimally invasive operations, and scar-free procedures have gained popularity. In 2017, a game-changing trend arose in fat grafting methods, in which fat from one area of the body is transferred to another to create a more balanced, realistic appearance. Laser skin resurfacing and non-invasive tightening techniques such as Ultherapy and Thermage have also gained popularity. Another notable advance is the rise of thread lifts, a less invasive alternative to facelifts that employ dissolvable sutures to lift drooping skin. This approach gained popularity about 2015 due to its efficiency and low downtime. Korea is a global leader in creating skincare and non-invasive procedures, including BBL (BroadBand Light) and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) technologies. The Ministry of Health and Welfare monitors the sector to ensure that procedures are carried out by certified specialists. Furthermore, advertising controls are in place to prevent exaggerated claims or deceptive promotions, particularly among young people. Foreign patients must also follow certain criteria, such as obtaining medical visas if their visit is primarily for medical tourism. According to the research report "South Korea Cosmetic Surgery Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea cosmetic surgery market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2,520 Million by 2029. With the widespread use of masks, there has been an increase in demand for upper-face operations such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and Botox for the eyes and forehead. Furthermore, the extra time spent at home allowed for more recuperation time, resulting in a rise in treatments like as rhinoplasty and jaw sculpting. Another trend that occurred during the pandemic was the increase in "Zoom Boom" cosmetic operations, as more people became mindful of their appearance during video conversations, fuelling demand for skin treatments and facial surgeries. ID Hospital, which specialises in facial bone contouring and V-line jaw procedures, has established itself as a trusted brand among patients all over the world. JK Plastic Surgery Centre provides a variety of procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and body contouring. South Korea's cosmetic surgery market survives on extensive advertising, both domestically and internationally. Clinics frequently advertise on social media channels, offering noninvasive therapies. Celebrities and influencers play an important role in promoting these services, particularly among young people. South Korea imports a lot of cosmetic surgery supplies, namely Botox and dermal fillers from businesses like Allergan and Merz. High-quality breast augmentation implants are also sourced from worldwide companies to ensure their safety and efficacy. South Korea is a leading exporter of skincare technology and cosmetic items. K-beauty, which encompasses non-invasive cosmetic surgeries, laser technologies, and skincare products, is well-known globally. The country’s competence in laser and skin rejuvenation technology, particularly RF (Radio Frequency) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices, has been adopted abroad.

In South Korea, cosmetic surgery techniques are divided into two categories: invasive and non-invasive procedures. Both techniques are widely used, although non-invasive procedures have grown significantly in recent years due to societal demands for little downtime and natural outcomes. Invasive cosmetic procedures involve surgical interventions and often have lengthier recovery durations. One of the most prevalent treatments in South Korea is to produce a double eyelid crease to give the appearance of wider eyes. Nose reshaping is routinely done to improve facial harmony. Jaw contouring involves lowering the size of the jaw to create a more slim, V-shaped face, which is a popular beauty standard in South Korea. While both invasive and non-invasive procedures are popular, non-invasive procedures are dominating the market because they appeal to patients who want subtle, natural results with little downtime. South Korea's predilection for frequent, less extreme improvements is consistent with the growing trend towards non-surgical therapies. The advancement of technology such as Ultherapy, Thermage, and injectables reinforces this choice, making non-invasive procedures the most popular section in South Korea's cosmetic surgery industry. Cinderella Plastic Surgery Clinic specialises in non-invasive procedures such as Botox and thread lifts. Key market suppliers and distributors include companies that provide injectable materials (such as dermal fillers and Botox), which are sourced both domestically and internationally from brands such as Allergan and Merz. In South Korea, the cosmetic surgery market has undergone a significant demographic shift, with both male and female patients increasingly pursuing surgical and non-surgical modifications. Traditionally, the market was dominated by female patients, who were motivated by cultural beauty standards that emphasise youthful, delicate features. However, in recent years, male interest has increased significantly, reflecting shifting societal ideas about masculinity and personal grooming. Popular treatments include double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and jaw sculpting, with many women striving for the idealised V-shaped face. Non-invasive procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers, are especially popular among ladies who want to preserve their youthful appearance with little downtime. The female cosmetic surgery market is largely impacted by trends in K-pop and K-drama, where idols frequently demonstrate idealised beauty standards. Men are increasingly choosing for cosmetic operations like rhinoplasty and chin augmentation, as well as hair loss treatments like follicular unit extraction. Non-invasive procedures such as Botox and jawline fillers are also popular among men looking for minor modifications. This trend can be ascribed to evolving societal norms that recognise hygiene and aesthetics as essential components of modern masculinity. Key domestic providers and distributors in South Korea include well-known clinics like as ID Hospital, Banobagi, and Cinderella Plastic Surgery Clinic, which offer a wide range of procedures to both genders. While women continue to dominate the cosmetic surgery business in terms of total numbers, the increasing growth of male patients shows a changing environment. In the South Korean cosmetic surgery market, different age groups have diverse preferences and trends for surgical and non-surgical operations. The key age groups of interest are 13-29, 30-54, and 55 and older, each with their own reasons for pursuing cosmetic modifications. While all age groups contribute to the growth of the cosmetic surgery business, the 30-54 age group now leads in terms of both volume and revenue. Their superior financial capabilities and desire for effective anti-aging therapies make them important buyers in this business. Facelifts, rhinoplasty, and body contouring are among the most popular surgeries. Individuals in this age group frequently strive to keep a young appearance and correct signs of ageing. Many people between the ages of 13 and 29 desire modest modifications, such as double eyelid surgery, to look younger. Social media effects, notably the emergence of K-pop and K-drama, have a tremendous impact on beauty norms. Many young individuals are motivated to improve their appearance in order to gain a stronger social media presence and personal confidence. Cosmetic operations are becoming more popular among older persons as they seek to battle the effects of ageing and improve their quality of life. Common procedures include facelifts, eyelid surgery, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Domestic prominent companies include ID Hospital, Banobagi Plastic Surgery Clinic, and Cinderella Plastic Surgery Clinic, which appeal to all age groups through targeted marketing tactics and different service offers.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Cosmetic Surgery market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Procedure Type • Invasive Procedures (Breast augmentation, Liposuction, Nose reshaping, Eyelid Surgery, Tummy tuck and Others) • Non-invasive Procedures (Botox injections, Soft tissue fillers, Chemical peel, Laser hair removal, Microdermabrasion and Others)

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By Gender • Female • Male By Age Group • 30-54 • 13-29 • 55 and above The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Cosmetic Surgery industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.