Liposuctions, rhinoplasties, and silicone implants are some of the more commonly heard of cosmetic surgery procedures. One would think that that the ideal image of beauty is the same throughout the world hence resulting in similar procedures. Wrong. The ideal body image varies from culture to culture resulting in different types of procedures being popular. In this post we will explore popular cosmetic procedures in both Korea and America.
Cosmetic procedures are popular in both America and Korea. Since both countries have their own versions of what the ideal face and body should look like, the procedures performed vary widely. Each culture has it’s own unique view on what beauty is. In America, the beauty standards are always changing with the rise and fall of an icon. In Korea, the ideal face and body have always revolved around the same foundation. This means that the most sought out procedures are aimed at making one look like their beloved stars and idols.
Whether you are wanting to look like the famous Kardashians, or your favorite Korean Idol, there is a procedure available. With technological advancements and medical breakthroughs, cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more popular. In this post we will take a look at popular procedures in both Korea and America.
First let us begin by taking a look at the more popular cosmetic procedures performed in America.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures In America
With icons such as the Kardashian-Jenner clan taking the spotlight, their bodies are held on a pedestal viewed by all. Women both young and mature look up to these celebrities adapting their beauty regimens, workouts, and diets. Their exposure has had an influence in the cosmetic surgery industry. With a rise in procedures, women of all ages go under the knife to look like their idols. Here are some of the popular procedures in America:
- Breast Implants
- Lip Injections/Filles
- Butt Implants/Lifts
When Kim Kardashian West displayed her slim waist and large features on social media, many women her age went under the knife and followed suit getting breast implants and lifts. Wanting to look like their icon, women across America followed Kim’s footsteps.
Another popular cosmetic procedure in America are lip fillers and injections. When Kylie Jenner debuted her plump lips, many young women in their late teens and mid twenties followed suit. Whether it be fillers or injections, many of these women displayed their new lips on social media.
The last widely popular cosmetic procedure in America are butt implants and lifts. Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are known for their large derriere. As all three sisters vary in age, the target market for this procedure varies in age as well. The amount of exposure these women have had has influenced women of all ages to get butt implants or lifts in order to look like their idols. Now that we have taken a look at popular cosmetic procedures in America, let’s move on to popular procedures in Korea.

Popular Cosmetic Procedures In Korea
Ethereal beauty almost fairy like features make up the faces of Korean idols. Plastered on billboards, magazines, and TV screens, these Korean idols display their beauty for all of Korea to see. With the amount of exposure Korean singers, actors and actresses have; their body and faces are seen as the ideal image of beauty in Korea. Their facial features and bodies represent the beauty standards of Korea. Many Koreans go under the knife either to look like their idols or to attain one feature they highly admire. Here are some of the popular cosmetic procedures performed in Korea:
- Double Eyelid Surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Chin Reshaping
Double eyelid surgery has always been a popular procedure in Korea. With many Korean idols getting this surgery done themselves, many of Korea’s youth follow suit. In fact, many young Koreans are gifted this procedure as a graduation present.
The eyes are considered especially important in achieving the balanced, fairy-like beauty idolized in Korean pop culture. While beauty is subjective, certain proportions are commonly sought after. Ideally, the width of each eye should be between 30mm and 34mm, with the inner corners of the eyes aligning perpendicularly to the nose alars. The outer corners often follow a straight diagonal line to the nose alars, and there is a preference for the eyes to have a gentle upward angle from the inner to the outer corner. These subtle details contribute to the wide, bright-eyed look that double eyelid surgery can help achieve, making it a coveted feature among those hoping to emulate their favorite stars.
How Korean Idols Affect the Cosmetic Surgery Industry
Another popular procedure are rhinoplasties. Many Korean idols get rhinoplasties in order to achieve a longer thinner nose. As a result of this, many Koreans go under the knife to attain thinner more symmetrical noses, removing any humps or bulbous tips.
Face Contouring Procedures
The last widely popular procedure is chin reshaping. In Korean society it is ideal to have a v-shaped chin. Koreans find small, petite features to be more attractive. Korean idols such as IU, Yoona, and Taeyeon represent the ideal chin a woman wants. Women undergo surgery to have a smaller chin resulting in looking more delicate and feminine. Men undergo surgery as well, not to make their face look smaller but to make it more symmetrical and even.
In addition to chin reshaping, face contouring procedures like zygoma reduction (cheekbone reduction) and mandible reduction (square jaw reduction) have become increasingly common. The goal of these surgeries is to create a softer, slimmer facial profile—one that aligns with the much-coveted “V-line” look often displayed by Korean celebrities. Genioplasty, or chin alteration (via implant or shaving), further refines the jaw and chin to achieve balanced proportions.
For those seeking non-surgical enhancements or a more youthful appearance, fat grafting is another option. This procedure adds volume to areas that may appear sunken, such as the mouth lines, under the eyes, and the forehead, resulting in a smoother and younger look.
While procedures like the V-line surgery can dramatically enhance the overall shape of the face, they do come with longer recovery periods. Still, many are willing to undergo these transformations to emulate the delicate, harmonious features popularized by their favorite idols.

CONCLUSION
With the rise and fall of an icon, or the start and finish of a movement, women and men of all ages turn to cosmetic surgery in order to meet the beauty standards of the time. Whether they are looking for a fuller bust, thinner waist, plump lips, or symmetrical noses, there is a cosmetic procedure fit for everyone.
How Seoul Cosmetic Surgery Can Help
Whether it be for confidence issues or simply wanting to resemble your idol, Seoul Cosmetic Surgery can help find a clinic that can deliver the results you want. Working with some of the best cosmetic surgeons in Korea, Seoul Cosmetic Surgery can help find reputable clinics and surgeons to help you in your cosmetic surgery journey. For a free consultation, please email us at info@seoulcosmeticsurgery.com. We look forward to working with you.