Why Is Cosmetic Surgery So Popular in Korea?

Why Is Cosmetic Surgery So Popular in Korea?
Contributed by the Gwangju News GIC Team: Kim I-Seul, Jeon Se-Na, An Se-In, Choi Jin-Sil and Park Seong-YeopI Seul
According to statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, South Korea has more cosmetic surgeries per capita than any other country in the world. A group of Gwangju News volunteers met in January at the GIC to discuss why so many Koreans get plastic surgery. Kim I-Seul (IS), Jeon Se-Na (SN), An Se-In (SI), and Choi Jin-Sil (JS), who are all female students at Chonnam University, and one young man, Park Seong-Yeob (SY), who plans to study in the U.S., participated on the panel.WHY DO PEOPLE WANT PLASTIC SURGERY?IS: If I asked my friends why they got plastic surgery, maybe they would say they wanted to become pretty. That sounds like they do it for their own satisfaction, but I think it is also because men prefer pretty women.SN: I think having plastic surgery has become an extension of the desire for self-improvement. We try to make up for our shortcomings, and some people have a complex about their looks. One of my close friends had double-eyelid surgery. Because she thought her eyes were too small, she had such a complex. After her surgery, she gained confidence, so she wanted to get a nose job as well, and finally, she did it. She said that the prettier she became, the prettier she wanted to be. At first, she just wanted to feel better about her eyes, but not anymore. Now she just wants to become prettier and prettier.Se In
SI: Everyone would agree that a good-looking person makes a favorable impression. I think it is natural to want to look better, especially when we see pretty celebrities who used to not look that good before they had surgery.SN: You know “Let Me In?” It is a famous TV program that helps people with such big [troubling] complexes about their appearances by providing them with free plastic surgery. Some people are so worried about their appearances that they don’t have any confidence at all. Some women even have trouble with their husbands over their appearances. After having a baby, one woman’s body and appearance changed, and her husband was disappointed and seemed not to love her anymore. I don’t think that is an unusual case. What I want to say is that becoming prettier is not the only reason for surgery. It can also help people get rid of an inferiority complex.WHY DO KOREANS HAVE SURGERY DONE MORE THAN OTHER PEOPLE?IS: I think “lookism” is rampant in our society. So if I become a little prettier, people’s attitudes toward me become more positive, and that makes me cheerful. But why are we Koreans so conscious of being watched? Maybe Koreans are excessively conscious of the perceptions of others.SI: Yes, Koreans are extra self-conscious, compared to other countries’ people. I think there are cultural and historical reasons.SN: In Korea, it is necessary to attach a photograph to a job application. And you know what they say, “Other things being equal, choose the better-looking one.”Se Na
SI: Korea’s economy has developed a lot in recent years, and people can afford to invest money in their health and beauty. Because Korean society is so competitive, people must care about the way they look, and through plastic surgery, people can be more confident and happy. If they can afford it, why wouldn’t people take the chance to become beautiful?SY: I agree. Korea used to be a poor country, so people didn’t have the time or money to have plastic surgery. They were just living hand-to-mouth.IS: At that time, there was a different kind of lookism. Plump men were preferred because they seemed rich. Only rich men could afford to eat enough to be chubby.SY: Yes, but nowadays Korea has overcome poverty.SN: These days many people think that body shape is also related to self-improvement. They think being slim is a kind of self-improvement, and someone who is plump is lazy. But that’s not entirely true. Our DNA is just as important as our lifestyle for our body shape.WHY ARE SOME FEATURES CONSIDERED MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN OTHERS?JS: It seems there is some specific criterion for deciding what is “pretty” and “not pretty.” In my opinion, the mass media have influenced people’s thinking. When I asked people why they thought people want to get plastic surgery, I found that their criterion for a pretty face came from entertainers, from what they saw through mass media.Jin Sil
IS: Yes, I think that’s true. We are brainwashed to think of entertainers as the standard of beauty. Kim Taehee, for instance. Women will have plastic surgery because they want to look like her.JS: No one says, “Please, lower the bridge of my nose,” or “I want a rounder face.” We have been conditioned to recognize a v-shaped face with big eyes and a high nose as beautiful.HOW DOES THE REST OF THE WORLD FEEL ABOUT PLASTIC SURGERY?SI: When I was in Hong Kong as an exchange student, a lot of the local students would say things like, “I heard that plastic surgery is very popular in Korea. Really? How about you?” “I haven’t had surgery,” I would tell them, “But, yes, plastic surgery is popular in Korea.” It seems almost like a natural phenomenon, since celebrities do not hide the fact of their plastic surgery anymore, and a lot of people around us also get it.IS: When I went to Canada, I met people from Columbia. They asked, “Is it true almost all Koreans have plastic surgery?” I said, “That is the general phenomenon,” They thought Koreans want to look like Westerners. But I don’t agree. If we really hoped to look like Westerners, we would use blue lenses and dye our hair blonde.Seong Yeop
SI: But generally, when we think about the most popular plastic surgery in Korea, sometimes it seems like we want to look like Westerners. Instead of the small eyes common to Asians, people prefer to have big eyes with double eyelids. Also, people want to make their noses higher, get rid of their big cheekbones, lengthen their eyelashes and even make their skin whiter. Ever since Korea has modernized, a Westerner-like appearance has become the standard of beauty.IS PLASTIC SURGERY’S POPULARITY A PROBLEM IN KOREA?SY: Why do some people think it is a problem to have cosmetic surgery?IS: A problem? I don’t think so. It is not a problem.SI: I think the surgery itself is not a problem. But at least we have to think about whether it is really necessary to just follow a single standard of beauty and deny our natural appearances.

Features of Korean Medical Services

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Features of Korean Medical Services

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

- Korea ranks Asia’s best in international medical journal publication. 
- Korea is one of the top countries for the clinical trial cases in the world. 
- Korea’s competitiveness in the treatment of cancers, cardiac and vascular diseases, spinal disc and organ transplantation belongs to the world’s top tier. 
-Korea is considered a world leader in cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and dentistry fields.

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

In Asia, Korea is one of the most advanced countries in healthcare. The number of publications in medical science has been outstanding over the years. Around the globe, the largest number of clinical trials is carried out in Korea. Numerous international community services are performed, including the staff training program for doctors in developing countries, and Korea-funded projects aimed to help developing countries build modern facilities with ODA funds. It is our belief that Korea has the capabilities to serve international patients who are looking for top quality treatment at an affordable cost.

World-class healthcare services accompanied by highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. The top-quality of care provided is monitored continuously by the government through hospital accreditation and strict evaluation programs. All general hospitals in Korea are not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, patient’s safety and satisfaction comes first rather than profitability. International medical societies highly respect our physicians, specialists, and surgeons.

The overall price is only 20-30% of the cost in the US. The price is less expensive  than international hospitals in China and similar to the price of private hospitals in Singapore. No matter the cost, the quality of care provided will satisfy everyone’s needs.

[E-mail : mediaim@naver.com]

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

- Korea ranks Asia’s best in international medical journal publication.
- Korea is one of the top countries for the clinical trial cases in the   world.
- Korea’s competitiveness in the treatment of cancers, cardiac and   vascular diseases, spinal disc and organ transplantation belongs to   the world’s top tier.
-Korea is considered a world leader in cosmetic surgery,   dermatology, and dentistry fields.

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

In Asia, Korea is one of the most advanced countries in healthcare. The number of publications in medical science has been outstanding over the years. Around the globe, the largest number of clinical trials is carried out in Korea. Numerous international community services are performed, including the staff training program for doctors in developing countries, and Korea-funded projects aimed to help developing countries build modern facilities with ODA funds. It is our belief that Korea has the capabilities to serve international patients who are looking for top quality treatment at an affordable cost.

World-class healthcare services accompanied by highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. The top-quality of care provided is monitored continuously by the government through hospital accreditation and strict evaluation programs. All general hospitals in Korea are not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, patient’s safety and satisfaction comes first rather than profitability. International medical societies highly respect our physicians, specialists, and surgeons.

The overall price is only 20-30% of the cost in the US. The price is less expensive than international hospitals in China and similar to the price of private hospitals in Singapore.  No matter the cost, the quality of care provided will satisfy everyone’s needs.

Geopolitically, travel to Korea was never easier. It is less than 8 hours flight distance from all Asian and East European Countries. Direct flights are available from major cities in North America and Europe. Waiting time for making appointments is no longer than 2 weeks.

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Let's find your hidden beauty in Seoul Korea Gangnam style top plastic sergery

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%
http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

Features of Korean Medical Services

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

- Korea ranks Asia’s best in international medical journal publication. 
- Korea is one of the top countries for the clinical trial cases in the world. 
- Korea’s competitiveness in the treatment of cancers, cardiac and vascular diseases, spinal disc and organ transplantation belongs to the world’s top tier. 
-Korea is considered a world leader in cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and dentistry fields.

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

In Asia, Korea is one of the most advanced countries in healthcare. The number of publications in medical science has been outstanding over the years. Around the globe, the largest number of clinical trials is carried out in Korea. Numerous international community services are performed, including the staff training program for doctors in developing countries, and Korea-funded projects aimed to help developing countries build modern facilities with ODA funds. It is our belief that Korea has the capabilities to serve international patients who are looking for top quality treatment at an affordable cost.

World-class healthcare services accompanied by highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. The top-quality of care provided is monitored continuously by the government through hospital accreditation and strict evaluation programs. All general hospitals in Korea are not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, patient’s safety and satisfaction comes first rather than profitability. International medical societies highly respect our physicians, specialists, and surgeons.

The overall price is only 20-30% of the cost in the US. The price is less expensive  than international hospitals in China and similar to the price of private hospitals in Singapore. No matter the cost, the quality of care provided will satisfy everyone’s needs.

[E-mail : mediaim@naver.com]

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

Korea smart care, smart choice spondylarthritis

It is said that human beings obtained spinal diseases as the price they paid for the ability of using both hands freely by walking upright. Likewise, spinal diseases could be destiny for human beings. In the past, it was rare to suffer a spinal disease before a person gets old because of his or her trained muscles surrounding the spine while hunting, collecting and producing for living. However, spinal diseases have become a common disorder with the invention of motor vehicle and computer as people travel even short distances sitting in a car and spend most of their time seated in front of the computer. Sitting for a long time puts stress on the spine. Recently, as smartphones become popular, people look at their smartphones even while walking, putting pressure on their neck as well as their back. In addition to computer and motor vehicles, many people suffer from spinal diseases due to the aftereffects of traffic accidents. Moreover, poor posture including crossing legs for a long time can cause spinal diseases.

Your spine is made up of 51 bones, which are connected through joints. If there is a problem in one of those bones, you will feel pain in your spine. The most common spinal disease called spinal disc herniation is a medical condition where discs which normally act as shock absorbers between the bones in your spinal column, press on nerves and cause discomfort. The second most common disease, scoliosis, is a condition in which the spine bends to the side abnormally due to poor posture. Beside these diseases, you can feel pain in your spine due to several causes such as muscle pain, degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis or spondylolysis. Once you feel pain, you need to visit a doctor without delay. If you put off the back pain as muscle pain and take pain relievers, it is already too late when you visit a doctor once the pain gets worse.

Spinal diseases are a mixed disease. Treatment for spinal diseases requires a diagnosis from many departments such as orthopedics, internal medicine, neurology, pain medicine, rehabilitation and radiology. Considering this, it is important to choose a hospital that offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. There have been many spinal disease patients in Korea due to its traditional sedentary lifestyle, leading to the development of a spine hospital.
Spine surgery is a major operation that cuts the skin and muscle and shaves bones. As a result, it requires a long period for recovery and some side effects can occur. Unlike other surgical operations, a successful spine surgery does not mean the patient is 100% cured and requires continuous consultations with doctors and post-op management. Spine hospitals in Korea recommend procedures that promise a fast recovery and no side effects. One of such procedures is the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) which preserves normal tissue as much as possible while treating the affected parts with minimum incisions. As a result, patients can expect a fast recovery with no side effects. Another procedure called neuroplasty alleviates pain by injecting drugs directly into the spine and hospitalization is not necessary. 

Dr. Robert A Wells, a specialist in emergency and family medicine in the U.K. received an examination in a neurosurgery ward in 2004 due to neck and arm pain. He was given a shocking diagnosis that his condition was so bad that surgery was required, which could lead to paralysis from his neck down. He refused to get the surgery at first. However, as the pain got worse, he sought various methods and was recommended to undergo the MISS procedure at Wooridul Spine Hospital in Korea. At first, he hesitated to get treated there because he knew little about Korea. He had doubts whether a Korean hospital can treat him when he could not be treated in the U.K, a country with advanced medical technology. Then, an article about microscopic laser discectomy developed by Dr. Sang-ho Lee’s team at Wooridul Spine Hospital compelled him to come to Korea. According to the article, the procedure was very successful in treating the spinal disease without causing waist-down paralysis. In August 2004, Dr. Wells visited Korea to get an examination. The condition in his disc and spine was so severe that the MISS was not appropriate for him. So, he received another procedure. Fortunately, the surgery was successful and the pain in his arms subsided.
After coming back to the U.K., his recovered fast. However, he felt pain in his thoracic vertebrae again in 2007. This time, he visited Korea right away and was diagnosed with disc protrusion. He received a discoplasty with the MISS procedure using an endoscope and laser. After the procedure, his pain subsided and he regained mobility in his arms.
Dr. Wells was a severely-ill patient who could have been paralyzed from his neck down. He admitted that “I was deeply impressed by Korea’s medical technology. I am a doctor in the U.K., a place where we have advanced medical technology. So, I have never imagined that I would get treated in Korea. I learned that there is a lot I don’t know.” He also claimed he was moved by Korean culture and hospitality during his stay in the hospital for surgery. He gave a big smile, saying that he would like to visit Korea one day for pleasure instead of treatment.

Wooridul Spine Hospital is a specialized spine hospital that has been treating patients with spinal diseases for over 30 years. The hospital performs 20,000 surgeries and 60,000 minimally invasive treatments a year. The hospital has branches in Seoul, Busan and other 4 regions in Korea and opened hospitals overseas in Shanghai, Jakarta, Dubai and Istanbul. The Wooridul International Patient Center (WIPC) offers a VIP lounge and a 1:1 escort service for international patients.

Kossenko Dmitri (aged 44, male) is a veteran and works in the wood working industry in Irkutsk, Central Siberia. He fell about 5 meters down at a pool construction site on the first day of 2011. As a result, he suffered a fracture of his right hip joint and underwent surgery at a hospital in Irkutsk on the next day. However, he could not completely recover from the injury. So, he underwent another surgery next May, but his hip joint clicked as he moved and his two legs were of differing lengths.
While he was so concerned about his condition, he watched a TV program on hip joint surgery at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and visited Korea. He was closely examined at the hospital and underwent surgery. After the surgery the clicking sound of his joint disappeared and the lengths of his legs returned to normal. Mr. Dmitri said that “I went to hospitals here and there in Russia, but they were not as kind as the nurses at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital. I am deeply touched by Korea’s excellent medical technology and service.”

In the next bed over from Mr. Dmitri, Oyun Namjil (aged 47, male), a surgeon in a Mongolian armed forces hospital was hospitalized. He was suffering from avascular necrosis that could take his life due to an interruption of the blood supply to his hip joints. He underwent surgery at a trauma center in Mongolia in 2010, but he still did not get better.
Mr. Namjil who was in active service as a lieutenant major was informed of Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital by Colonel Menjila who underwent surgery at the hospital. Mr. Namjil visited Korea without hesitation. He said that “I spent two miserable years as my feet did not move outward. But, my hip joints were cured after getting surgery at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital. I am satisfied with the results.”

Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital Joint Center treated 81 patients from 16 countries in 2011 alone. It is famous for its excellent techniques in conducting surgery on patients whose previous surgery in their home country failed. The Joint Center consists of a knee joint clinic, a hip joint clinic and spine and general orthopedics. Many medical practitioners visited the Center from abroad to learn about its world-class medical technology.

To have a healthy spine, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you study or work on the computer for a long time, you should take a 10-minute break each hour and stretch. Further,, when you sleep, it is best if you place a pillow under your calves or between them.
Walking is the best exercise for your spine. Walking on dirt roads or lawns is better than on asphalt or concrete and sneakers or shoes with cushions are recommended. The Jeju Olle walking paths is the representative trail in Korea where you can discover the beauty of Jeju Island, designated UNESCO's World Natural Heritage. Though Olle trails are comparable to the Camino de Santiago, you will see a neat and ever-changing landscape. As there are over 400 guest houses and traditional markets near the Olle trails, visitors do not need to worry about accommodations or food.

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

Features of Korean Medical Services

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

- Korea ranks Asia’s best in international medical journal publication. 
- Korea is one of the top countries for the clinical trial cases in the world. 
- Korea’s competitiveness in the treatment of cancers, cardiac and vascular diseases, spinal disc and organ transplantation belongs to the world’s top tier. 
-Korea is considered a world leader in cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and dentistry fields.

Medical Korea becomes another name of Korea with its world-renowned medical doctors, advanced medical equipment, development of new treatments.

In Asia, Korea is one of the most advanced countries in healthcare. The number of publications in medical science has been outstanding over the years. Around the globe, the largest number of clinical trials is carried out in Korea. Numerous international community services are performed, including the staff training program for doctors in developing countries, and Korea-funded projects aimed to help developing countries build modern facilities with ODA funds. It is our belief that Korea has the capabilities to serve international patients who are looking for top quality treatment at an affordable cost.

World-class healthcare services accompanied by highly advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. The top-quality of care provided is monitored continuously by the government through hospital accreditation and strict evaluation programs. All general hospitals in Korea are not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, patient’s safety and satisfaction comes first rather than profitability. International medical societies highly respect our physicians, specialists, and surgeons.

The overall price is only 20-30% of the cost in the US. The price is less expensive  than international hospitals in China and similar to the price of private hospitals in Singapore. No matter the cost, the quality of care provided will satisfy everyone’s needs.

[E-mail : mediaim@naver.com]

South Korea Medical discount site - Up to 20%http://www.koreakoreakorea.com

Korea Smart care, smart choice rectal cancer

Risk factors for rectal cancer include excessive intakes of meat and consumption of grilled or fried foods; a lack of fiber and exercise is also a risk factor. Those with a family history of rectal cancer or of smoking are also at risk. With the expansion of the western diet around the world, rectal cancer, which mostly developed among Westerners in their 50s, is now easily found in both the East and the West. The number of patients is also growing. The cancer shows no symptom in the early stages, but as the cancer grows patients can see stools mixed with blood or narrow stools. As such, symptoms are similar to those of piles and a person who shows symptoms of rectal cancer should seek professional medical care and get a medical checkup.

As the cancer is caused by an unhealthy diet and the lack of exercise, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent the cancer. Exercise can increase bowel movements, therefore shortening the stool’s passage time through the intestine. As a result, cancer causing agents in the stool have less time to make contact with mucous membranes in the intestine, thus helps prevent the cancer. Moreover, it is recommended to quit smoking as smokers have a higher death rate from colorectal cancer than non-smokers. This is because smokers are more likely than non-smokers to have polyps in their large intestines.

The large intestine is largely divided into the colon and the rectum. The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine and is followed by the anal canal. Rectal cancer develops in the 15cm-long rectum that connects the colon and the anal passage. Both rectal and colorectal cancers are called large intestine cancers.
Korea is famous for its excellent laparoscopic technique for treating patients with rectal cancer. Rectal cancer surgery can be performed with laparotomy or laparoscopy, which does not require an artificial anus. Laparoscopy is a widely used technique for surgical operations. In the case of rectal cancers, however, laparotomy has been considered a safer choice because it is difficult to access to the rectum with laparoscopy.
Recently a medical team, led by Sung-bum Kang at the Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, compared 170 patients who were operated with either laparotomy or laparoscopy. They found that laparoscopy resulted in less pain and had a faster bowel movement recovery compared to laparotomy. In addition, laparoscopic surgery yielded better results in the urinary, gastrointestinal and defecation functions. This research drew global attention when it was introduced in Lancet Oncology, a leading global general medical journal.

Tabolov (aged 44/male), who runs a private business in Khabarovsk, Russia was diagnosed with terminal rectal cancer in May 2011. He received surgery to remove the tumor in his rectum and started anti-cancer treatments right away. With a bright personality and a positive view on life, he believed that he would be cured. However, the cancer came back a few months later. This time he was told by his doctor that he had no chance of recovery. But, he did not give up hope and began to seek other treatments. One day, he was introduced to the Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon by the chair of the Association of Korean Residents in Khabarovsk.
He received an overall medical examination in Korea and saw a flash of hope when he was told that his cancer cells did not spread to other organs. He was told that he may even be cured if he responds well to anti-cancer medicine after he receives surgery. He went through a surgical operation in December 2011 and currently receives anti-cancer treatments at the hospital every 2~4 weeks. With his bright and cheerful personality, he goes to Korean markets and haggles over prices in order to buy cheaper items. He treats the medical staff to pajeon (Welsh-onion pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine) at the Daeboreum (the day of the year’s first full moon) festival that is held at the hospital. Such a joyful life helped him to maintain a normal life without deterioration and without the recurrence of cancer or metastasis.
Recently, he ran into his Russian doctor when the doctor was visiting Korea for training. The doctor asked him, “What are you doing here? You are terminally ill.” He answered by saying, “You told me that I was going to die, but I am alive and well after receiving treatment here.”
At first, other Korean patients misjudged him and thought that he was always angry because of his high-spirited Russian accent. But now they get along just fine, like a family, worrying about each other’s health.

 

The main cause of rectal cancer is excessive intake of animal fat. If you migrated to a country where people prefer a meat diet, the onset rate of rectal cancer goes up regardless of your family medical history. This proves the danger of eating meat. Grilled or fried meat is especially not recommended. If you have a high risk of developing rectal cancer, a vegetarian diet is ideal for you. If you want to eat meat, braise the meat instead of grilling or frying it and eat it with vegetables and fruits.
The Korean diet came into the spotlight as a diet that is as healthy as the Mediterranean diet. A typical Korean diet consists of steamed rice, kimchi and herbs. Meat is steamed instead of grilled

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