Around two decades ago, the most common options available to those looking for aesthetic treatments involved going under a plastic surgeon’s knife. That has changed in recent years with the introduction of new, non-invasive technologies.
“Nowadays, with botulinum toxin, we can simply erase wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines, anything (with injections),” said Dr Lee Hong-ki, plastic surgeon and the South Korean national secretary of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Isaps).
Fillers can now be injected to contour people’s nose, chin, cheeks and forehead, he added. In the past, those looking to augment their facial structure or features would have had an implant inserted.
The rise in non-invasive treatments has boosted an interest in cosmetic procedures. Between 2014 and 2024, the total cosmetic procedures performed worldwide increased 87.5 per cent. Surgical procedures rose 80.6 per cent, and non-surgical ones went up by 93.9 per cent over the same period, according to Isaps data.
As the availability and popularity of these procedures have increased, so have the number and variety of doctors who can perform these treatments. This is seen particularly in South Korea, which now has 2,808 plastic surgeons or 54.26 plastic surgeons per million people. This is the highest number of such doctors per capita in the world.
Dr Lee noted that fewer than 1 per cent of students in South Korea get accepted into medical school, which means that the medical industry is filled with the best and brightest of each cohort.
• Uses focused ultrasound to target deep skin layers
• Heats tissue to trigger collagen production
• Tightens and lifts skin without surgery
Superficial muscular aponeurotic system
Subcutaneous tissue
Dermis
Epidermis
• Injects salmon DNA fragments to stimulate collagen and repair damaged cells
• Strengthens skin barrier for better moisture retention
• Reduces inflammation and improves circulation
Superficial muscular aponeurotic system
Subcutaneous tissue
Dermis
Epidermis
Superficial muscular aponeurotic system
Subcutaneous tissue
Dermis
Epidermis
Growth of an industry
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As a result, newer technology and procedures have emerged. Some non-invasive treatments that have come out of South Korea include Juvelook, an injectable skin booster that uses hyaluronic acid and poly-D, L-lactic acid to trigger the skin’s natural collagen production; high-intensity focused ultrasound, better known as Hifu, that is used to target deeper skin layers to tighten skin; and Rejuran, which taps salmon DNA to stimulate collagen production.
But many young doctors have found that specialities such as ob-gyn and paediatrics come with high workloads, high stress due to risks to patients, and relatively lower incomes compared with aesthetic work, he said.
“Many young-generation doctors are (thus) choosing to specialise in aesthetic procedures.”
The high quality of doctors in the field and the competitiveness of the industry make for a synergistic relationship, resulting in much innovation, he added.
From the viewpoint of suppliers, the competition is so high that they need to develop new products to be a cut above the rest, he pointed out.
How HIFU works
How Rejuran works
• Combines Hyaluronic Acid and Poly-D, L-Lactic Acid
• Provides immediate hydration and volume
• Triggers gradual collagen production for long-term results
How Juvelook works
Dermis
Epidermis