Here in the United States, plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity year after year, with common procedures like breast augmentation and liposuction leading the charge in popularity. However, the United States is nowhere near the plastic surgery capital of the world. In fact, plastic surgery is much more common in other countries like Greece and South Korea.
But what are other countries doing? What kind of procedures are popular in Brazil and Italy? What’s most common in Taiwan? Here’s a closer look at the most popular plastic surgery procedures around the world – and their definitions.
South Korea
South Korea holds the title of being the No. 1 country for plastic surgery, with an estimated one in five South Koreans having some kind of plastic surgery. Women are more likely to have a plastic surgery procedure, and it is believed that 20 percent of all women have either had plastic surgery or are considering it.
In South Korea, the most popular plastic surgery procedures include rhinoplasty (affectionately known as a “nose job”), liposuction and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
A rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape of the nose. In addition to aesthetic changes, rhinoplasty can also help the patient to breathe better.
Liposuction is a procedure in which a long, thin needle called a cannula is used to suction out body fat, creating a leaner, more streamlined body.
A blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid-lift, removes excess skin from the eyelid. This surgery is popular amongst patients seeking to have wider-looking eyes. It is very popular in South Korea, as wider, more Western-looking eyes are a current trend.
Greece
Greece holds the title as the second most popular place for plastic surgery. In Greece, the majority of plastic surgery procedures are breast implants. This is attributed to the wealth of the country. Many in the country have the disposable income for plastic surgery, whereas those in poorer nations may not.
Italy
Italy has the third highest rate of plastic surgery, with its most popular procedures being Botox and liposuction.
Brazil
In Brazil, the most popular procedures include breast implants and liposuction. It is even said that breast implants are a sign of status in Brazil, and there is no stigma about plastic surgery in the country, making it more common and openly discussed than in other countries.
Colombia
In Colombia, liposuction reigns supreme as the most popular plastic surgery procedure.
The United States
Not surprisingly, here in the United States, breast implants are the most popular procedure, along with liposuction.
Taiwan
Finally, Taiwan’s most popular procedures include Botox and other wrinkle work, including fillers and other procedures designed to remove wrinkles.
Now that you know the most popular procedures from around the globe, you may be wondering if you should visit those countries for your own procedures, but we caution against foreign plastic surgery, and here’s why.
Board Certification and Safety
While some countries like the United States have a board-certification process, many do not, or if they do, their standards are not as high as those here in the U.S. This means that what we consider dangerous here could be considered perfectly fine in another country.
With board certification here in America, your surgeon must adhere to rules and guidelines to maintain their board certification. This includes carrying proper insurance, continuing their education, behaving ethically and more. When you undergo foreign plastic surgery, you run the risk of a dangerous procedure at the hands of an unlicensed or unskilled surgeon.
Costs Involved
While it may seem like a good deal to get “cheaper” plastic surgery abroad, when you really consider the costs, it’s not always that great of a deal. Between running the risk of a dangerous practitioner to the risk of potential complications that could prevent you from returning home or end up costing you even more to be corrected once you’re home, it is often safer and more economical to undergo your procedure domestically.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re taking global inspiration for your plastic surgery procedure or just curious about how the U.S. stacks up against the other most popular countries for plastic surgery, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Peterson has the skills and know-how to perform your procedure right here in the United States.
To learn more about a plastic surgery procedure from Dr. Peterson, please contact the office today and schedule your consultation!
