In Seoul, South Korea, Alex compared the cost of rhinoplasty in the United States and South Korea and found the price in the Asian country to be much lower. She made the decision to undergo the surgery in South Korea, known for its expertise in plastic surgery. However, less than a year later, she faced severe complications, leading to emergency removal of the implant back in the US. Alex expressed regret over her decision, citing ongoing struggles with complications such as a crooked nose and a visible hole that required corrective surgery. Despite South Korea’s reputation as a hub for plastic surgery, with a market worth $1.7bn in 2023 expected to grow to $5.19bn by 2032, foreign patients face numerous barriers, misinformation, and deceptive practices. Language barriers, murky online platforms, and illegal brokers pose risks to the health of medical tourists. The industry came under scrutiny in 2020 when a Hong Kong heiress died during a liposuction procedure at a Seoul clinic. Chinese cosmetic surgery patients have also fallen victim to unsafe practices, prompting warnings from the Chinese embassy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare operates a centre for reporting illegal solicitation of foreign patients, with the number of cases rising significantly. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of clarity in handling such cases and the risks associated with overseas surgeries. Misleading reviews and illegal marketing practices are prevalent, with influencers being offered free surgeries in exchange for positive promotion. Patients who share negative experiences publicly can face legal consequences under South Korea’s defamation laws, making it challenging to verify claims of clinics being “accident-free”. Alex’s rushed surgery in South Korea without proper communication or translation led to severe complications, highlighting the risks faced by medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures in the country.
