One in four young Korean women undergo cosmetic surgery — comedian’s case highlights hidden nose surgery risks

Heo Anna / Captured from Heo's social media

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South Korea is often called the “plastic surgery capital of the world,” and data shows just how common cosmetic procedures have become — especially among young women. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), about 25 percent of Korean women aged 19 to 29 have undergone cosmetic procedures, one of the highest rates globally.

But as demand grows, experts are warning that the risks — including long-term side effects — are often overlooked.

Korean comedian Heo Anna recently drew public attention after revealing she had undergone revision nose surgery 21 years after her initial procedure.

In a video posted to her social media, Heo shared before-and-after images and showed the recovery process, including removing splints and reducing swelling. She explained that she decided on a second surgery after developing a nasal contracture, a condition where scar tissue hardens around implants and causes the nose to become deformed.

Experts say that rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is among the most common cosmetic procedures in Korea but also one of the most prone to complications.

When implants are inserted into the nose, the body may treat them as foreign objects, causing inflammation and scar tissue buildup. Because the nose is directly exposed to external bacteria, infections can spread more easily compared to other procedures.

Severe cases can lead to nasal contracture, where the nose appears pulled upward, or even cause implant protrusion. If the tip of the nose becomes swollen or turns red after surgery, doctors advise seeking immediate consultation, as early intervention can prevent more serious complications.

Experts stress the need for thorough consultations and personalized surgical plans, warning that “one-size-fits-all” approaches increase the risk of complications. For revision surgeries, full tissue recovery can take at least six months before a safe follow-up procedure.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top healthcare and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.