As South Korea draws visitors chasing beauty, dodgy practices pose risks

Thousands flock to East Asian country for cosmetic surgeries each year, often relying on unregulated forums for advice.

Seoul, South Korea – When Alex looked into the price difference between rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job”, in the United States and South Korea, she thought that flying to the Asian country for the surgery was a no-brainer.

“$30,000 or $6,000, the choice was clear,” Alex, who asked not to be referred to by her real name, told Al Jazeera, describing her decision to undergo the procedure in the country “known to be number one in plastic surgery”.

But less than a year later, the entertainer found herself grappling with severe complications.

The implant from her surgery had begun protruding through her skin, necessitating emergency removal back in the US.

“Had I known what I know now, I would have never done it,” she said, visibly distressed as she described her ongoing struggle with complications, including a crooked nose and visible hole that required corrective surgery.