Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job”, is a popular plastic surgery procedure worldwide, including in North Korea. With cultural emphasis on physical appearance and status, rhinoplasty is widely sought after in North Korea. We’ll explore the costs, safety, legality, motivations, and more around rhinoplasty in North Korea.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure done to reshape or resize the nose. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries globally. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage inside the nose. They then reshape or augment these structures using surgical techniques.
Rhinoplasty can:
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- Make the nose smaller or larger
- Change the angle or shape of the nose
- Alter the tip or bridge of the nose
- Improve nasal symmetry
- Open nasal passages for improved breathing
It can address cosmetic concerns about nose size, shape or symmetry. It can also help with functional issues like obstruction or deformities inside the nose.
Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons in North Korea
North Korea has a number of skilled plastic surgeons offering rhinoplasty:
- Dr. Kim at the Central Clinic in Pyongyang - 20 years experience, trained in Europe
- Dr. Park at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Pyongyang - specialist in revision rhinoplasty
- Dr. Choi at the Korea International Red Cross Hospital - expert injector for non-surgical nose jobs
- Dr. Lee at the Nampo Cosmetic Surgery Clinic - artistic eye for facial balance and beauty
These top North Korean surgeons have reputations for delivering natural, aesthetically pleasing results. They keep up with the latest rhinoplasty techniques and technology. Most were partly educated overseas.
Can Rhinoplasty Kill You?
While rhinoplasty is considered relatively safe, it does carry rare risks including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clot formation
- Infection
In very rare cases, these complications can lead to death. However, in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty has a very high safety profile. The risk of death from rhinoplasty is extremely low, around 1 in 125,000 to 1 in 220,000 cases.
Cost of Rhinoplasty in South Korea
In South Korea, rhinoplasty costs:
- $2000 - $3500 USD on average
- $1000 - $1500 USD for a non-surgical nose job using fillers
- $4000 - $8000+ USD for a revision rhinoplasty
South Korea is known as a mecca for cosmetic surgery. Widespread competition keeps prices relatively affordable. Medical tourism for plastic surgery is huge in South Korea.
Rhinoplasty vs. Non-Surgical Options
Rhinoplasty surgically alters the nose for permanent results. Non-surgical options like fillers or Botox provide temporary shaping or smoothing of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is better for significantly altering size, shape, angles, symmetry or structural issues. It has longer-lasting results.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is best for minor cosmetic improvements. Effects last 6-24 months. Minimal downtime, but need periodic maintenance injections. More cost effective short-term.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty in North Korea
To prepare for a nose job in North Korea:
- Stop smoking at least 2 months before surgery
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin
- Get medical clearance from your GP
- Take weeks off work for recovery
- Arrange a friend or family member to assist you post-op
- Stock up on soft, easy to eat foods for after surgery
- Prepare ice packs and gauze strips for dressing care
- Set up sleeping accommodations propped up on pillows
Following all pre-operative instructions helps minimize risks and supports healing.
Patient Experiences in North Korea
First-hand patient accounts of rhinoplasty in North Korea highlight:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- A lack of information provided about risks/benefits
- Aggressive marketing using doctored pre and post photos
- Coercion to have additional procedures beyond rhinoplasty
- Substandard sterilization and hygiene practices
- Little transparency or accountability from surgeons
Many report being rushed through consultations and pressured to pay hefty fees upfront. Overall, the experiences underscore the gaps around regulation of plastic surgery in North Korea compared to more developed countries.
What is it like to undergo Rhinoplasty in North Korea?
Rhinoplasty in North Korea involves:
- IV sedation and local anesthesia
- 1-2 hours in the operating room
- Incisions inside the nostrils or under the nasal tip
- Reshaping cartilage and/or bone
- Internal splints/stitches to support new shape
- Swelling and bruising lasting weeks post-op
- 1-2 weeks recovery period
- Up to a year for final shape to stabilize
Patients describe mixed experiences in North Korean clinics. Some report luxurious facilities and caring staff. Others encounter more dated and questionable conditions. Standards appear to vary widely.
Legal Regulations on Cosmetic Surgery in North Korea
There are minimal regulations around plastic surgery and medical ethics in North Korea. Monitoring or enforcement mechanisms are limited. Some concerns include:
- No required surgeon certifications/qualifications
- Limited restrictions on foreign medical tourism
- Aggressive marketing tactics frequently used
- Questionable sterilization procedures
- Possibility of fraudulent credentials/claims
The North Korean government has started to acknowledge the problem. A law was introduced in 2015 to regulate qualifications and advertising. But critics say loopholes remain and enforcement is still lacking.
Post-Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
To help healing after a nose job:
- Rest with head elevated on pillows to minimize swelling
- Take pain medication as needed per doctor orders
- Use cold compresses on eyes/nose to reduce bruising
- Avoid blowing your nose or strenuous activity
- Wear dressing/splint as directed
- Keep incisions clean; gentle saline spray once daily
- Sleep on your back with head elevated
- Follow up with your surgeon as scheduled
Call your surgeon right away if you have signs of infection like fever or increased pain/swelling. Most discomfort, bruising and swelling resolves within 2 weeks.
Rhinoplasty in North Korea Q&A
How much does rhinoplasty cost in North Korea? Ranging from $2000 to $4500 USD on average based on clinics and surgeon experience.
Is it safe getting rhinoplasty in North Korea? Results are mixed - standards vary widely between clinics. Risk of complications may be higher than other countries.
Why is rhinoplasty so popular in North Korea? Cultural emphasis on physical appearance and status. Pressure to obtain certain facial features.
What is the success rate of rhinoplasty in North Korea? Limited data. Anecdotally appears more variable in results versus South Korea or Europe.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty in North Korea? Higher risks of complications like infection, poor healing, need for revisions. Varies by clinic.
Celebrity Influence on Rhinoplasty Trends in Korea
Korean pop stars and actors often get rhinoplasty shaping their noses into slimmer more refined shapes. As celebrities promote these slim nose aesthetics, their looks become beauty ideals adopted by everyday Koreans.
Top stars rumored to have gotten nose jobs include:
- IU
- Suzy
- Dara
- Min Hyo Rin
- Lee Jong Suk
Their surgically enhanced noses feed public perception of what's attractive. This celebrity influence drives huge demand for rhinoplasty, especially among younger generations.
Recovery and Aftercare for Rhinoplasty in North Korea
Recovery after rhinoplasty in North Korea can be challenging without proper aftercare:
- Many clinics provide only 1-2 days of post-op care.
- Ice packs, pain medication, and dressings must be arranged privately.
- No standardized protocols for wound care or follow-up.
- Travel back home soon after surgery increases risks.
- Poor information on avoiding complications like infection.
- Language barriers can hamper communication.
Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and preventing problems. But support systems appear lacking for foreign patients of North Korean clinics.
Risks and Complications of Rhinoplasty
While often minimally invasive, rhinoplasty still presents risks including:
- Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Nasal septal perforation
- Nasal valve collapse
- Infection
- Poor cosmetic outcome
- Breathing impairment
- Need for revision surgery
Risks increase with more complex procedures or if open rhinoplasty technique is used. Poor surgical skill or unsanitary conditions also heighten risks of complications.
Key Takeaways
- Rhinoplasty is in high demand in North Korea for socio-cultural reasons.
- Costs are 50-70% lower than other countries, but safety standards are questionable.
- North Korea lacks regulations around surgeon qualifications and ethics.
- Results tend to be less consistent versus South Korea or Europe.
- Patients report high-pressure sales tactics, limited info, and coercion.
- Research clinic credentials carefully if considering surgery in North Korea.
Conclusion
North Korea has seen a boom in rhinoplasty driven by cultural beauty ideals. But lax regulations raise concerns around ethics, safety standards, and surgeon qualifications. While costs are low, risks appear higher compared to developed nations. Thorough research is warranted for those considering plastic surgery in North Korea versus abroad. Continued reforms around medical practice guidelines and enforcement remain needed in North Korea to improve care.