Japan has a surprising number of plastic surgery procedures done every year. For some, plastic surgery and other artificial enhancements can help improve a person's self-esteem. For boosting confidence or for whatever personal reasons, if you are looking for a globally renowned plastic surgery sector, consider Japan!
Table of Contents
Plastic Surgery: Introduction
Plastic surgery dated centuries ago when people wanted to chisel and form their noses using primitive materials such as leather and parchment, to achieve their ideal standards of beauty. As time passed by where more sophisticated forms of plastic surgery were developed that include both invasive (such as silicone) and non-invasive procedures (such as laser), the world of plastic surgery doing a complete 180!
In fact, Japan’s innovative ways to execute plastic surgery methods are considered state-of-the-art and the frontrunner in the plastic surgery industry with brand-new equipment specializing in plastic surgery solutions for the face and the eyelids. But why do people get plastic surgery? Recent studies show that plastic surgery has ties with emotional well-being where your perception of your level of attractiveness has direct correlation with one’s self-esteem.
Writer's Pick
Plastic Surgery in Japan
Japanese culture is known for having good taste aesthetically. Take for example the Kyoto geisha who painstakingly go through years and years of education to practice and perfect the art of beauty, from how they pour tea to how they gracefully dance and entertain their clients. With beauty as a prominent feature in Japan, it’s no wonder that in 2016, Japan ranked as the third highest country for plastic surgery. In 2019, Japan ranked number 4 in the world for the number of plastic surgeons in the country, totaling to more than 2,500. The survey also shows that while the majority of those who undergo plastic surgery in Japan are mostly female, male clients are also on the rise.
Surprisingly, the market of plastic surgery industry in Japan caters mostly to facial surgery, particularly the eyelids as compared to other countries (such as the USA) where plastic surgery procedures usually involve body alterations such as breast implants and liposuction.
※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "The International Study on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2016," p.3 ※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "The International Study on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.32
Some of the Common Plastic Surgeries in Japan
Eyelid Surgery
According to the 2019 International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018, Japan has over 140,000 eyelid surgery procedure done in 2018 alone. This type of plastic surgery is 100% safe and quick compared to the others, which requires a more invasive and complicated process. In fact, this surgery can be done in just under an hour, and what’s even better is it does not require any anesthetic procedures!
※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "2019 International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.1
Rhinoplasty
You ever wondered how some women have that symmetrical nose? The answer may be rhinoplasty. This surgery corrects the bone and cartilage of the nose to achieve a straighter and more narrow form. Rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure for 18 years and younger age groups worldwide.This is one of the more complicated processes of plastic surgery that requires sedation and takes until six months for the patient’s nose to recover fully. Japan had over 28,500 procedures done in 2018.
※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "The International Study on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.7 ※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "2019 International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.1
Fat Grafting
Have you ever thought that the fat in your thighs and arms can be surgically transferred to your cheeks or your breasts? That’s exactly what fat grafting does! The process for this surgery is to transport fat from more ‘fatty’ portions of one’s body to add curves or to fill in sunken cheeks or even to have fuller lips ala Angelina Jolie. Fat grafting in the face ranks 7th place worldwide as one of the most surgical procedure performed. In Japan, over 7,000 procedures for fat grafting in the face were done in 2018.
※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "The International Study on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.36 ※ International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "2019 International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2018," p.1
Other common surgical procedures in Japan are liposuction and facelift, while non-surgical procedures like hair removal, chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing and others are all growing in demand.
Some Clinics or Hospital in Japan offering such services
It is important to note that one should only engage in credible clinics for quality plastic surgery solutions and that deliver flawless results. Here are some notable clinics in Japan for foreigners:
St. Luke’s International Hospital
St. Luke’s International Hospitals is one of the most established hospitals in Japan operating since the early 1900s. Known to offer the best medical care that Japan can offer, they provide exceptional physicians and plastic surgeons who also cater to foreign nationalities.
Bliss Clinic- Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology
The Bliss Clinic specializes in plastic and reconstructive as well as Aesthetic Dermatology. This clinic provides licensed and credible physicians who are fluent in English and several other languages.
Plaza Plastic Surgery
Plaza Plastic Surgery Hospital offers both surgical and non-surgical medical care and services. This clinic also offers a U.S. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon which is a testament for the quality and credibility of plastic surgery solutions that this clinic offers.
Costs of Plastic Surgery (in Japan)
Like anywhere else in the world, plastic surgery procedures can be expensive. Specific to Japan, the cost of plastic surgery, based from the plastic surgery clinic in Tokyo, varies by procedure. For an idea of the cost, here are some prices from Plaza Plastic mentioned above. Botox can range from ¥20,000 for a simple botox procedure to cure headaches, to ¥600,000 and up for a full face lift. Eyelid surgery, which is popular in Japan, can range from ¥65,000 for one eyelid to ￥130,000 for both eyelids. Meanwhile, a nose job can range from ￥350,000 to ￥500,000 depending on the complexity of the procedure.
※ Plaza Plastic Surgery, "Price List"
Maintaining the Post-surgery
Like any other surgical procedures, people who undergo plastic surgery should take care of themselves after surgery. Some of the ways that they can do to ease the pain of the surgical procedure is to follow their physician’s instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy meals to help them recuperate, and if physical activity allows, have light stretching activities throughout the day. And last but not least but may come as surprising, strong emotional support from family and friends is also essential for anyone who just finished a procedure.
Summary
The technological advances in Japan in cosmetic surgery applications are rapidly evolving and increasing in demand. Since both surgical and nonsurgical procedures continue to become safer, reliable, and now more affordable, more people seek for physical enhancement. Should you decide to undergo treatment, it is recommended to find a reputable doctor or hospital that you trust and set realistic expectations. Maybe consider Japan on your list of options - for the same old you, but better!
