To You Who Insist on Plastic Surgery Without Financial Means: A Plastic Surgeon's Honest Confession

Hello,

This is Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

In Korea, cosmetic surgery has become a common choice.

However, as a plastic surgeon, during consultations,

I often encounter the concerning reality of individuals with limited financial resources

insisting on undergoing surgery.

Today, I want to offer honest and realistic advice regarding this situation.

The Dangers of Low-Cost Marketing

Have you ever seen advertisements like:

‘Eye surgery for 100,000 won’,

‘Nose surgery for 500,000 won’,

‘Liposuction for 1,000,000 won’?

Excessively low-priced surgeries always have hidden pitfalls.

The cost of plastic surgery includes the following elements:

Fees for skilled medical staff
Safe anesthesia and monitoring systems
Verified medical devices and materials
Hygienic surgical environment
Systematic post-operative care

Cutting corners on these essential elements can ultimately affect patient safety and surgical outcomes.

⚠️ Risks that low-cost procedures can bring:

- Risk of side effects due to the use of cheap implants

- Dissatisfaction with surgical results due to inexperienced medical staff

- Possibility of safety accidents due to insufficient anesthesia monitoring

- Inability to respond properly if problems arise due to negligent post-operative care

Doctors are also distressed: The self-reproach medical staff feel from ‘low-cost marketing’

As medical professionals, plastic surgeons must prioritize patient health and safety.

The helplessness and self-reproach felt when dealing with patients who must compromise safety or quality due to financial circumstances are indescribable.

Medical procedures are not mere commodities.

While we understand patients' financial pressures,

forcing them to forgo necessary procedures and materials for safety

goes against medical ethics.

The Biggest Problem: Confusion of Financial Priorities

Undergoing plastic surgery without first securing basic financial stability

and personal living stability is a risky choice.

If unexpected additional costs arise during the recovery period after surgery,

financial difficulties can become even greater.

📌 Advice for students:

If you are a student not yet engaged in economic activity,

plastic surgery is absolutely not a priority.

It is irresponsible to use your parents' hard-earned living expenses, education funds, or retirement savings for your own cosmetic purposes.

It is wiser to focus on developing your capabilities rather than plastic surgery.

‘Because all my friends are doing it’ or

‘Because my senior got prettier’ are never valid reasons.

Requesting funds for cosmetic surgery while relying on parental support is not advisable.

True maturity begins with recognizing your current situation and responsibilities.

Suggestions for Healthy Cosmetic Procedure Consumers

1. ‘Need’ vs ‘Want’

Distinguish between necessity and desire.

Coolly assess whether the surgery is functionally/psychologically

absolutely necessary,

or simply a desire.

Unless it's absolutely necessary,

consider it only after you have sufficient financial余裕.

2. Appropriate Cost for Safe Surgery

Each surgery has a basic cost required for safe execution.

Surgeries priced significantly lower than this may have safety issues.

When choosing a hospital, focus on the following rather than price:

- Medical staff's experience and expertise

- Hospital facilities and equipment

- Post-operative care system

3. Long-term Financial Planning

If you are seriously considering plastic surgery,

it is important to make a long-term plan rather than an impulsive decision.

- Secure a basic financial foundation (emergency fund, insurance, etc.)

- Save separately for surgery costs

- Consider loans as a last resort

- Financial planning during the recovery period after surgery

4. Adjusting Realistic Expectations for ‘Appearance Investment’

While improving one's appearance can be a factor for opportunities,

it does not guarantee success or happiness.

Investing in skills, abilities, and inner values brings more sustainable and certain results.

Advice for Wise Choices

A doctor who can say ‘Don't do it’, and you who can say ‘I won't do it’

The lamentable words of a certain neurosurgery professor, ‘Everyone is getting cosmetic procedures... this is how a country falls apart,’

go beyond simply the issue of medical fees,

warning that society as a whole is moving in a dangerous direction,

pursuing appearance and immediate gratification over true values.

If you are not financially prepared,

plastic surgery can never be a priority.

As a doctor, requests for excessive procedures from those without financial means are both regrettable and uncomfortable.

Out of a desire for their true well-being and happiness, sometimes

saying ‘Don't do it’ is the best treatment.

True beauty is not only in appearance.

Focus on cultivating your inner values and abilities.

That investment will never betray you.

And I hope you prepare step by step for the day when you are truly ready and financially comfortable.

Please make a careful decision after you are sufficiently prepared.

We support your healthy and wise choices.

‘Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.’ - Kahlil Gibran

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