South Korea -- the plastic surgery capital of the world -- is a popular destination for many Thais in pursuit of "aesthetic perfection". Want to look handsome like oppa? Or like the pretty idols in series and music videos with flawless skin and features? To many, South Korea is the answer.
The trend for cosmetic surgery in South Korea started years ago with the rise of the K-pop industry, with its shows, stars and music exported worldwide. In Thailand, while many felt compelled to have their bodies reconstructed, it also gave rise to consulting agencies that facilitate operations in South Korea, and offer advice on surgeons, hospitals, interpreters, accommodation, flights and more. Their services aid those who wish to attain some South Korean star's good looks, and many clients come home with their desired face and body. Satisfied, pretty and safe. In theory.
In reality, unfortunately, that's not always the case.
Opening this Pandora's box of overseas cosmetic surgery is Jeeranan "May" Kitprasan, a former Thai singer who now sells and models clothes online. She recently shared on social media her experience of undergoing blepharoplasty (eye region modification) and breast augmentation procedures in South Korea that almost killed her.
Based on past interviews and her own Facebook posts, Jeeranan said she wanted what she deemed the best service available, and so she opted for her operation of choice in South Korea following the advice of a local agent and several online reviews. She got the procedures done at the end of last year, and soon enough complications arose even before she came back to Thailand. In the end, it was revealed that she suffered from severe infections around her breasts. The silicone was later removed at a Thai hospital. And now she carries scars on her body. Her chest is flat. She also requires physical therapy to get her arms and lungs working normally again.
"I want to use my own case to raise society's awareness. I will proceed with legal justice, hoping my painful lesson can be beneficial to society, to prevent others from experiencing the misfortune and damage I was in," posted Jeeranan on her Facebook.
Jeeranan's case has triggered a public dialogue on South Korean cosmetic surgery, making potential customers more watchful and aware of the risks that come with their quest for "outer perfection".
MEDICAL SIDE
According to Dr Surawej Numhom, cosmetic surgeon at Ramathibodi Hospital, cosmetic tourism to South Korea has been booming for about two decades. And people do regard the country as a desirable beauty destination for a reason.
"We have to admit that they've turned it somewhat into an industry, an entire system that the state supports, which then allows it to become internationally popular. There are K-drama and clinics available. First step off the plane, you could see brochures of surgery clinics all over the place," said Dr Surawej, whose Facebook page "Dr Surawej Numhom" regularly offers guidelines and warning notes on risks of substandard plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures.
He added that while South Korea is famous among Thais, only a small number of interested people -- those who can afford the higher costs -- ends up going there for surgery. Other destinations include Japan and Taiwan, though they're not as popular due to their comparatively small promotional effort.
Dr Surawej estimated that a breast augmentation operation performed here would cost anywhere from 80,000 baht to over 100,000 baht. Even at high-end hospitals, it shouldn't exceed 200,000 baht.
Meanwhile, the costs reported for Jeeranan's case go up to 800,000 baht for a blepharoplasty and breast augmentation. And that does not even include additional expenses like flights and subsequent medical bills born from the complications.
"People mostly look at online reviews and listen to the agent's recommendation that make them feel as though Korean doctors possess some qualities or skills that Thai doctors don't. Most of the things they do can likewise be performed in Thailand, though there are certain cases such as cheekbone and jaw reconstruction that they tend to do more often than us. But for basic stuff like rhinoplasty [nose job], blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction and more, we're pretty much on par."
Furthermore, consulting agencies, online reviews and even false advertising of overseas medical facilities can't be held responsible under Thai law in case anything happens, according to the surgeon.
In Thailand, those who wish to get surgery can look up and verify the surgeon's profile first with the Medical Council, should they ever be in doubt. But the language barrier, distance and other factors make this process a lot more difficult for overseas clinics.
"Mostly you would only learn of information from your agent, and it can be hard to verify if they're telling the truth. If all goes well, then it's good. But all surgeries may not have a 100% perfect result," warned Dr Surawej. "Problems could come from the doctors, the nature of the surgery itself, and even the patient's own personal illnesses."
While problems like infections -- as suffered by Jeeranan -- occur quickly, others take time to manifest. This could be dissatisfaction with the resulting shape of their nose and eye region, or even the hardening of connective tissue in the area. In that case, people have to either fly back to their original doctors overseas (which also comes with more hefty bills) or seek medical help at home.
Dr Surawej said that half of the cases he's taking on right now are about "fixing" other surgeries that went unsatisfactorily, for lack of symmetry or having caused scars, for example.
"Eventually, when people don't know where else to turn to, they come back to local state hospitals."
LEGAL APPROACHES
While additional medical assistance is usually the first thing people will have to consider should anything go wrong with their overseas surgery, legal avenues are also worth exploring in order to be compensated for the damage -- as Jeeranan is aiming to do.
While it's unclear how many similar legal cases have occurred, Teewara Phetcharak, lawyer and managing director at TPAR Law Firm, said that the amount of healthcare-related cases have definitely increased in the past decade as Thai people have become more aware of their legal rights.
"Before, people didn't really dare to sue a doctor. But now, they learn that each profession comes with a standard, and that they have the right to speak up if there's damage being done," said Teewara. Codes and bills may differ in details depending on the country, but the lawyer said basic law pertaining to medical standards is still largely similar.
Nonetheless, suing overseas healthcare practitioners and institutes means that legal proceedings are pending in the country in which the service was provided. In Jeeranan's case, she might eventually have to hire South Korean lawyers to fight for her in court, which only come with South Korean legal fee rates.
"If the clinic or hospital has branches or representatives in Thailand, only then the legal procedure could be done in Thailand," Teewara added.
At the same time, just because damage was inflicted, patients aren't guaranteed a victory in court. If they decide to pursue the case, evidence, witnesses and documents will be gathered for the court.
Was it the surgeon's negligence? Were healthcare providers not following standards? Did anybody forget a gauze pad inside? Was the inserted silicone of an agreed-upon grade and quality?
Or perhaps the patient somehow subjected themselves to the risks even though they were warned beforehand? Did they get their surgical wound wet? Did they accidentally hit it?
"The court would check whether the doctors followed their standard, and at the same time it would check whether patients followed standards and advice given to them," said Teewara. "In some cases, the fault may not lie with the doctors at all. And if both parties follow their standards correctly, then patients may still have to take responsibility. So, the damaged party doesn't always win.
"As a lawyer, I do understand that everyone wants to be beautiful. Surgery, regardless of where it is being carried out, can deliver that. But choose wisely. Read the contract thoroughly. Choose places with standards you can verify. Discuss things with the doctors clearly. Make sure you're aware of your rights. Doctors, in a sense, are service providers, too. Don't be afraid to ask and don't take any risks with dodgy ones. It's your body and your life."
