[Safe Plastic Surgery] 5 Essential Guidelines for Safe Plastic Surgery

When considering cosmetic procedures, the number one concern for most patients is side effects and complications. In response to these concerns, the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons has released five essential guidelines for safe plastic surgery to help patients make informed and responsible decisions.

A nationwide survey conducted among individuals visiting plastic surgery clinics revealed that nearly half of respondents cited fear of complications as their biggest concern. In addition, safety issues and medical accidents were identified as the most serious problems within the industry. These findings highlight why safe plastic surgery should always be the top priority.

Below are the five core principles recommended for anyone planning a cosmetic procedure.

1. Verify the Surgeon’s Qualifications and Experience for Safe Plastic Surgery

The most important factor in safe plastic surgery is the surgeon performing the procedure. A surgeon’s qualifications, board certification, experience, and specialization directly affect both outcomes and safety.

Even within the same clinic, results depend more on the operating surgeon than on the hospital’s brand name. Patients are strongly advised to confirm whether their surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon and to review their clinical experience in the specific procedure being considered.

While no surgery is entirely risk-free, choosing a qualified specialist significantly reduces the likelihood of complications.

2. Avoid Extremely Low Prices and Aggressive Discounts

In medical procedures, unusually low prices often come with hidden risks. Clinics that rely heavily on deep discounts may compromise on surgical quality, post-operative care, or even ethical standards.

For safe plastic surgery, patients should be cautious of:

• Excessive promotional events

• Pressure to add unnecessary procedures

• Prices that seem far below market standards

Choosing only procedures that are truly necessary—and avoiding impulsive decisions—is essential for long-term satisfaction and safety.

3. Be Cautious of Fake Reviews and Exaggerated Advertising

Clinics that rely on fake reviews, misleading before-and-after photos, or exaggerated claims often prioritize marketing over patient safety.

For safe plastic surgery, it is better to rely on:

• Transparent medical explanations

• Realistic expectations

• Verified patient experiences

Ethical clinics focus on consistent results and patient care rather than aggressive advertising tactics.

4. Avoid Clinics With a History of Illegal Practices or Repeated Medical Accidents

Clinics involved in illegal medical practices, ghost surgeries, or frequent malpractice cases pose a serious risk to patient safety.

For safe plastic surgery, patients are encouraged to:

• Research a clinic’s legal and medical history

• Seek recommendations from trusted, offline sources

• Be cautious with anonymous online endorsements

Reliable information and firsthand experiences are far more valuable than online hype.

5. Follow Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions Carefully

Even the most skilled surgery can be compromised if patients ignore medical instructions. Following pre- and post-operative guidelines is a critical part of safe plastic surgery.

Key points include:

• Disclosing all medications and supplements

• Avoiding alcohol and smoking before and after surgery

• Strictly following recovery and aftercare instructions

Smoking, in particular, can significantly increase the risk of infection, delayed healing, and poor surgical outcomes.

Final Thoughts on Safe Plastic Surgery

Safe plastic surgery is not defined by trends, prices, or marketing—but by careful decision-making, qualified medical professionals, and responsible patient behavior.

By following these five guidelines, patients can greatly reduce risks and move toward safer, more satisfying results. In cosmetic surgery, safety is not optional—it is the foundation of every successful outcome.