While interest in plastic surgery is rising in North Korea, it remains an extremely niche industry centered in the capital and serving a limited elite clientele. The lack of resources and isolation greatly impact the availability and quality of procedures like rhinoplasty.
Given North Korea's reputation as politically repressive and economically destitute, it's reasonable to be skeptical about whether complex surgeries like rhinoplasty are even possible. Despite the limitations, firsthand accounts suggest rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures do take place in the DPRK:
Yes, rhinoplasty procedures are available at some plastic surgery clinics in Pyongyang and other major North Korean cities. It's difficult to determine exactly how often rhinoplasty is performed across the country each year.
The demand for rhinoplasty comes primarily from elite members of North Korean society who have the means to pay the high fees in foreign currency - typically USD or Chinese RMB.
Defectors from North Korea report officials and family members connected to the ruling party undergoing plastic surgery to look younger or enhance perceived beauty.
Some clinics advertise cosmetic surgery services specifically to attract Chinese medical tourists looking for more affordable options than at home. Rhinoplasty is listed among the procedures offered.
Independent reports from visitors to North Korea mention seeing advertisements for plastic surgery visible at hotels and trading companies frequented by foreigners.
While not commonplace, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgeries are indeed being performed in North Korea today at a small number of specialized clinics, mainly to serve the country's political elites and medical tourists.
Given the limited medical infrastructure in the country, rhinoplasty procedures are confined to a handful of clinics, mostly in Pyongyang. Outside observers have identified a few facilities known to offer cosmetic surgery:
The Pyongyang Cosmetic Surgery Clinic is likely the best known, advertising facial contouring and nose jobs to medical tourists. Little is independently verified about the clinic's safety record and surgeon qualifications.
The Friendship Clinic attached to the Koryo Hotel operates primarily for medical tourists with doctors alleged to be trained in China or Russia.
Individual plastic surgeons reportedly advertise rhinoplasty services through hotels and tour companies catering to foreign visitors as a means to generate revenue.
Outside of Pyongyang, there are clinics offering basic cosmetic surgery procedures in other major North Korean hubs like Kaesong, Wonsan, and Nampo according to defector accounts.
Any physicians performing rhinoplasty likely trained informally in China or South Korea, as specialized plastic surgery training is non-existent in North Korea presently.
The limited information available indicates rhinoplasty procedures originate from a handful of clinics primarily in Pyongyang, or via hotels and tour agencies bringing in foreign patients. Outside of the capital, options appear even more scarce.
Due to the unique economic conditions and isolation of North Korea, the cost of plastic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty is substantially lower than in nearby countries:
Rhinoplasty prices in North Korea reportedly range from $500 to $2000 USD, depending on the extent of the work required and the qualifications of the surgeon.
The low prices available in North Korea stem from lower labor costs, lack of malpractice insurance, and minimal overhead for clinics.
For North Korean elites and medical tourists, the procedures are largely paid in foreign currency like USD or euros, not local won.
Rhinoplasty North KoreaThe discounted pricing can be tempting for those seeking affordable plastic surgery. However, the lower prices may also signal lower quality standards.
While rhinoplasty costs a fraction of what it does elsewhere, individuals should weigh the potential risks and likelihood of complications before undergoing major surgery in North Korea purely for financial savings.
The low costs associated with plastic surgery in North Korea raise obvious questions about how safe rhinoplasty and other procedures are when performed there:
Healthcare standards in North Korea lag far behind developed nations. Oversight, training, and quality vary greatly between clinics.
For short-term medical tourists, the risks may be lower compared to citizens contending with long-term limitations in follow-up care.
Thorough vetting of facilities and inquiring about the training of specific surgeons is essential to evaluate safety.
Those traveling for plastic surgery should plan to stay in North Korea for at least 1-2 weeks following the procedure in case of complications.
Those traveling for plastic surgery should plan to stay in North Korea for at least 1-2 weeks following the procedure in case of complications.
While major risks exist, rhinoplasty is still likely safer for visitors than more complex procedures. However, individuals should thoroughly research the facility and surgeon before undergoing surgery in North Korea.
Despite North Korea's reputation for restricting visitors, it is possible for foreign medical tourists to arrange rhinoplasty and other plastic surgery procedures within the country:
Yes, clinics in major cities like Pyongyang cater arrangements specifically for international visitors seeking cheaper plastic surgery options compared to their home countries.
Medical tourists typically visit North Korea on short tourist visas and arrange procedures through partnerships between clinics and hotels or tour companies.
Hospitals like the Friendship Clinic attached to the Koryo Hotel can facilitate plastic surgery package deals that include accommodations.
Medical tourists need to budget 1-2 weeks in North Korea for the procedure and initial recovery period given limited postoperative care options.
While requiring extra research and planning, rhinoplasty is indeed accessible to international visitors who are able to navigate the bureaucracy and risk tradeoffs involved.
In contrast to medical tourists, everyday North Korean citizens face major obstacles in accessing rhinoplasty surgery and plastic surgery services overall:
For average citizens outside the political elite, the high cost of procedures in foreign currency puts rhinoplasty functionally out of reach.
