Domestic demand for cosmetic surgery procedures in South Korea is picking up with the introduction of coronavirus vaccines.  Many residents are embracing an idea that facial coverings might not last forever as vaccines become more widely distributed, so now may be their last chance to hide their recovering faces behind PPE.  

Ryu, a 20-year-old student, said that the chance to recuperate at home and wear a face mask in public to hide the bruising and swelling helped her make up her mind to get a $4000 nose job.  South Korea had an estimated $10 billion plastic surgery industry in 2020, and is an international hub for cosmetic procedures.  During the pandemic the number of foreign patients reduced, and surgeons embraced a more local and regional focus.

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