Designer vaginas in South Korea: we talk to Asia’s first cosmetic laser vaginal surgeon
- Lee Hyeong-kuen’s clients come from all over the world for laser procedures to shrink, tighten and smooth their private parts
- Labiaplasty is the fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide
Sinsa is a popular Seoul neighbourhood just a stone’s throw from Gangnam station, hot spot for plastic surgery in South Korea. It is home to the first Apple store in the country and is surrounded by independent fashion stores. Take a turn into any of the side streets, and you’ll find some of Seoul’s trendiest boutiques and cafes.
Despite the many attractions within the area, there is one building that catches the attention of many tourists, foreigners or English speakers who walk by. People look up, point and let out a giggle at the sight of a huge hoarding on a building on the main stretch of the street advertising the RIZ Cosmetic Laser Vaginal Surgery. Others glide swiftly through its doors.
My curiosity piqued, I ask South Koreans about the services it provides. Charlie Han, 30, a personal trainer says, “Oh, I know a friend of a friend who’s had a procedure to tighten their vagina. She said, once she got it done, she was able to get better sexual satisfaction from Korean men rather than foreigners.”
Such conversations seem to take place way too often in South Korea. When the topic of vaginal cosmetic treatment comes up, few will admit to having undergone the procedure – but, funnily enough, you often find them talking about somebody who knows someone who “did it”.
Dr Lee Hyeong-kuen is the CEO of RIZ Cosmetic Laser Vaginal Surgery. Asked how many women he has performed the surgery on in the past 17 years, he says they are too numerous to count. His clients come not just from South Korea, but across Asia.