Coronavirus restrictions can’t stop Japan’s demand for plastic surgery. But is it safe?

Some patients see the pandemic as the perfect time for cosmetic surgery, knowing their face masks will cover the swelling following an operation

There are safety concerns, however, as clinics are struggling to acquire materials used during surgery, such as gauzes and disinfectants

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The Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has urged people to ‘refrain from surgery at this time’. Photo: Handout

Published: 5:30pm, 12 May 2020Updated: 5:30pm, 12 May 2020

In Japan, the coronavirus pandemic has led to school closures and people working from home, but some people have decided it is a good time to try something they have always wanted: plastic surgery.

This has worried many medical professionals who have asked people to “refrain from non-essential treatments” to prevent further spread of the virus, as the number of cosmetic surgery applications in Japan has recently increased.

However, demand shows no sign of easing, largely due to the prevalent use of face masks to prevent infection which can be also used to hide potential post-surgery swelling.

“There are many people who want eye surgery or face lifts,” said a female nurse, 23, who works at a major clinic. “Some parents and children come together to get double eyelid surgeries.”

The clinic tends to receive more reservations from the end of January, when universities take a two-month break at the end of the academic year, but has had more bookings than usual this year, she said.

As medical facilities nationwide face a shortage of supplies due to the pandemic, the clinic has struggled to secure materials such as sterilised gauzes and disinfectant.

The nurse said it has decreased the number of gauzes used in surgery from 10 to between two and five, and on occasion cuts a piece of gauze in half due to lack of supplies.

“We cannot be said to be in perfect condition [from a hygienic perspective],” she said.