Perception of cosmetic surgery and associated side effects: A content analysis study of South Korean female college students

This study explores the perception of female college students in South Korea regarding cosmetic surgery and its side effects. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 28 female college students over a period of 4 months, starting in October 2019. All participants were female college students who had not undergone cosmetic surgery. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively, using conventional content analysis. Four categories and 13 subcategories were extracted from 112 meaningful codes reflecting perceptions related to cosmetic surgery and its associated side effects. The 4 categories that emerged in the study were: “reaction to the side effects of cosmetic surgery”, “reasons for cosmetic surgery”, “prospects of the participant's own cosmetic surgery”, and “prerequisites for decision-making regarding cosmetic surgery”. The results of this study could be used as reference material by surgeons to ensure safer cosmetic surgeries. A sufficient consideration period and patient education prior to selective cosmetic surgery would minimize patient complaints and expand the base of safe cosmetic surgery.