Cosmetic medicine in Japan and what expats should know

Cosmetic medicine isn't just a niche in Japan anymore, but something that's becoming more and more mainstream. A recent survey by the women's lifestyle app LOCARI found that more than 90 percent of respondents are interested in cosmetic treatments, and over half have already tried something, from laser spot removal to medical hair removal.

For expats living here, that raises some practical questions, such as how much does it cost, what's considered "normal," and how do you navigate the choices? I've summarized some of the research findings below for anyone interested!

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Budgets and expectations

The survey showed the most common monthly spend on cosmetic treatments falls between 5,000 and 10,000 yen, with nearly a third of respondents keeping it under 5,000 yen. That means a lot of people are treating cosmetic care as a regular expense, more like a gym membership or salon visit than a luxury splurge. As an expat budgeting for life in Japan, it's worth noting how normalized this kind of spending has become, especially in big cities where cosmetic-focused clinics are commonplace.

Popular treatments

Skin-focused procedures dominate the list, with laser spot removal and medical hair removal being the top picks, but treatments for acne, wrinkles, sagging skin, and under-eye bags also rank highly. Most are outpatient, relatively quick, and increasingly marketed as "refreshers" rather than major changes. In finance terms, that means you're more likely to encounter friends or coworkers casually spending a few thousand yen a month on upkeep rather than saving up for a single high-cost surgery.

How people decide

Like a lot of other lifestyle spending around the world these days, social media plays a huge role in influencing decision-making. Instagram is the most popular source of information, followed by clinic websites and word of mouth. For expats who might struggle with Japanese-language research, this can be both a plus (visuals are universal) and a minus (nuances in clinic reviews or disclaimers may be missed).

Concerns and risks

Even though cosmetic medicine is widely accepted, some concerns were still mentioned by respondents. Price is the biggest one, but people also worry about choosing the right clinic, side effects, and whether results will look natural. If you're an expat considering treatment, it's smart to add in another layer of due diligence, such as checking for English-speaking staff, confirming aftercare policies, and making sure pricing is transparent before committing.

The bigger picture for expats

What stands out in the LOCARI survey is how routine cosmetic medicine has become for many people here. For expats, that has two sides: it may feel easier to try something new here than back home, but it also means you'll want to think about where it fits in your personal budget and comfort zone. 

Have you tried any cosmetic procedures here? If so, how do you find the quality of service and the cost compared to your home country?

Info source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000069.000019904.html