Baim Wong, the Indonesian actor and content creator, has clarified that a recent trip to South Korea wasn’t for cosmetic surgery, but for stem cell treatment. The clarification comes after speculation arose following Wong’s social media posts showing him at a clinic in Korea, leading to rumors of a nose job.
“Stem cell, Bro. Bukan itu (oplas),” Wong stated, as reported by detikHOT, using the Indonesian slang for “not plastic surgery.” He emphasized that this was his first time undergoing the treatment, and that it was specifically designed to avoid altering the shape of his nose.
The actor, formerly married to Paula Verhoeven, explained that the stem cell procedure involves extracting cells from bone marrow. “It’s from bone marrow… there are three types, from bone marrow, and others… the best is from bone marrow. So, finally, I… it was quite expensive,” he said, acknowledging the significant cost of the treatment. He noted that the full effects of the stem cell therapy won’t be visible for approximately two months.
Wong also revealed that doctors had previously suggested a corrective procedure for a prior nasal injury, but he opted against it. “I was told to get this done (the tip of my nose raised), actually it was a bit broken before. But the doctor suggested fixing it, but I didn’t want to,” he explained.
The decision to pursue stem cell treatment in Korea was based on recommendations, with Wong stating, “If there was a good option here, I would have gone here.”
Stem cell treatments are gaining traction in the beauty and wellness industries, as highlighted by Kapanlagi.com. These treatments are utilized to stimulate skin regeneration, improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, enhance skin elasticity, brighten skin tone, and address issues like acne scars and large pores. The treatment Wong received appears to fall within this broader trend of utilizing regenerative medicine for aesthetic purposes.
While Wong’s case specifically addresses concerns about facial structure, stem cell therapy is also being explored in other medical fields. Research published in Biology, Volume 12, Issue 8, demonstrates the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cell therapy, including applications in reconstructive surgeries. A separate publication in the Journal of Urologic Oncology (July 2025) references advancing cancer stem cell-targeted therapeutic applications.
The actor’s openness about his treatment is notable, given the often-private nature of cosmetic procedures and the potential stigma surrounding them. By publicly attributing his recent appearance to stem cell therapy rather than surgery, Wong appears to be proactively managing public perception and addressing the rumors directly. Reports from Kompas.com and InsertLive further confirm Wong’s denial of undergoing plastic surgery.
The incident highlights a growing interest in non-surgical cosmetic enhancements and the increasing accessibility of treatments like stem cell therapy. It also underscores the continued public fascination with celebrity appearances and the scrutiny faced by public figures regarding their choices about physical presentation. Wong’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and the potential for misinformation to spread quickly through social media and entertainment news outlets.
As of , Wong maintains that the stem cell treatment is a preventative measure and not a response to any specific aesthetic concern. The long-term effects of the treatment remain to be seen, but Wong’s willingness to share his experience offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of cosmetic procedures and the growing appeal of regenerative medicine.
