Plastic fantasies
Source:Global Times Published: 2014-5-22 20:28:01
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A woman undergoes "double eyelid" surgery. Photo: Feng Haiyong/Tencent
Whether it is to become more competitive in a crowded job market, or simply because they wish to change their appearance, more and more people are deciding not to merely accept what their parents have granted them, and instead allow a scalpel to cut through their skin and undergo the bloodshed in order to end the torment of longing for a brighter appearance.
For them, the psychological torment surpasses the suffering of the flesh.
Ancient Chinese philosophies argue that one is obliged to maintain a full, healthy body as granted by one's parents, but many people in modern society are ignoring this.
Some resort to plastic surgery to fix scars or other physical problems, while others are simply keen to become more beautiful even though they are perfectly healthy.
The most common choices tend to be the "double-eyelid" operation which is popular through much of Asia, as well as cosmetic surgery to the nose and breasts, which are common choices in the West as well.
Certain professions like models and people in the entertainment industry are much more likely to get plastic surgery.
China is now the third largest market for plastic surgery after the US and Brazil. The industry hires more than 20 million people, as the market volume exceeded 30 billion yuan ($4.81 billion) in 2010 and has been increasing with an annual rate of 40 percent.
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Zhao Xiaobing, 20, has her chin measured by doctors before undergoing a plastic surgery. Photo: Feng Haiyong/Tencent
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Tingting feels pain after breast enhancement surgery. Photo: Feng Haiyong/Tencent
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Tingting looks in the mirror after a chin operation, following breast enhancement surgery. Photo: Feng Haiyong/Tencent
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Amei relaxes after a chin operation. Photo: Feng Haiyong/Tencent
