The Ethnic Side of Cosmetic Surgery

Article by Dr. Jan Zemplenyi

When it comes to a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures, the demand for surgical enhancement has exploded around the world. Now, it should come to no surprise that cosmetic surgery is performed much differently in Korea as it is in Los Angeles. However, one of the biggest surprises comes that all cosmetic surgery is considered ethnic.

A Caucasian Take

Consider this, there is nothing universal about the unmarked cosmetic surgery procedures in the county. Now, breast implants are obviously gendered but they are racialized – white – and classed for the higher-income status. So, why is it that white women are looking to make their breast larger in size and stature? Well, to be honest, the answer is much more complicated than you might think. The desire to achieve bigger breasts is indirectly related to changing fashion trends.

The second most popular surgery in this country is rhinoplasty, or nose jobs. The racialization of nose jobs is pretty apparent. Cosmetic surgery actually began by fixing the noses of Irish and Jewish men and women. Again, white women tend to try and recreate a nose that’s almost too small to fit a normal face. Not only are most consumers of cosmetic surgery white and female, but they tend to be middle-aged as well. The obsession with looking younger could be due to the fact that they want to be desirable while still looking both innocent and pure.

The Bottom Line

Cosmetic surgery has exploded into a worldwide trend. In many cases, people view these procedures as a standard to follow. It doesn’t matter if you’re Caucasian, Dominican or Japanese American, when you go under the knife you’re making the decision to follow societal patterns, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, there should be some consideration involved.

Blog written by Dr. Jan Zemplenyi. Read Jan Zemplenyi reviews from real customers to see what makes Dr. Jan Zemplenyi a top cosmetic surgeon.