Korean and Japanese cosmetics are becoming more widespread (just check out Sephora!) and especially in California we have a significant Asian, and Asian-American population. Beauty trends are becoming global, and that includes plastic surgery and the ideals patients seek. Here is a great interview with the current president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (the official group of plastic surgeons trained in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures all over the body) about plastic surgery prevalence and trends in Asia.
Changing faces – Dr. David Song
I agree with him especially on these points:
So many are looking to create a crease in the upper eyelid, creating a crease in the upper eyelid to give the appearance of a softer look. In the past it’s been confused with Asians trying to look Occidental or Caucasian and, quite frankly, is not that at all. Many Asians do not want to look Caucasian; they want to look more like their Asian counterparts. The standard of beauty has become softer features with a crease in the upper eyelid. I think that has been the biggest misconception and I hope you can emphasize that. It’s not Asians trying to look Caucasian; it’s Asians trying to look more like what’s celebrated in Asia.
Do you have any advice; physical, mental or otherwise, for someone who is considering one of these procedures?
I think the advice that I would give is to seek someone that’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Do your homework. Make sure to build a rapport with your surgeon and ensure that your surgeon knows what your motivations are, what your expectations are, and what the potential risks and complications can be. I think that’s the most important thing. People spend more time researching their hair salon than their plastic surgeon unfortunately and that has to change. This is real surgery with real potential complications, it’s a serious endeavor and they should do their homework.