In a surprising report by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2009  China ranked #3 behind the U.S. and Brazil in the number of plastic surgeries. In just a decade, cosmetics and plastic surgery has become the 4th most popular way to spend discretionary income after housing, cars, and travel.

Still surprised? There’s more…

According to Mr.Zhao Zhenmin, China’s secretary general of the government-run Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics, the most requested surgery is…the DOUBLE EYELID. Non-Asians who have the second crease in their eyelid often take it for granted but for Asians such as the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese,  double eyelids are highly coveted since it gives them the appearance of “bigger” eyes and it allows their eye makeup to “show more”.

The 2nd most popular operation is a nose job – specifically raising the bridge of the nose to make it more prominent (which oddly enough is the complete opposite here in the U.S.). Third is the re-shaping of the jaw to make it narrower and longer.

But getting this ideal Chinese beauty isn’t a pretty task (pun intended).

Mr. Ma, the vice health minister of China, said the plastic and cosmetics industry in China is a “medical disaster zone” with no national standards, employees lacking professional credentials, and subpar equipment and materials.

For example, many beauty salons that offers the typical manicures, pedicures, and facials also offer double eyelid surgeries and Botox injections for as little as US$180.

Really makes you wonder what women will do for their ideal physical perfection…

[easy_sign_up title="Like This? Then stay connected by Signing Up for our Beauty Essential Alerts"]