The Rise of a Beauty Obsession

In the heart of Beijing, Abby Wu's journey into the world of cosmetic surgery began when she was just 14. After a health issue led to a rapid weight gain, Abby faced harsh criticism from her drama teacher, who bluntly told her she needed to lose weight. This pivotal moment pushed her mother to arrange a liposuction procedure, marking the start of Abby's descent into an obsession that would lead her to undergo over 100 surgeries, costing upwards of $500,000.

Transformations at a Cost

Now at 35, Abby is a well-known face in China's booming beauty industry, co-owning a popular clinic. However, the frequent surgeries have taken a toll on her body. As she sits in her chic duplex, she applies concealer to cover bruises from her latest face-slimming injection, a monthly ritual following jaw reduction surgeries that went too far. Despite the pain and physical consequences, Abby expresses no regret, believing fully in her mother’s decision to help her regain confidence.

Changing Beauty Standards

Cosmetic surgery in China has exploded in acceptance over the past two decades, with rising incomes and the influence of social media shifting beauty ideals. Each year, around 20 million people undergo cosmetic procedures, predominantly young women in their twenties seeking the latest trends in beauty—such as Western facial features and K-Pop aesthetics.

While traditional standards of beauty in China have evolved, some procedures now aim for an unsettlingly youthful look, including 'baby face' enhancements designed to give an innocent appearance. Many of these surgeries seem perfect within the glamorous realm of social media but can result in a disconcerting reality.

The Digital Influence on Surgery Decisions

Apps like SoYoung and GengMei have emerged as powerful influencers, helping users diagnose their 'imperfections' through facial scans and recommending surgeries. Abby herself has used these apps, humorously pointing out their absurd suggestions despite her extensive surgical history. The social media aspect encourages users to share their transformational journeys, often fostering unrealistic expectations.

The Dangerous Underbelly of Beauty Clinics

However, the rapid expansion of cosmetic surgery clinics has led to a troubling situation—many operate without the necessary credentials, putting countless lives at risk. Reports have surfaced of clinics without licenses delivering grave results. Patients like Yue Yue, who sought fillers from an unlicensed establishment, suffered irreversible damage after receiving botched treatments in what should have been licensed clinics.

Amid these hazards, notable figures, like actress Gao Liu, have also fallen victim to insufficiently trained surgeons, suffering life-altering consequences that blemish their careers. Regulators are scrambling to impose stricter guidelines, but the persistence of these clinics proves it's a battle still being fought.

Exploiting Vulnerability in the Job Market

The pressure to conform to beauty standards is affecting the job market too. Job listings often specify physical prerequisites, pushing women into a cycle of debt when clinics lure them with job offers contingent upon undergoing surgery. Da Lan faced such a situation where she was coerced into taking a debilitating loan for surgery under false pretenses of employment.

A Never-Ending Journey of Transformation

Despite the dangers, the quest for beauty shows no signs of abating. In a café, Abby and her friends discuss cosmetic procedures as casually as choosing a new outfit. With no end in sight for her surgeries, Abby metaphorically describes the limitations of her body after numerous operations—highlighting the unrealistic expectations pressed upon women navigating this beauty-obsessed culture.

For Abby, the journey to beauty seems endless, and she insists, "I don't think I'll ever stop becoming more beautiful." In a nation where looks equate to success, it raises the question: How far will individuals go in the pursuit of perfection?