Chinese Plastic Surgeon remarks spark debate on double eyelid surgery
As China's Medical Doctor's Day approaches on August 17th, a free clinic event was held at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, where over 100 doctors from various departments provided consultations to the public. One of the participating doctors, Dr. Xu Ye from the hospital's plastic surgery department, attracted significant attention with his comments on beauty standards and plastic surgery.
18 August 2024
During the event, Dr. Xu emphasized the importance of recognizing what constitutes true beauty and what type of beauty is suitable for each individual. He cautioned against blindly following Western beauty standards, saying, "As a plastic surgeon, I must 'stabilize' everyone's anxiety about appearance, letting them understand what is beautiful, what is suitable for them, and what is harmonious beauty, rather than trying to put European eyes on an Asian face." Dr. Xu's remarks sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many netizens sharing their thoughts on the topic.
On Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, users reacted strongly to Dr. Xu's comments. One user, @健次的可耐小宝贝, shared a video expressing agreement with Dr. Xu's views, saying, "Beauty is in the heart, but don't overdo it. Plastic surgery carries risks too." Another user, @玲儿, shared a video saying, "It's great to appreciate beauty, but let's not forget to find peace and calm in our busy lives. Nature has its own beauty that can soothe our souls."
However, not all comments were supportive of Dr. Xu's views. Some users criticized his statements as being old-fashioned and too conservative. One user, @风韵不减当年, commented, "What's wrong with putting European eyes on an Asian face? Beauty is subjective, and it's up to each individual to decide what they want to do with their body."
Others praised Dr. Xu's expertise and good looks, with @00000000 commenting, "Dr. Xu is still as handsome as ever!" The comment sparked a flurry of responses, with some users accusing the commenter of being shallow and focusing too much on Dr. Xu's appearance rather than the content of his message.
Despite the controversy, Dr. Xu's comments have sparked a necessary conversation about beauty standards in China, where the pressure to conform to certain beauty ideals can be intense. With the rise of social media, the influence of Western beauty standards has become increasingly prominent, leading some individuals to undergo plastic surgery to achieve a more "European" look.
Dr. Xu's emphasis on individuality and self-acceptance is a welcome message in a society where the pursuit of beauty can often be all-consuming. As one Weibo user, @停在第三页, commented, "It's time for us to redefine what beauty means and appreciate our own unique characteristics rather than trying to fit someone else's mold."
The debate surrounding Dr. Xu's comments highlights the complexities of beauty standards in China, where cultural, social, and economic factors intersect. As the country continues to grapple with these issues, it is clear that a more nuanced and inclusive conversation about beauty is long overdue.
In the meantime, Dr. Xu's message serves as a timely reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. As he so aptly put it, "Beauty can bring joy, but it can also bring harm. Let's focus on finding our own unique beauty and appreciating it, rather than trying to conform to someone else's standards."
