Self-administered cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery financed by loans, and men undergoing multiple cosmetic surgeries—don't assume these are uniquely Chinese phenomena. They exist abroad as well, sometimes even more prevalent. Today, we'll take a look at some seemingly "absurd" cosmetic surgery trends overseas.
"Absurd" Plastic Surgery Case #1: Americans Also Love DIY Micro-Plastic Surgery During Economic Downturns
Late last year, news of "two women in Chengdu contracting infections after self-injecting hyaluronic acid purchased online" drew widespread attention. Many assumed this was a uniquely Chinese phenomenon stemming from lax regulatory oversight.In fact, this assumption is mistaken. Even in the United States, touted as having the world's strictest drug regulations, recent years have seen cases of online sales of cosmetic injections leading to disfiguring accidents.
Media reports indicate that amid the current economic downturn in the U.S., many Americans hope to enhance their appearance through cosmetic surgery to secure better jobs. However, high surgical costs and a proposed 5% cosmetic tax on beauty seekers have deterred many.Some entrepreneurs have spotted a business opportunity, launching online stores selling injectable cosmetic products and providing video tutorials for self-administration.
Yet whether in China or the U.S., the outcomes of purchasing cosmetic products online for self-injection rarely turn out well.Nurse Alex never imagined "disaster" when she purchased anti-wrinkle injections from a website called "DiscountMedSpa.com" several months ago. In her early 40s, she wanted to look better while spending less. After carefully studying the instructional videos and "user" comments on the site, Alex believed she could handle it, as her nursing background made her confident in her injection skills.
Side effects from self-administered wrinkle-filler injections (left) and chemical peels (right)
But after injecting her own face with the wrinkle filler, Alex was horrified by her appearance the next morning. Numerous pimples and lumps had erupted beneath her eyes, and a pus-filled cyst appeared on her cheek.In desperation, she finally sought help from Dr. Jeromy Podoskin, who fortunately prevented the worst outcome.
It was later confirmed that the injections Alex purchased from DiscountMedSpa.com were labeled "Vitalift," but this product was not listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug registry.Editor's Note: While injectable cosmetic procedures may seem as simple as getting a shot, the specialized nature of these agents—some highly toxic, others requiring local anesthesia or specific injection techniques—demands practitioners undergo rigorous, in-depth training and possess extensive experience. Ordinary individuals or non-professionals clearly lack this capability, and unauthorized procedures inevitably lead to severe consequences."Absurd" Cosmetic Procedures Part 2: Can't Afford Plastic Surgery? UK Launches Payday Loans for Cosmetic Procedures
While domestic cosmetic hospitals partnering with banks to offer cosmetic surgery loans once caused a stir, similar services are now available through lending institutions in the UK.
Reports indicate that "payday loan" agencies provide financing for various cosmetic procedures, including facelifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, gastric banding, and lip augmentation.Loan amounts range from £100 to £1,000 (approximately $157.7 to $1,577). Cheapfastloans.co.uk, a "cheap and fast loans" website, is one such lender offering cosmetic surgery loans up to £25,000 ($39,000) with repayment terms ranging from 1 to 25 years.
Typically, payday loans are short-term, with borrowers taking out funds for just weeks or even days, repaying the entire amount by their next payday. However, payday loan approval is remarkably straightforward. Many lenders don't check credit history or require collateral; approval is granted based solely on proof of employment and income.The convenience of the loan process, coupled with flashy advertising, tempts many people.
However, one fact cannot be ignored: payday loans carry extremely high interest rates. If borrowers fail to repay on time, they face substantial fees and interest charges, with some lenders charging annual interest rates as high as 4,200%. Consequently, this cosmetic surgery loan business has drawn considerable criticism.Editor's Note: Today, cosmetic surgery has become a popular way to enhance one's appearance. However, undergoing such procedures requires a solid financial foundation. If someone hasn't even secured basic necessities like clothing, food, shelter, and transportation, taking out a loan for cosmetic surgery could plunge them into even greater trouble.No wonder Dr. Rajiv Grover, President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, warns those seeking beauty enhancements: "If you need to take out a loan for cosmetic surgery, don't do it. Wait until you've saved enough money and your mental state is stable."
"Absurd" Plastic Surgery Story #3: Unemployed Man Who Underwent 4 Procedures in 6 Years Named "Britain's Most Vain Man"
Terence Hughes, the British vanity-obsessed man
While women undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures might be seen as understandable, the case of an unemployed British hairstylist who spent £50,000 on four plastic surgeries has left many baffled.
According to British media reports, 37-year-old Cardiff-based hairstylist Terence Hughes underwent four cosmetic procedures totaling £50,000 to achieve what he deemed a "perfectly handsome" appearance.spends two hours daily on makeup and grooming before leaving home. His proudest achievement is spending £50,000 on four cosmetic procedures: a facelift, nipple reduction, liposuction on his lips, and cheek fat grafting. Yet netizens who saw his photos mocked him, saying he "got uglier with each procedure."
Terence was teased as a child for his thick lips, leaving him deeply insecure about his appearance.Over the years, he has spent £40,000 on makeup and skincare products. Not only that, Terence frequently injects Botox or fillers into his face to eliminate wrinkles. He also applies self-tanning lotion and baby oil daily to maintain a healthy bronze complexion. Additionally, he sticks to a strict routine of 30 minutes of daily exercise and 30 minutes of Pilates, while completely avoiding junk food.
Recently, Terence was named "Britain's Most Vain Man" by UK media.
Editor's note: There's nothing wrong with men pursuing cosmetic enhancements, but one must avoid becoming obsessed like Terence. His story serves as a reminder to those seeking to boost their career prospects through plastic surgery: a handsome appearance is merely a stepping stone, while genuine talent and skills form the foundation for professional success.
"Absurd" Plastic Surgery Story 4: The Great Perks Showdown—A U.S. Company Offers Free Botox Injections
Nowadays, companies offering free meals, gym memberships, and various allowances to retain talent are no longer uncommon.Last August, CNBC ranked the 11 U.S. companies with the most generous employee benefits. Some allow remote work, others hire professional cleaners for employees' homes, and one even offers free Botox injections and flexible leave policies—envy of all office workers.
Employees at Chesapeake Energy, the second-largest natural gas company in the U.S., not only enjoy substantial salaries but also benefit from enviable perks.The company operates a nearly 7,000-square-meter fitness center equipped with luxury amenities like tanning beds and offers numerous complimentary fitness classes. Most notably, its on-site medical center provides not only free healthcare services but also fully covers the cost of Botox injections, allowing employees to maintain their appearance alongside their work commitments.
Editor's Note: Frankly, Chesapeake Energy's generous benefits are truly enviable. However, it's crucial to remain mindful that Botox injections are not suitable for everyone. They are contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with myasthenia gravis, or those suffering from severe heart, liver, kidney, or lung diseases, as well as connective tissue disorders.
Top 10 Crazy Plastic Surgeries: How Extreme Patients Rewrite Their Features
Earlier, Wang Rong's airport detention sparked widespread speculation. She later clarified that the incident stemmed from her altered appearance after surgery not matching her passport photo. While cosmetic procedures have become commonplace in modern times, some surgeries remain shockingly extreme.Below are the world's top ten shocking plastic surgeries revealed by netizens. Compared to these, Wang Rong's procedure seems like child's play.
American Woman Sets Guinness World Record with 52 Plastic Surgeries Over 25 Years