Refashioning Race: How Global Cosmetic Surgery Crafts New Beauty Standards

Cosmetic surgery has evolved to accommodate a wide range of beauty standards, influenced by changing trends and globalized clinical and economic exchanges. Alka V. Menon's book "Refashioning Race" explores how surgeons generate and apply knowledge using racial categories, reshaping race on patients' bodies and in culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Cosmetic surgery, once associated with a one-size-fits-all approach, aimed at modifying patients to conform to a singular standard of beauty. However, as this surgery has gained widespread accessibility across the globe, evolving beauty trends have resulted in the proliferation of diverse beauty standards for individuals belonging to different racial groups. In her exploration of the world of cosmetic surgeons, Alka V. Menon delves into the intricate dynamics of how surgeons generate and apply knowledge, particularly in the context of racial categories. She highlights how transnational clinical and economic exchanges influence this process. Surgeons not only measure and organize physical characteristics but also delve into the intricate nuances of racial differences within a globalized field of medicine.

Refashioning Race takes a compelling stance, arguing that cosmetic surgeons play a pivotal role as gatekeepers and producers of desired appearances. Through their work, they literally reshape race, both on the bodies of patients and on a broader cultural level. The book explores the ways in which cosmetic surgery intersects with issues of identity, representation, and power, raising important questions about the societal implications of altering one's physical appearance.

One of the key themes explored in Refashioning Race is the impact of globalization on the field of cosmetic surgery. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, surgeons are exposed to a diverse range of cultural perspectives and beauty standards. This exposure leads to the development of new techniques and procedures that cater to the unique needs and desires of patients from different racial backgrounds. However, this expansion of cosmetic surgery also raises concerns about the perpetuation of stereotypes and the reinforcement of harmful beauty norms.

The book also sheds light on the role of cosmetic surgeons as cultural brokers. By shaping the way individuals perceive their own racial identities, cosmetic surgeons can influence the broader cultural narrative surrounding race. Through their work, they can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and challenge the notion that physical appearance determines one's worth. However, the power of cosmetic surgeons to shape cultural perceptions can also be wielded inappropriately, leading to the perpetuation of harmful biases and discrimination.

Another important aspect of Refashioning Race is the ethical considerations surrounding cosmetic surgery. As with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with cosmetic surgery. However, individuals from marginalized racial groups may face unique challenges when seeking cosmetic procedures, including discrimination, lack of access to quality healthcare, and a lack of representation in the media. Cosmetic surgeons must navigate these ethical challenges to ensure that their patients receive safe and effective care, regardless of their racial background.

In conclusion, Refashioning Race is a thought-provoking and timely book that offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of cosmetic surgery in reshaping race. Through her insightful analysis, Alka V. Menon sheds light on the complex interplay between beauty standards, racial categories, and the globalized field of medicine. The book challenges readers to consider the societal implications of cosmetic surgery and encourages us to think critically about the ways in which our perceptions of race are shaped by the media, advertising, and popular culture. By raising awareness about these issues, Refashioning Race contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals from all racial backgrounds can feel valued and respected for their unique physical characteristics.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520386723