logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
15m 17s

Beauty standards: How far will people go...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Botox, tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts. You may have seen the posts - and adverts - on your socials.

Cosmetic surgery is on the rise globally. Last year there were 33.8 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures done worldwide. That’s according to a recent report from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

We chat to Giulia Granchi, our reporter from Brazil, and Hyunjung Kim, in South Korea to find out which procedures are popular where they live. We also hear from Los Angeles-based writer Iris Kim and learn about her complicated relationship to double eyelid surgery.

And we check in with Dr Anthony Youn (@doctoryuon on Tik Tok) to ask him about how social media and celeb culture is changing what people ask to get done.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Up next
Today
Kenya’s Gen Z protests and claims of police brutality
Tension is rising in Kenya after a new wave of anti-government protests against alleged government corruption and police brutality. Dozens have been killed and many have condemned the words of President William Ruto, who’s said that protesters targeting businesses should be shot ... Show More
10m 35s
Yesterday
Why water pistols are being used to fight overtourism
Water pistols have become a symbol of resistance against overtourism in several cities around the world. This summer local residents in Barcelona, Spain, have been using them again to show their frustration at how mass tourism is impacting their city; from housing to overcrowding ... Show More
12m 25s
Jul 9
Rare earths - The most important minerals you probably haven’t heard of
Rare earth minerals are vital to modern human life - but you probably haven’t heard of them. They’re in our phones, computers and cars. These minerals aren’t actually that rare, but they’re difficult to extract - and this process can be pretty damaging to the environment. Mining ... Show More
11m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2021
Social influencers and the perfect body
In the age of social media and the selfie, the perfect look is everything. That's what online influencers tell their followers. Some are also happy to provide a 'how-to’ guide to obtaining the perfect body through cosmetic surgery. Often though, they are cashing in – taking payme ... Show More
26m 28s
Feb 2023
Génération bistouri : enquête sur ces 18-34 ans accros à la chirurgie
De jeunes adultes accros aux injections d’acide hyaluronique dans le visage, au botox «préventif», ou encore aux greffes capillaires. Ils sont de plus en plus nombreux à vouloir s’approcher des visages et des corps promus sur Instagram et par des stars de la téléréalité comme Kim ... Show More
23m 27s
Apr 2020
51: Dr. Miguel Mascaró - Plastic Surgery in the Age of Social Media
I talk to plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Mascaró, MD, about how plastic surgery has changed in the era of social media; the most effective procedures for maximum results; non-surgical solutions for younger patients; trends that need to go away; and how those cat eye surgeries actuall ... Show More
1h 3m
Sep 2023
Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Botox, Filler, and Celebrity Beauty Treatments with Anush Movsesian
Anush Movsesian (also known as the ionic @skinsandneeds_ on Instagram) is an LA-based Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner who combines the science of medicine with the art of aesthetics. She’s deemed a go-to in the beauty industry, thanks to her expertise in botox, injectables, lasers, m ... Show More
58m 52s
Dec 2018
International Cosmetic Medicine Trends and What’s In Our Future with Wendy Lewis - Holistic Plastic Surgery Show #115
Do you wonder what new cosmetic and anti-aging options we could have in the near future? Here in the United States, we are often the last people to gain access to new cosmetic treatments.  It’s not uncommon for doctors and patients in Europe, Asia, and South America to have the l ... Show More
36m 24s
Jan 2024
[REDIFF] Génération bistouri : enquête sur ces 18-34 ans accros à la chirurgie
Épisode diffusé pour la première fois le 16 février 2023. De jeunes adultes accros aux injections d’acide hyaluronique dans le visage, au botox « préventif », ou encore aux greffes capillaires. Ils sont de plus en plus nombreux à vouloir s’approcher des visages et des corps promu ... Show More
23m 45s
Aug 2022
Hands-Off Health Tech
We look at two new pieces of health technology which allow medics to treat people without touching them. Breast cancer fatality rates in India are higher than in other countries because women are often reluctant to go for screening. A start up called Niramai wants to change this. ... Show More
24m 21s
Oct 2021
Brazilian Butt Lifts: What To Know
The Brazilian butt lift is the fastest growing plastic surgery, but also the most dangerous. In this eye opening RTT, Jada, Willow and Gammy explore the dangers of the BBL with a top plastic surgeon who reveals why he refuses to do them. Then, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Vis ... Show More
32m 19s
Jan 2024
Plastic Surgery: Your Questions Answered w/ Dr. Anthony Youn
Ep. #61 Breast implant illness, BBL’s & more. Our conversation with America's holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn takes us behind the scenes of his transformative journey, where the commitment to his team and the desire to spread light in dark times led to an explosion of f ... Show More
1h 15m
Mar 2022
142. Plastic Surgeon Reveals The Celebrity Secrets To Staying Young
In this episode, Mikhaila hosts Dr. Andrew Jacono, a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, author, and creator of MADE, a minimally invasive hybrid facelift—the secret behind celebrities’ inability to age.    He joined me to discuss everything around plastic surgery, including w ... Show More
55m 57s