Author(s):
Meredith Jones, University of Technology, Sydney* - University of Technology, Sydney
Abstract:
Cosmetic surgery is rising in developing and overdeveloped countries and has become a notable part of mainstream culture. In neoliberal 'makeover' environments it is linked to fashion, body-maintenance, and psychological wellbeing and is a purchase undertaken to demonstrate belonging and status. In the last decade it has become globalised and somewhat borderless, with surgeons training and working in multiple countries, patients travelling to undertake operations, diasporic health care communities establishing, and associated tourism industries flourishing. Much of the industry relies on websites and social networking sites.
This paper describes and explores some recent trends in cosmetic surgery tourism, including group tours and the rise of 'ritual' cosmetic surgery for young women. The work has been conducted as part of an ongoing ESRC-funded project, 'Sun, Sea, Sand and Silicone: Aesthetic Surgery Tourism' with Ruth Holliday, David Bell, Elspeth Probyn and Jacqueline Sanchez-Taylor.
