Refashioning Race by Alka V. Menon

Can a plastic surgeon predict cosmetic changes a patient will request based on their demographics? “In “Refashioning Race: How Global Cosmetic Surgery Crafts New Beauty Standards”, Dr. Alka V. Menon demonstrates they can, taking readers into the intricate interplay of race, beauty, and cosmetic surgery, shares guest reviewer @nehaxstitch.

Inspired by a New York Times article that explores ethnic disparities in plastic surgery, Dr. Menon challenges sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of racial equity projects: beauty standards. She contends that cosmetic surgery serves as a powerful force in reshaping racial identity, challenging readers to reconsider who truly shapes the construct of race.

Dr. Menon characterizes the role of plastic surgeons as gatekeepers of “natural” appearances. One engrossing segment illustrates the negotiation process between surgeons and patients where images of public figures are used to define "desirable" traits, a practice that can resonate with anyone who has compared themselves to others. The book looks at cosmetic surgery practices in the United States and Malaysia, two culturally diverse nations but where this industry is increasingly popular. Dr. Menon's work provides a niche perspective on global beauty ideals, comparing and contrasting the racial expectations and beauty standards in two very different societies, showing that surgeons may inadvertently adhere to racial stereotypes to fulfill patients' desires for undetectable enhancements.

Rather than a broad commentary on cosmetic surgery alone, “Refashioning Race” makes a crucial observation that beauty is often dismissed as "frivolous" and "insignificant," compelling not only clinicians, but academics interested in race theory, as well as non-academics, to reevaluate their preconceived beliefs.

See review on BrownGirlBookshelf here