In a startling narrative, Zhou Chuna, an 18-year-old from Zhejiang province in eastern China, has undergone a staggering 10 eyelid surgeries, numerous bone shavings, and over 100 medical procedures, amassing a cost exceeding Rs 4.6 crore. The impetus behind this extensive cosmetic journey was Zhou’s aspiration to mirror the beauty of her idol, Chinese actress Esther Yu.
Zhou’s struggle with self-image began at the age of 13, precipitating a fixation on plastic surgery. The seeds of her insecurities were sown during her school years, where she grappled with anxiety and depression fueled by societal comparisons, especially with her attractive mother. While attending an international school in Shanghai, Zhou felt a heightened sense of inferiority and jealousy, perceiving her classmates as more attractive and self-assured.
The journey into plastic surgery commenced at the age of 13 with a double eyelid procedure permitted by her mother. However, what began as a single surgery morphed into an obsession, prompting Zhou to leave school for a series of medical interventions, including rhinoplasty and bone shaving. Despite warnings from medical professionals, Zhou persisted, undergoing multiple eye-widening surgeries, including an excruciating 10-hour bone shaving procedure that confined her to bed for 15 days, surviving solely on fluids.
The toll on Zhou’s appearance and relationships was significant, with old friends struggling to recognize her. Remarkably, Zhou contends that these surgeries bolstered her confidence, despite her mother withdrawing support and her father expressing disapproval.
In a recent development, Zhou has declared an end to her extensive surgical endeavors. However, social media commentary on her journey suggests that what Zhou truly needs is to foster self-love, transcending the allure of a plastic facade.
