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The secret in their eyes: in Kyrgyzstan, plastic surgery is booming thanks to Instagram

In this Central Asian state, urban and social media-savvy women are increasingly turning to eye surgery for self-confidence.

The secret in their eyes: in Kyrgyzstan, plastic surgery is booming thanks to Instagram
Madina and Dr Shamil Salpagarov prepare for the surgery | Image: Clara Marchaud
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Like other Kyrgyz women, Madina* has often dreamed of having deep-set eyes. After a few months pondering, the 57-year-old decided to fulfill her dream and signed up for a “blepharoplasty” procedure, or double eyelid surgery.

“I have been embarrassed about my eyes my whole life. Because of them, I don’t feel confident talking to people,” she told openDemocracy a few minutes before the procedure.

Madina hopes that, after 90 minutes under the knife, her eyes will look more “European” and “expressive”, boosting her self-confidence.