A year ago, J, a 32-year-old financial professional, visited The Sloane Clinic for a consultation. The clinic is known for offering a range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including nose jobs and tummy tucks. But she wasn't there for herself. It was for her husband.
Ned* is in his late 30s and he was finding it extremely hard to lose some excess fat around his midsection through exercise," she explains. "We both decided that liposuction was the only effective way, so we went to consult the doctor together."
After that, Ned got fat from his tummy and love handles removed via liposuction and ended up with a trimmer core. "He definitely looks much better now, even when he dresses simply in T-shirt and jeans," says a happy J, who confirms that both she and Ned are "very pleased" with his new hot bod.
So impressed was J by her hubby's transformation, that she was prompted to get some "work" done to improve her own looks. She and her husband are both active, outdoorsy sorts who enjoy going for beach holidays. "Naturally, I wanted to look as good as him when we're in our bathing suits."
So, with Ned's blessings, she went for a boob job two months later to get a fuller chest. She's not at all fazed by being one half of a "plastic couple". She believes that it's important for both men and women to look presentable, never mind that they are far from au naturel. "When you look good, it brings out your confidence and you emit a positive energy. This has a good impact on your work and social life," she reasons.
It certainly has had a positive effect on her marriage. More than a year on, the couple are still enjoying each other's "new look" and J claims it's even helped put some sizzle into their relationship. "We definitely enjoy our beach holidays a lot more now," she says.
"Honestly, I think I would have been jealous of Ned if I hadn't gone for a procedure myself. Now, we just enjoy looking at each other!"
The "Ken Doll" phenomenon
These days, don't bat an eyelid if your man 'fesses up to some nip and tuck. Like Ned, more Singapore men are opting for cosmetic surgery in their quest for physical perfection.
"It was like when male skincare first came out," explains Marcus*, 35, a media and advertising consultant who has been treating lines on his face with Botox for eight years. "Now it is only a matter of time before men everywhere start getting aesthetic enhancements.
"I do Botox and filler treatments every year or whenever "touch-ups" are required."
"To me, it's as normal as getting a haircut."
Read the full story here or click on to see more of "Ken Doll" himself.
Photos: Internet