Creator Drama
Dr. Youn Criticizes Viral 'Anime Eye' Trend on TikTok
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By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events, drawn from 1 source.
“No thanks, I’ll keep my regular, human eyes.”
via dailydot.com
Background
The 'anime eye' trend involves plastic surgery to enlarge and round a person's eyes, mimicking the appearance of anime characters. This trend has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, with creators sharing glimpses of the surgical process and before-and-after results.
The trend has also sparked broader discussions about unrealistic beauty standards, particularly those perpetuated in anime. Some Reddit users have expressed that these standards have deterred them from watching anime altogether, citing examples from popular series.
The timeline
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Dr. Youn Criticizes 'Anime Eye' Trend on TikTok
Plastic surgeon Dr. Youn posted a TikTok video criticizing the viral 'anime eye' beauty trend, detailing the reported dangers of the surgery which aims to make eyes appear larger and rounder. He noted alleged complications such as "overdone" results, dry eyes, potential corneal damage, and even permanent blindness, urging surgeons performing such procedures to be ashamed.[297]
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Internet Reacts to 'Anime Eye' Trend Criticism
Following Dr. Youn's TikTok, the video reportedly garnered over 10,000 views, with many users appearing to agree with his concerns. Internet commenters described the trend as "insane" and compared the results to a "permanent surprised Pikachu face," expressing a preference for natural human eyes.[297]
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Reddit Discussion on Anime Beauty Standards
A Reddit post on the 'trueuglywomen' subreddit reportedly discussed the "insane standards for women's bodies shape" in anime, with one user expressing frustration after watching 'Classroom of the Elite'. This discussion appears to have highlighted broader controversies surrounding unrealistic beauty standards originating from anime.[297]
Frequently asked
What is the 'anime eye' trend?
The 'anime eye' trend involves undergoing plastic surgery to make one's eyes appear larger and rounder, similar to the characteristic eyes of anime characters. This often involves procedures that create a 'Scleral Show,' where the white of the eye below the iris becomes visible.
What are the risks associated with the 'anime eye' surgery?
According to Dr. Youn, potential risks include severe dry eyes, irreparable damage to the cornea, vision problems, and in some cases, permanent blindness. He also noted that some surgical outcomes appeared "overdone."
What is 'Scleral Show'?
'Scleral Show' is a phenomenon where the white part of the eye below the iris is visible, contributing to the enlarged, round-eyed appearance associated with the anime eye trend. It can lead to complications if not performed correctly.
How has the internet reacted to Dr. Youn's criticism?
Many internet users have sided with Dr. Youn, agreeing that the trend is extreme and potentially dangerous. Some have humorously compared the results to a "permanent surprised Pikachu face" and expressed a desire to keep their natural eyes.
Related drama
Sources
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 1 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Dr. Youn Criticizes Viral 'Anime Eye' Trend on TikTok.”
GenZHype, 5 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/dr-youn-criticizes-viral-anime-eye-trend-on-tiktok/.