Three (3) Booklets Advertising Plastic Surgery and Facial Rejuvenation to 1930s Women

Chicago, Illinois: American Facial Rejuvenation Institute, 1932. Very good. Toned.. A grouping of three (3) items advertising plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation by the American Facial Rejuvenation Institute in Chicago between 1931 and 1932. Each of the items is marketed to women and preys upon their insecurities and hopes, emphasizing the ubiquity of "rejuvenation" in Hollywood and the necessity of resisting the natural aging process. Contains questionable claims, such as the claim that plastic surgery is "painless", and that women over the age of 25 have "slim chance" in the business world without such procedures. A nice (?) example of body shaming (truncated) in the United States and its close tie to Hollywood and the media. The items include:

"When youthful lines begin to vanish there's work to be done!" Chicago: American Facial Rejuvenation Institute, 1931. Printed bifolium (6.25" by 3.5"), illustrated. Advertises skin care treatments, facials, and nose jobs, glamorizing beautification to young women and girls who aspire to be movie stars: "No movie girl can last who has skin all spotted with blackheads or coarse pores or 'shopworn' and certainly if a young star, with all her fame and glamour, can't get away with such carelessness" (p. [2]). Also states that "Fair skin is beauty" (also p. [2]).

O'Neil, Emma. "My Experience with Plastic Surgery". Chicago: American Facial Rejuvenation Institute, 1932. 12mo (6.5" by 3.25"), pp. 12, wrappers inclusive, stapled, photo illustrated. An account of Vaudeville star Emma O'Neil's personal experience with "facial rejuvenation" and receiving a surgical nose job, which she claims was completely painless. Includes a section titled "Men Do It, Too!" and a long list of "Defects Corrected" by the Institute including everything from frown lines to "Pug Nose", "Flabbiness", and "Drooping Jowls".

"Your Face Value: A Complete Manual on Rejuvenation of Face and Neck and Plastic Featural Correction". Chicago: American Facial Rejuvenation Institute, 1932. 12mo (6.25" by 3.5"), pp. 20, wrappers inclusive, stapled, photo illustrated. A detailed advertising booklet for plastic surgery, urging women, "Don't Be a Wall Flower" (p. 7), and reproducing an article from the Chicago Daily News with the title "Woman Over 25 Has Slim Chance" (p. 6). Includes lists of procedures, before and after photos, and a lengthy list of "Famous Stars of Stage and Screen Who Have Used Facial Remodeling" (p. 16). (Inventory #: 22003992)