A new trend is hitting Cinniapolis operating rooms all in the name of mental health. Recently, surgeons have seen an uptick in transracial surgeries. For the uninitiated, transracial people identify as different races than their biological race. A growing facet of this movement is undergoing cosmetic procedures to adjust one’s appearance to more closely resemble the race with which one identifies. The reasoning is attributed to a mental health crisis within the transracial community. Transracial people can experience unhappiness with their appearances. Controversial procedures such as skin lightening or darkening, cosmetic facial surgeries, hair transplants, or even height reduction, have become increasing requests to local cosmetic surgeons. Some are happy to provide an assessment, others are quick to dismiss these requests.

Dr. Sherman Fielgüt is one such surgeon who embraces his patients desires to improve themselves through medicine. “We often think of medicine as a pill or potion ingested to cure a physical ailment. As times have changed, I believe the definition of medicine has changed. Now, there are more complex afflictions which require more complex solutions,” he said. Dr. Fielgüt is among a growing number of surgeons willing to pioneer a new treatment for disenchanted transracial people who are suffering from depression because they feel their exterior appearance is a mismatch for their identity. “Yes, there are traditional methods to treat depression. An individual might be relieved of the depression if properly medicated. But, guess what? The depression hits like an anvil when the medicine wears off, creating a wash-rinse-repeat cycle that can lead to serious addiction problems. To me, popping pills only compounds depression,” he said.

Dr. Fielgüt’s practice, Elevate Cosmetic Center (ECC), has become the epicenter for transracial procedures. The process begins with a consultation and a physical. After the initial consultation, Dr. Fielgüt and his team of counselors assess the patient’s overall mental well-being before notifying the patient if they will perform the requested operation or not. “Number one is if their body can physically handle the procedure. Number two is if we determine they are mentally fit to handle the outcomes of the procedure. We are confident in our validation of each patient,” said Dr. Fielgüt.

Rachel Hammoor underwent an eye procedure to alter her appearance to look more Asian. She said her reservations about the operation were eased by the coaching she received from ECC counselors and advisors. “I was very nervous, mostly about the opposition from my family. They eventually convinced me that it was my decision and not my family’s decision,” she said. Ms. Hammoor said she suffered from depression because she felt her American looks did not line up with her affinity for Asian culture, “Everyday, I was so sad because I didn’t recognize the reflection in the mirror. It was not how I pictured myself,” she said. However, after the procedure she said her depression multiplied because the surgery, “My family basically disowned me. The advisors said this was a possibility but that most families support the transracial member after some time,” she said. “Now, I’ve grown away from Asian culture because it divided me from my family.” Ms. Hammoor returned to ECC to reshape her eyes to their more natural shape but was refused for a second procedure after Dr. Fielgüt and his team determined she was not mentally fit to take on another operation.

Newton Nutt recently underwent a skin darkening procedure to enhance his identity as a Black American. “It wasn’t enough for me to march for civil liberties and fair treatment of my Black American brothers and sisters. I needed to change myself to experience their pain and anxiety. I could never do that as a White man,” Mr. Nutt said. “I love soul music, basketball, Obama, and I already had pretty thick hair. Even though my ancestry is Scottish, I really identify with Black Americans. Each day that passed for me as a White man, I felt extreme guilt because I was hiding from my true identity. Dr. Fielgüt cured me of my guilt and depression. Now, I can walk hand in hand with my brothers and sisters in the fight for freedom and equality,” he said.

While the transracial movement has become synonymous with mental health, the jury is still out on if medical procedures are the answer. It’s relatable to not feel like oneself from time to time. It’s also reasonable to identify with cultures outside of our own ancestry. The world is a beautiful place because we have access to different cultures. Transracial people deserve to be heard and seen. But, how others will see them may depend on a consultation from Dr. Fielgüt’s team.