Different cultures set different beauty standards for women. Centuries ago, Chinese women with small feet, ideally no more than three inches, were considered beautiful.

But what if your feet were larger? Simple, you break them.

Although the origins of the practice are not known, the video below shows why it was popular before the Communists came to power in China.

Lotus feet are a rare sight today, but even during the Mao Zedong era many women practised it secretly.

The practice has sparked a debate on whether crushing toes for years is any different from plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons.

Iran, which is known for its strict Islamic laws, is often termed the world’s nose job capital. On the streets of Tehran, women sporting plaster casts on their nose is a common sight. Some Iranian women undergo rhinoplasty surgery with pride, and the post-surgical bandages are worn as a status symbol.