[A_perfect_lady]

I think the point was to express wealth through excess and impracticality.

True. Perhaps at some level that is still what is going on. I mean, if it's clearly fake, it must be surgery. Surgery is expensive...?

[Tax-chick]

Perhaps at some level that is still what is going on.

I read somewhere that all societal standards of beauty tend to be characterized by high cost and difficulty of achievement.

Surgery is expensive...?

Yes, it is, also dangerous and not covered by insurance. However, having tile caulk injected (?) into one's behind is cheaper, though likely to result in serious injury or death.