The Radical Unembracing of Cosmetic Surgery and Why it’s (Generally) a Good Thing
In 2018, Kylie Jenner had her lip filler partially dissolved (later to be refilled) – which seemingly shook the very fabric of the internet universe. Then, in an episode of The Kardashians from 2023, Jenner claimed to have dissolved half of her lip filler entirely. Tabloid consumers and die hard Kylie fans alike have been tuned in to her lip journey since the inception of Kylie Cosmetics in 2015. The subsequent launch of her iconic lip kit further propelled her status as being one of the faces leading the way in lip augmentation related discourse. In a sea of purposefully pouty lips, the tides are turning – thanks in part to public disclosure of cosmetic surgery reversal by celebrities such as Jenner.
Body modification and enhancement is no new concept. Collectively, as humans, we are a self critical species, obsessed with our appearance and both internal and external perceptions of it. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “The history of plastic surgery is extensive, dating back over 3,000 years.” Of course, in the 21st century, the advancements and abilities we have in sculpting the body are fine tuned compared to ancient reconstructive practices. Ozempic and other semaglutide injectables are being abused for rapid weight loss, butts, boobs and lips are becoming as inflated as egos and going under the knife is becoming as common as a yearly physical.
However, for some, cosmetic surgery/treatments are necessary and life changing for quality of life. Breast cancer survivors, transgender folks, burn victims, and morbidly obese people are among the various groups quite literally needing these procedures to lead a more content existence. Because of this need it is difficult to completely delegitimize the practice. Plastic surgery and procedure as a means of restoring self confidence and reclaiming a sense of normalcy proves cosmetic surgery can go beyond vanity and rather serve as a powerful tool for healing.
We have plummeted almost irreversibly far into the showboating aspect of cosmetic surgery and the implication that young women especially need to change the way they look in order to be accepted by peers and – the world at large. Luckily, it’s no abyss deep enough that can’t be crawled back out of. For fans of the plump lip look there are hundreds if not thousands of oils and plumpers out on the market that give the illusion of filler. The main differences between injection and lip gloss being that the latter is cheaper, temporary and generally worry free. Lip filler has a nasty habit of migrating which leads to patients needing dissolvement of product and/or corrective re-filling.
No brazilian butt lift is created equal. BBLs are among the most dangerous elective cosmetic procedures. According to Oxford Academic’s Aesthetic Surgery Journal, “this increase in popularity of the BBL has been mirrored by a high number of patient deaths, most of which are due to pulmonary fat emboli.” A fat embolism is defined as a condition where fat globules enter the bloodstream and block small blood vessels, typically in the lungs. So, as much as some of us are obsessed with surgically contouring our bodies, there are associated risks. It’s not worth getting an “Instagram worthy” body if it means your own mortality looms above you like an oppressive cloud.
This written assessment of cosmetic surgery is not meant to be a disapproving finger wagging in your face or persuasive essay to lead you down a certain avenue. Ultimately, what we do to our bodies, cosmetic or not, is of our own volition and nobody else’s. Natural features are a wonderful thing to embrace, but it’s not realistic to assume everyone feels comfortable or accepting of them when it comes to the self. It should not be shameful whether you decide to partake in bodily aesthetic enhancement or not. It is worth noting that surgeries and procedures to change one’s appearance should be born from a healthy personal desire and not the pressures of a society that doesn’t even have its head on straight to begin with. When influential public figures, especially those in modeling or beauty related industries, become more candid about their experiences or opinions associated with cosmetic surgeries/procedures it gives everyday people like you and me a guidebook. A guidebook that we can choose to follow or not, but regardless, one that gives us authenticity and agency.
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