Paradox of Cosmetic Surgery in Women’s Empowerment
The first woman, as heavily debated in Judaism mythology, is Lilith. Described as a she-demon who disobeyed Adam and was banished from heaven, the similarities between her and Eve (the first wife) do not hymn a completely different tone. Eve, created from Adam’s rib to have her as his companion, chose to eat the forbidden fruit and sealed the first fall of man — and for epochs and eons bore the impact of banishment from heaven. Women, mostly from ancient Western mythologies and anecdotes, have illustrated a being full of misdeeds and flaws. To completely eradicate the ugliness within, we must submit all our mistakes to a single trajectory, as though we need to appear uniform without pouring out of the established margins.
And because women are created for love and beauty, the single idea of these concepts has plagued humanity, mimicking the story of Helen of Troy in every period. In old Hollywood, for instance, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn symbolized beauty — and their beauty immortalized them, too. Monroe is the sensual and flamboyantly confident woman, and Hepburn is the beacon of class and elegance. For years without championing diversity and inclusivity, women have been subjected to a singular standard, society insisting that these are the only way to be truly beautiful.
As we analyze and look back at the context of beauty before and now, while our society and the current generation are relatively more accepting of different kinds of beauty, contents of cosmetic surgery on several social media platforms are getting popular. An article from the South China Morning Post (2022) stated that content creators on TikTok and YouTube are normalizing Botox, buccal fat removal, nose jobs, and the like. The standard of beauty is being passed down in different means, further implying that confidence is better worn through the standard external appearance.
To celebrate this year’s National Women’s Month, we will explore the complexity of beauty and cosmetic surgery in different contexts in time. For years, women have been told that beauty is both armor and liability. Since there are way too many things that should be fixed, the contentment that comes after we have achieved it appears as a state of peace and victory.
Cosmetic surgery is a topic that has long been controversial, particularly in relation to its impact on women’s empowerment. As Women’s Month comes around, the discussion about cosmetic surgery once again becomes a hot topic. Many women feel that they need to conform to the beauty standards set by society and resort to invasive procedures to feel confident and attractive.
According to Aesthetic Society Statistics (n.d), plastic surgeons performed 320 surgeries on average, up from 220 in 2020. Surgical procedures will cost 6% more, and non-surgical procedures will cost 1% more in 2021. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of patients who underwent plastic surgery were women, accounting for 94% of all procedures. Hence, as we celebrate Women’s Month, it is important to consider the insights and angles of cosmetic surgery and how it can empower individual women while also reinforcing societal pressures that oppress women as a group.
Ancient Origin of Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly popular industry in modern times, with a lot of people opting for the procedures of it. Now we look back to the historical context of cosmetic surgery, which has been around for centuries (Holland, 2021). The history of cosmetic surgery starts in ancient Egypt — the first recorded instances of cosmetic surgery — and continues to the modern day, where the procedures have improved over time.
A long history dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India, and Rome. Egyptians were pioneers in cosmetic surgery, while Indian surgeons performed reconstructive surgery on noses. The Romans performed simple plastic surgery techniques such as repairing damaged ears (Duchy Hospital, 2017). In the 20th century, World War I and II led to the development of new techniques for treating soldiers with facial injuries and laid the foundation for modern cosmetic surgery. The 1950s and 1960s saw cosmetic surgery become more widely available due to the development of safer anesthesia techniques and increased availability of surgical facilities.
As we look back, the historical context of cosmetic surgery is a fascinating sector that highlights the evolution of procedures and their medical purposes from ancient to modern times. It has evolved from humble beginnings to become an essential part of modern medicine, as well as a way for individuals to improve their appearance to gain confidence.
Unleashing the Inner Confidence
In today’s society, confidence is essential for happiness because it allows us to feel secure and comfortable in our skin. As stated by Dienstman (2018), when we have confidence, we are more likely to take risks and try new things, which can lead to greater success and satisfaction. Confidence also helps us trust ourselves and our decisions, which can lead to a greater sense of contentment.
Moreover, having confidence can help us build strong relationships with others, which can bring joy and fulfillment into our lives. Likewise, cosmetic surgery can help women be happier and have more confidence by improving their physical appearance. It can help to correct physical features that a woman may not be happy with, such as a large nose, uneven breasts, or excess fat. Further, cosmetic surgery can help to improve self-esteem by boosting a woman’s confidence in her own body image (Furnham & Levitas, 2012).
Some people might believe that changing one’s appearance indicates that they are unable to accept themselves, but in reality, those who get cosmetic surgery only hope to feel more confident. It is possible that this is no longer accurate. Stating that we do recognize that some people find it upsetting to even consider augmenting or changing their physical features.
One might be shocked to learn that most people who undergo plastic surgery are content with who they are; they are only unhappy with a particular characteristic that interferes with their comfort (physical or emotional), or they want to emphasize a trait that they already adore.
The Swan Center (2019) subscribes to a simple philosophy: the empowered woman does whatever she wants! That is why the primary focus remains to provide a support system for our patients throughout their cosmetic journey. The most common reason patients seek plastic surgery is to simply feel more like themselves; in reality, this decision gives them more freedom to live their lives as they choose and makes them empowered and happier.
The Power of Transformation
After having cosmetic surgery, a lot of women say they feel more empowered and confident. They frequently state that they feel more attractive, confident, and at ease in their own flesh, which can improve their self-esteem and give them a greater sense of self-worth. Some famous celebrities have been honest about their experience with cosmetic surgery.
As mentioned in an article by Clark (2022), Amy Schumer stated in a photo posted on Instagram that she chose to have liposuction after recovering from her endometriosis surgery. Despite the fact that her struggle with endometriosis and fertility has been well documented, she emphasized that she had never imagined herself as a plastic surgery patient. However, she is so happy that she changed her mind, saying on Chelsea Handler’s podcast, Dear Chelsea, “I got lipo, and I’m feeling really good.”
Celebrities have led the way in promoting cosmetic surgery as a technique to improve their looks and raise self-confidence in recent years. From nose jobs to liposuction, celebrities are no strangers to going under the knife. According to Lebsack & Sasso (2017), Chrissy Teigen revealed her secret by saying, “I had my armpit sucked out, which was one of the best things. It’s a big secret, but I don’t care. It was nine years ago or so. And I had two inches under my armpit. Now it’s back, though, so now I’ve got to pay for [liposuction] again. It was so easy. It made me feel better in dresses; I felt more confident. It was the dumbest, stupidest thing I’ve ever done. The dumbest, but I like it, whatever. I have no regrets, honestly.”
Another celebrity who revealed that she underwent cosmetic surgery is NeNe Leaks. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star told People back in 2010 that she had a nose job, liposuction, and breast implants with a lift. “I still wanted to look like NeNe, the black woman that I am, but a better version,” she said (Stanhope, 2010). It shows that improving oneself is not necessarily a negative notion; it all depends on the people and how they will react. Although she only wants to look better, she remains known to the public as NeNe Leaks.
It is clear that many celebrities are turning to cosmetic surgery as a way of improving their appearance and boosting their self-confidence. While it can be beneficial for some people, it is important to remember that it’s not without risks or side effects. Before undergoing any type of operation, it is crucial to speak with a trained doctor so that you can decide what is best for you.
Beyond Conformity: The “Makeover” Society
Besides, cosmetic surgery raises concerns about its impact on collective identity. Women face enormous pressure to conform to specific physical and beauty norms reinforced by the media and society. This pressure is heightened by the advertising of cosmetic surgery as an instrument for reaching those standards.
According to Weinmann (2010), this trend represents today’s “surgical” or “makeover” society, which is pushed by women’s publications that promote ongoing body modification. Some claim that cosmetic surgery empowers women by increasing their confidence and self-esteem, while others argue that it perpetuates detrimental societal norms and leads to objectification. Women who undergo these procedures may feel pressured to conform even further to traditional beauty standards rather than embracing their individuality.
Furthermore, they face the risk of having their qualities or accomplishments overlooked in favor of how they look. To conclude, while cosmetic surgery may provide solutions for individuals seeking physical improvements, it also perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and undermines women’s collective identity.
Thus, it is significant for society to shift towards a more inclusive definition of beauty that acknowledges diversity rather than homogeneity — one where women feel confident in themselves without having to resort to invasive procedures.
Unmasking the Beauty Myth of Media Agenda
The celebration of women’s achievements and contributions throughout history during Women’s Month is marred by the media’s and advertising’s perpetuation of harmful beauty standards. An increasing number of promotions for cosmetic surgery as a solution to physical flaws have become commonplace during this period. As deliberated by Greenfield (2018), it was revealed that media and advertising play a significant role in promoting such damaging beauty standards. Some girls, in particular, may develop feelings of inadequacy or insecurity about their appearances due to this type of media use and advertising.
Although cosmetic surgery may appear to be an easy fix, it often involves undisclosed risks that are not always conveyed effectively through advertisements. Instead of encouraging self-acceptance and embracing natural diversity, unrealistic expectations are pushed on people by the media, which can harm one’s self-esteem.
It is, therefore, imperative for advertisers and media outlets to consider the potential impact their messages may have on society’s perception of beauty standards rather than endorsing surgical procedures as quick solutions during Women’s Month or any other month.
The Allegory of Women’s Body
The ideal shape of women is said to be molded based on Venus figurines from European Paleolithic, with wide hips and big breasts, portraying the sign of fertility and attractiveness (Dixson & Dixson, 2012). As time went on and as artists drew inspiration from the Goddess of love and beauty, the notion of the ideal body enabled a garment-like corset, literally molding women in a specific shape.
Rooted in traditional roles of women as a lover and a mother of children, the need to appear beautiful and attractive was needed. For instance, in other forms of media, the character from Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ’70, Amanda Bartolome, narrated how her husband had not experienced changing diapers and how as a teen, having acne (because it meant a person was in love), especially on women was not only shameful but was not deemed appropriate because of gender.
Patriarchal ideals and societal pressures force women to conform to restricted and unrealistic beauty standards that can lead them to feel that their natural features are inadequate or flawed.
The media’s promotion of images of women as being skinny, pale skin, etc., as well as the objectification of women based on their appearance rather than their abilities and accomplishments, can exacerbate feelings of being imperfect and contribute to a negative self-image.
Kate Moss, who was the face of Calvin Klein and other famous fashion houses since the ’90s, was known to be the golden standard of an attractive woman — skinny, white, and tall. In 2009, the model commented, “nothing tastes as good as skinny,” which caused different reactions. Ten years later, in 2018, Moss retracted her comment and commended the push for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She added that she does not want her daughter to experience what she had to face in the entirety of her modeling career (BBC, 2018).
The beauty standard is not an isolated case; it parallels different forms of discrimination and othering, which may be summed up for a single reason: patriarchal systems enforce the idea that since women are only fit to do certain things, one of which is to be beautiful, there should be a requirement to reach that; to appease, to satisfy, to be useful.
Challenging Beauty Norms with Inclusivity and Diversity
Cosmetic surgery can be a complex issue for women. On the other hand, it might give individuals more assurance and self-worth, enabling them to feel more in charge of their looks, but it also reinforces the societal pressure to conform to hegemonic beauty standards.
These ideals that are set by society are frequently unattainable and support the idea that women must meet particular physical requirements in order to be seen as attractive and deserving. Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy might result from the pressure to live up to these expectations. Women ought to be free to choose what is best for their bodies without fear of criticism or embarrassment. Nonetheless, we are unable to disregard the possible dangers and drawbacks of cosmetic surgery. Women should think about the potential social pressures to meet an idealized standard of beauty in addition to the physical hazards of any surgical procedures.
Thus, validating women’s appearance choices is crucial, but it’s also necessary to recognize the broader societal context in which those choices are made, particularly the social standards that define femininity, in order to prevent reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Rather than complying with society’s expectations through intrusive procedures like cosmetic surgery, we should consider rethinking and redefining beauty standards.
Accepting varied body kinds, sizes, and colors while embracing variety and uniqueness would encourage healthy living among women. While cosmetic surgery can enhance confidence, it is crucial to approach it with caution and consider the risks. Lastly, we recognized the complex relationship between cosmetic surgery and women’s empowerment while striving to promote healthy self-acceptance and diversity.
A Beauty Reminder from your “MIMA”
We have come a long way on the issue of complexity in cosmetic surgery. Thus, cosmetic surgery can be a way to encourage self-love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of feeling good about yourself regardless of what other people may think.
As Cinderella once said, “I think you look so pretty. But sincerely, who cares what I think? What matters is how you feel when you look in the mirror.”
This is a powerful admonishment that we can all have self-confidence and self-love rather than relying on invasive procedures and on the opinions of others. Cinderella is a reminder that beauty is subjective and that it is important to focus on how you feel about yourself rather than what others think.
And as we navigate societal problems that have deep roots in historical events, we may understand the nuance of how things are stitched and woven together, interlinking and creating effects that ripple in the different structures of society. While the risk of cosmetic surgery does not hide in the background, the desire to appear beautiful trumps the harm tied to the beauty method. An unanswered question still lingers: would you want to run toward everything or away from it?
References:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Celebs are more transparent than ever about plastic surgery, but is it always helpful? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/celebs-are-more-transparent-than-ever-about-plastic-surgery-but-is-it-always-helpful
BBC. (2018, September 14). Kate Moss regrets “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” comment. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-45522714
Dietsman, A.M. (2018, August 1). How Taking Risks Can Lead You to a Better Life. Goodnet. https://www.goodnet.org/articles/how-taking-risks-lead-you-to-better-life
Dixson, A. F., & Dixson, B. J. (2012, January 3). Venus Figurines of the European Paleolithic: Symbols of Fertility or Attractiveness? Journal of Anthropology. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/janthro/2011/569120/
Duchy Hospital. (2017). The History of Plastic Surgery. https://www.duchyhospital.co.uk/news/the-history-of-plastic-surgery
Furnham, A., & Levitas, J. (2012). Factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery. The Canadian journal of plastic surgery = Journal canadien de chirurgie plastique. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513261/?fbclid=IwAR3BzcG5NGwgtBLbcxf7Clc4Q6Tc2_BES5BOF4rXrVDI1GVpGyE_aSQ-4-M
Greenfield. (2018). When Beauty Is the Beast: The Effects of Beauty Propaganda on Female Consumers. DigitalCommons@UNO — The Institutional Repository of the University of Nebraska Omaha. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from http://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu
Holland, O. (n.d.). From ancient Egypt to Beverly Hills: A brief history of plastic surgery. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/plastic-cosmetic-surgery-history-scn/index.html
Lesback, L., & Sasso S. (2017) Chrissy Teigen JUST Revealed That She’s Had Cosmetic Surgery. Refinery. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/05/153132/chrissy-teigen-liposuction-confession
South China Morning Post. (2022, December 23). Doing it for clicks: TikTok is making plastic surgery normal. That’s not OK. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3204199/tiktok-youtube-are-making-plastic-surgery-botox-normal-and-thats-not-ok-documentary-and-experts
Stanhope. (2010, October 22). Real Housewives’ NeNe Leakes Opens up About Nose Job: “I Just Wanted a Tune Up.” TVGuide.com. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.tvguide.com/news/nene-leakes-plastic-surgery-1024641/
Swan Center. (2019, July 29). Women’s Empowerment & Plastic Surgery — Swan Center for Plastic Surgery. Swan Center for Plastic Surgery. https://www.swancenteratlanta.com/blog/womens-empowerment-plastic-surgery/
The Aesthetic Society (n.d). Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank STATISTICS 2020–2021 https://cdn.theaestheticsociety.org/media/statistics/2021-TheAestheticSocietyStatistics.pdf
Weinmann, M. (2010). “Operation Beauty: Discourses of Cosmetic Surgery in Popular Women’s Magazines in Australia, Germany and Japan”. Doctoral Thesis, RMIT University. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=95be58ebd9fbd42e96ce1e15b0ae23d8f98e9997
