The role of attractiveness has been increasing rapidly throughout the years. Appearance and looks have become metaphorical modes of communication. People tend to form opinions and access an individual based on their physical appearances and looks. Thus in a society where people are judged based on their appearance, it is no wonder that people want to look good and attractive.
Popular media play an important role in defining the concept of beauty and shaping our idea of attractiveness. The mainstream media is projecting the idea of ideal body type, which results in both men and women constantly comparing themselves with those unrealistic beauty standards. This unhealthy comparison resulted in low self-esteem, confidence, and low self-satisfaction, and led to more and more people turning towards cosmetic surgeries as an alternative.
Even though we are living in an era of body positivity and size acceptance, people still tend to go for cosmetic treatments to enhance their appearance. Let us understand why cosmetic surgeries are becoming more popular recently and the factors that led to more people going for cosmetic treatments.
1. Increased screen time
As we discussed before, this generation is more exposed to mainstream media. Television and smartphone, along with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has molded our concept of beauty. The unrealistic beauty standard has made people conscious of their appearance and fuelled their desire to achieve those looks. Along with this, mobile phones, selfies, and social media platforms have triggered the desire for cosmetic surgeries.
Before fifteen or twenty years, we used to rarely take photos and would rarely see ourselves in pictures. But with advanced technologies like smartphones and internet connections, people are clicking pictures or taking selfies frequently. Thus, we have hundreds of pictures of ourselves that document certain features which we do not like or are not comfortable with, such as wrinkles or other aging factors. This led to people going for the best non surgical facelift treatment in UK to reverse the visible signs of aging and to look younger.
Since we are constantly scrutinizing ourselves, we become more conscious of our appearance, which boosts our desire for enhancing our appearance.
2. More Acceptance
Another important factor that led to the booming of cosmetic surgery is that these treatments and surgeries have become more socially acceptable. Now more and more celebrities are coming out and openly talking about the procedures that they underwent. Also, people are openly talking about their desire to have surgery. This has led to the normalization of cosmetic treatments.
If we open social media, we can see people sharing their experience of undergoing cosmetic surgery and posting photos of their recovery. People, especially millennials are more comfortable about their self-improvement rituals. They do not feel apologetic for making decisions and do not feel answerable to anyone for undergoing surgery.
3. More accessible and affordable
A decade back, cosmetic and plastic surgeries were considered to be available only for the rich and famous. It was not accessible to an average person. But today, they are made available to the middle-class as well. Now in an average household, both the partners are working and are earning more, hence having money to spend on surgeries.
Also, cosmetic treatments are made more available with flexible payment options. Instead of paying a huge amount altogether, people can cover the expenses slowly over time. Financial payment options like medical credit cards and loans have also boosted its affordability. Also, health insurance covers the expenses for some cosmetic surgeries like breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
4. Technological advances
With the advancement of technologies, cosmetic procedures and surgeries have become safer. Also, the tools and instruments used by doctors for the surgeries have become more reliable. All this has led to the evolution of many treatment procedures. For instance, now there are more than three line smoothening neurotoxins in the market. But earlier Botox was the only option. Thus, advancement in technology has improved treatment options.
5. More Health benefits
We always used to think that cosmetic treatments are to get the aesthetic look. Maybe some treatments like lip plumped may not be having any benefit other than boosting one's self-esteem and confidence. But certain cosmetic treatments have health benefits. For instance, breast reduction surgery can reduce shoulder and back pain while Botox can help to reduce chronic migraines and Bell's palsy. Removing fat from certain areas can help to control diabetes and heart problems. Eyelid surgery can fix dry eyes and improve vision.
6. Improve self-confidence
Another major reason for more people to go for cosmetic surgeries is to boost their confidence and self-esteem. As we know, when we feel that we look good, we become more confident and become more satisfied with ourselves, which will boost one's mental health.
If you are planning to get cosmetic surgery, first understand why you want it. It should be solely for you and make you feel better about yourself. You should not do it to make someone else happy or satisfy society's unrealistic demands. Also, remember to keep realistic expectations.
