Because, nowadays, trends and celebrities have a great impact on women’s lives and perceptions of beauty, the demand for plastic surgeries is widely increasing in the 21st century. This generation, where social media plays a big role in our daily routines—from waking up and checking Instagram to seeing celebrities’ stories and how they are changing their facial features and even their bodies—demonstrates this influence. In some cases, plastic surgery is needed, such as for a person who has been in a car accident and has critical bruises or injuries. These are the cases in which plastic surgery would be used for a useful purpose.

However, nowadays, social media influencers and even some people around us are normalizing the idea of changing small, unnoticeable insecurities in teenage girls. The increase in advertising by plastic surgeons, who only want to increase the number of patients rather than the quality and ethics of their work, exacerbates this issue. There are many cases where plastic surgeries have failed—and led to more insecurities, making women more depressed and leading to low self-esteem and lack of confidence. 

Perceptions of beauty standards have been changing and evolving throughout the years and generations. For example, in the late 90s, the perception of beauty was natural beauty with simple makeup and simple facial features. However, these standards have changed in the 21st century, and the demand for big lips and small noses has increased, leading to the trend of fake beauty—and hiding behind a mask.

Therefore, awareness is key in such circumstances. We must talk to girls who are considering these options—who are thinking about changing their physical appearance to please others and fit in. It is important to address the social pressures they face, and it is essential to consider the emotional aspects and damage these plastic surgeries could cause, given the prevalence of a condition known as post-surgery depression.

That being said, plastic surgeries can sometimes boost the confidence and self-esteem of women. Some women have low self-confidence sometimes generated by a dislike to a specific physical feature in them— and feel the need to get rid of it. In such cases where plastic surgeries are successful, women become more satisfied with themselves which can lead to better social skills and higher mental and emotional well-being.

To sum up, the trends and celebrities have become more influential due to social networks, which led to the growth of plastic surgery. However, this normalization of cosmetic alterations, alongside the profit-motivated intents of some surgeons, entails potential risks such as emotional distress. Awareness is important and such procedures should be discussed publicly in order to highlight the dangers and social pressures that come with them. Although cosmetic surgeries can help to enhance self-esteem, care and concern together with personal health should always be of top priority.

—Zain Khalil