Nip, Tuck or Else redux?

Nip, Tuck or Else

Recently TIME magazine featured an article (Joel Stein) on the changing face of cosmetic surgery in the world. The provocative title suggests that one day soon almost EVERYBODY will undergo some sort of elective cosmetic procedure. (time.com/3926042/nip-tuck-or-else/)

Why? Because (1) it is socially acceptable, (2) it is affordable, (3) it will be more necessary to look good, (4) results can be pretty darn good and (5) everyone else is doing it.

And it is not just in the USA. In Brazil cosmetic procedures are tax deductible, Iran leads the world in rhinoplasty, in Korea 1 in 5 women report having cosmetic surgery.

Just a few years ago, things like coloring one’s hair was done secretly and pondering ways to change ones appearance was a sign of mental instability. If you did have a cosmetic procedure, you would not dare reveal this to anyone.

Now post-procedural bandages are a badge of honor and larger boobs are to be flaunted. Even men are requesting procedures more frequently. Men want to look attractive, too, and a good-looking person enhances their job security and income level.

In this country, reality TV is credited with shedding light on what cosmetic surgery can

accomplish. “Extreme Makeover’ and “The Swan” both told stories with the perspective of women who really wanted to change.

So is all of this healthy, or even a good idea? What’s wrong with ‘aging gracefully’?   When women change their appearance to look more attractive, doesn’t this fly in the face of the message of feminism? When does one stop? Are some people trying to stay 21 forever, both physically and emotionally?

Is it OK for people other than board certified plastic surgeons to offer these cosmetic procedures to the public? Many procedures are non-surgical: Botox injections for wrinkles and creases  and fillers for plumbing and lasers for aging skin and unwanted vessels and hair. Now you can find nurses, technicians, non-cosmetic physicians and dentists offering these services and procedures, spas, salons, kiosks in malls, have joined doctors offices as common sites of services.

Are we really entering a time where almost EVERYONE (adults mainly?) will either desire or feel like they must have a cosmetic procedure in order live a satisfying life?

What do you think?