Jessica Watts
Picture this: It’s Earth Day 2021, and Bill Nye the Science Guy has returned to our screens to promote his Earth Day musical special alongside some famous friends. The intentions are immaculate, the guests glamorous, and the creativity colossal. Yet all the internet can seem to talk about is Zac Efron’s jaw. Immediately, people are flying to the conclusion that he has undergone drastic cosmetic procedures.
Efron piqued media interest when he appeared in the special promotional video alongside the science legend and numerous other A-listers. The video went viral and soon the whole internet was discussing it. However, they weren’t discussing the video’s content as intended, rather people were more interested in the authenticity of Efron’s face. What was supposed to be an innovative and attention-grabbing Earth Day promotion became a fixation on one man’s facial muscles. ‘Accusations’ were flung at the High School Musical heartthrob and Twitter once again became a frenzy of opinions, debate, and allegations.
There has always been a major taboo surrounding cosmetic procedures. Many celebrities have forcibly denied enhancements, and some have even hidden behind bushes to avoid being spotted by paparazzi at surgeons. But why is this? Is it a justified reaction? And how should we approach the subject in a way that is comfortable for everyone?
Cosmetic vs Plastic Surgery
Firstly, it is imperative to acknowledge the distinction between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. As stated by the NHS, “the main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the function and appearance of tissue and skin so it’s as close to normal as possible”.
Contrastingly, cosmetic surgery refers to clinical adjustments made “to change a person’s appearance to achieve what they feel is a more desirable look.”
Plastic surgery does not warrant discussion; it is often medically necessary and absolutely not up for judgement, nor opinion. Cosmetic procedures, however, create a large amount of discourse due to their inessential nature. Therefore, opinions surrounding this latter topic are varied and often emphatic.
Cosmetic surgery has been around for decades, and its popularity continues to increase as the years go on. Yet, even after becoming incredibly commonplace, with a 459% increase in annual Botox injections in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020, these procedures are still controversial and oftentimes frowned upon.
Negative Opinions
The reasons for the negative stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery range from medical concerns to personal preferences. The most common reactions to the mention of cosmetic procedures, particularly in older generations, are “that’s so fake”, “they look plastic”, and “they looked so much better before”, among other unwarranted opinions. These reactions are a product of the taboo surrounding such surgeries.
Many people also mention society’s already unachievable beauty standards and suggest that cosmetic surgery only serves to raise the goalposts to the naturally physically impossible. Striving for ‘perfection’ when ‘perfection’ doesn’t naturally exist is a losing battle. Trying to embody the ‘beauty standards’ now demands surgical intervention, which is economically unattainable for many, and physically dysmorphic for most.
Journalist Rebecca Traister notes that “surgery retains the stain of self-loathing more nakedly than the rest of our waxing and plucking rituals.” She comments that one’s self-confidence takes a hit when it feels as though their ‘natural’ body needs to be surgically changed. Unlike external modifications such as shaving and hair colouring, these clinical alterations carry such weight as they are so permanent and invasive.
A New Way of Thinking
As time moves on, so do opinions. As Traister explains: “Cosmetic enhancements are now seen as a way to reclaim your identity”. What someone does with their own body is their choice. If they aren’t hurting anybody, it doesn’t involve anyone else at all. There are endless reasons that people might decide to get cosmetic surgery: it is a choice, and a right.
TIPS ON NAVIGATING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY
Given the number of dynamic opinions surrounding cosmetic procedures, you might question how we are meant to navigate discussion about it. How can we feel accepted with or without it? And is it possible to acknowledge the work where appropriate? In answer to these questions, here I offer my best, unsolicited advice…
1) TALK OPENLY
Some people want their alterations to be noticed; they may talk openly and even encourage opinions and comments. These circumstances will be easier to identify as the individuals will, more than likely, start the conversation themselves. In such situations, it is up to you to judge whether your honest opinion (be it positive or negative) will be of use, or if you go down the route of showing an interest rather than an opinion. The latter may allow for an easier conversation and will make the person feel understood and heard.
2) UNCLEAR CONVERSATIONS
For those contexts when it is not clear whether someone has had work done, and it is more a suspicion on your part, it is best to avoid the topic altogether. A simple “you look lovely” leaves it up to the involved party to decide whether to disclose anything. This can help you navigate a path forward.
3) TOPIC AVOIDANCE
If they are withholding comment, move on and do not pressure anyone into anything; the ball is in their court. Traister advises: “to comment on it is to acknowledge that her insecurities are transparent”. Unless you had the work done, it is not your prerogative to discuss it.
4) APPROPRIATE INTERVENTION
The only time when it would be appropriate to delve deeper and ask further questions regarding surgery specifics would be if you are what Traister calls an “insider”. If you have had cosmetic surgery then you have the experience and knowledge. Go ahead: share, stare, and compare!
It is imperative to understand that if you are not a doctor or a therapist, do not give medical advice or opinions. Furthermore, unless someone specifically asks for it, don’t give an opinion at all. Not your body, not your discussion, full stop.
Featured image courtesy of Joeyy Lee on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
