Do Rising Rates of Plastic Surgery Raise Ethical Concerns?

The drive to improve one's physical features is ubiquitous in today's society, which places a premium on looks and scrutinises them closely. 

Plastic surgery, which includes minor adjustments and significant makeovers, has recently experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. Here, we discuss the increasing popularity of plastic surgery, a trend that prompts serious reflection on issues of aesthetics, identity, and morality.

Unsurprisingly, more people are turning to plastic surgery to reach their idealised ideals of beauty in this era of ever-improving medical technology and a continuous onslaught of filtered Instagram photographs. 

Millions of people worldwide are choosing cosmetic surgeries that promise to mould, enhance, and rejuvenate them, and the reasons they do so range from the search for confidence to the desire to better themselves to a need for change.

However, as these figures continue to rise, we come to a point of self-reflection. Do these rising rates represent a growing confidence in our ability to shape our appearances, or do they point to something more nuanced and morally troubling? Are we accepting the constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, or are we enjoying our unique selves?

Come along as we investigate the causes, consequences, and ethical issues of the dramatic increase in people opting for plastic surgery in recent years. The following blog will explore the thorny terrain of aesthetics, self-worth, cultural norms, and doctors' ethical obligations. We'll work together to try to make sense of the fascinating, perplexing, and contentious field of cosmetic surgery.

Why Do We See A Surge in Plastic Surgery?

Likely, the sudden and significant increase in the number of Australians who have switched to working remotely is a significant factor in the demand for cosmetic operations. Employees who spend their days staring at their faces in a never-ending stream of virtual meetings are likely responsible for the "Zoom Boom" in plastic surgery.

Patients increasingly seek cosmetic procedures to enhance their lives and boost their self-confidence when these procedures are less stigmatised and when medical and technological advances have made them less invasive, risky, and significant than they once were.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that young people view plastic surgery as a means to "fit in" and gain social acceptance from their peers. Most adults view cosmetic surgery as a means of individual expression. 

Over 1.5 million Australians had cosmetic surgery in 2013, reports the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. About 14% of these surgeries were performed on men, while the rest were performed on women.

Twenty million women undergo cosmetic surgery every year. The number of people undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery in Australia has more than doubled over the previous decade, from 2010 to 2018. 

Factors Affecting Plastic Surgery's Escalating Popularity

People Have a Better Idea of the Plastic Surgery Health Benefits

Another contributor to plastic surgery's rise in popularity is the general public's increased familiarity with the procedure. In the past, many individuals believed that the sole reason to get plastic surgery was for aesthetic ones. In most cases, they disregarded the possibility that a surgical procedure could improve their health or quality of life.

Some operations are entirely aesthetic, while others might serve a useful purpose and improve a patient's quality of life. Better breathing after rhinoplasty can lead to better rest and less risk during physical activity. Shoulder and back pain can be alleviated with a breast reduction while chafing and skin infections can be treated with a body lift.

Plastic Surgery Is Gaining Social Acceptance

Plastic surgery is now widely accepted and contributes to the rise in surgical procedures. Many famous people are now discussing their plastic surgery experiences in the open. Friends often confide in each other about their plans to undergo cosmetic surgery. 

One possible explanation for plastic surgery's growing popularity is social media's influence. People don't seem to mind sharing their rhinoplasty selfies on Instagram or their breast augmentation recovery updates on Facebook.

More People Have Access to Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery was once considered a luxury reserved for the extremely wealthy or, at most, the highly famous. That's not true any longer.

While surgical procedures might be somewhat costly, they are now within reach of even the middle class. That's especially the case when both spouses contribute to the household income, as their combined earnings far exceed those of the traditional single-breadwinner family.

The availability of alternative payment methods has also aided in expanding plastic surgery's reach. Credit programmes are now available to assist patients in affording surgical procedures. You can spread the cost of your surgery over time rather than coming up with a large sum all at once.

People Are Increasingly Focusing On Themselves

Social media and front-facing smartphone cameras have dramatically increased people's focus on themselves. Older film cameras allowed you to snap numerous self-portraits, but you had to take the roll to a developer and wait at least an hour to see the results. Just press the button on your phone now.

People are becoming more self-aware due to the widespread use of selfie sticks and other forms of self-documentation.

Better Techniques for Plastic Surgery

Improvements in technology and surgical methods have led to enhanced cosmetic outcomes following plastic surgery. The 'windswept' appearance that used to occur frequently following traditional facelifts is no longer valid. The cosmetic results of modern surgery are typically very subtle.

In addition, thanks to advancements in cosmetic surgery technology, sometimes the invasiveness and difficulty of the process are reduced. A shorter healing time and less noticeable scars could result from smaller incisions. Surgical intervention may be unnecessary in some cases. As an alternative to liposuction, non-invasive Coolsculpting may be preferable for some people.

Is Plastic Surgery Just for Vanity Purposes?

The media has a habit of praising perfection. When we pick up a magazine and see a model with a flawless physique, it inspires us to strive for the same. In reality, photos of famous people can be skewed to look more natural with the help of Photoshop and other altering programs. 

In reality, we are all flawed, unbalanced, and frequently less rigid than we formerly were. Plastic surgery is thriving because people want to look like the models and celebrities we see on television and in magazines.

Common Misconceptions About Plastic Surgery

But does it mean we shouldn't try to shape our bodies to be more like that ideal?

Plastic surgery can improve a person's disposition because of the positive feedback loop between looks and feels. 

In that respect, the fashion industry is not that dissimilar. One common misconception regarding cosmetic surgery is that it's all about trying to impress others. Similarly, there is a misconception that plastic surgery is performed with actual plastic (the word plastic comes from the Greek phrase plastiko, which means to form or mould).

In light of this misconception and others we have encountered over the years, we have developed a list of plastic surgery fallacies.

Plastic Surgery Is Motivated Only by Vanity

FALSE. Some people seek out plastic surgery for purely aesthetic reasons. However, more often than not, it's just plain self-consciousness. We may need to "refresh" certain aspects of our lives as we age. 

Some people may desire to make drastic aesthetic adjustments to fix a long-standing annoyance. The choice is intimate, and you should feel at ease with it. Most of the time, patients choose cosmetic surgery to address issues that cannot be improved with lifestyle changes like eating better or losing weight.

Plastic Surgery Is Only Performed on Females

FALSE. Although women still outnumber men when getting plastic surgery, the gender gap has narrowed considerably in recent years. Male interest in cosmetic surgery has increased by 273% since 1997. 

Liposuction, facelifts, male breast reduction (through liposuction or surgery), and stomach tucks are some of the most requested procedures by male patients.

Male patients already outnumber female patients in some industries, like hair replacement and repair. More and more men opt for cosmetic operations as the practice becomes more socially acceptable.

Plastic surgery has come a long way in recent years and is no longer just for those interested in vanity. Myths about plastic surgery need to be debunked so that healthy people don't avoid it for the wrong reasons.

Only the Rich Can Afford Plastic Surgery

FALSE. It used to be that only the wealthy could afford to have plastic surgery, but times have changed. Patients seeking cosmetic surgery typically come from middle-class backgrounds. 

Devices have become less intrusive as a result of technological advancements. This facilitates less painful surgeries, shortens their duration, and reduces overall cost. What once required hospitalisation and general anaesthesia can now be completed in a single afternoon as an outpatient procedure. 

Long-term medical financing programmes are also widely available, with many banks and other suppliers offering them. As a result of these advancements, cosmetic surgery is now more accessible than ever.

Ethical Considerations in Plastic Surgery

When discussing the morality of cosmetic surgery, whether or not it is justifiable often arises. Others believe that cosmetic surgery is never justified. However, some believe that cosmetic surgery is never inappropriate and that people's right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies should always be respected, despite concerns that the practise perpetuates vices like vanity, diverts attention from more important activities, or is discriminatory towards specific demographics. Others maintain that there are exceptions to the general rule that cosmetic surgery is always unacceptable. 

For instance, reverting from a 'defective' to a regular body is fine. Breast reconstruction after breast implants is considered standard medical practice, as is the "fixing" of projecting ears and cleft palates. Others defend cosmetic surgery on the basis that it improves the patient's mental health by doing things like reducing stress and boosting self-confidence.

The moral justification of specific surgical procedures—those that restore a person to a more natural appearance, for instance, and those with a tolerable degree of risk—would be the subject of this discussion. 

Some cosmetic treatments, like buttock implants, carry an unusually high risk, while others, like breast implants, are considered relatively safe. Standard non-surgical and everyday practices, such as tanning and skin-lightening, carry far higher risks than cosmetic operations. 

The distinction between the ordinary and the extraordinary disappears almost entirely upon closer inspection. Contrary to popular belief, "routine" does not refer to simple, everyday maintenance of one's appearance. That "necessary to meet minimal standards" is the sole definition of routine that holds up throughout and is the only one that matters. 

Although "necessary to meet minimal standards" applies in all cases, the phrase lacks any real meaning because the requirements vary from one group to the next and even from one person to the next. 

While many of us agree that a society where fewer people seek out cosmetic surgery and the highly changed body is less normalised is preferable, policing and judging body modification and non-body modification is not the answer. Instead, we must stop criticising one another for how our bodies look and instead work together to create a society that celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Conclusion

Plastic surgery is becoming more and more common, which has made people think about beauty, identity, and morality. Plastic surgery is becoming more popular because more people are working from home and because technology has made the treatments less invasive and risky.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that young people see plastic surgery as a way to "fit in" and be accepted by their friends, while most adults see it as a way to express themselves.

People are more aware of the health benefits of plastic surgery, it is easier to get plastic surgery, and social media and smartphone photos have made people more aware of how they look.

Facelifts of the past often gave people a "windswept" look, but current procedures are usually more subtle and less invasive. Technology improvements have also made the surgery less invasive and harder, with smaller cuts and less noticeable scars.

Plastic surgery is becoming more and more popular, which makes me wonder if this means we are getting more confident in our ability to change our looks or if we are just giving in to the constant push to meet unrealistic beauty standards. When trying to understand the complicated world of cosmetic surgery, it's important to think about the ethical problems surrounding looks, self-worth, cultural norms, and doctors' ethical duties.

Plastic surgery isn't just about making someone look great; it's also about making them feel better because of the positive feedback loop between how they look and how they feel. It is driven not only by vanity, but also by self-awareness and changes in living. In recent years, the gap between men and women has shrunk. Since 1997, men's interest in plastic surgery has grown by 273%.

Because of advances in technology, middle-class people can now get facial surgery, and it's cheaper than ever before. Some people say that cosmetic surgery is never wrong, while others say it should be valued because it can help improve mental health and lower stress. But some beauty treatments come with a lot of risks, while others are pretty safe.

Whether or not a certain surgery is morally right relies on what the person wants and needs. Even though "routine" doesn't always mean easy, everyday care of one's appearance, the phrase "necessary to meet minimal standards" doesn't always apply. Instead of policing and judging people who change their bodies or don't change their bodies, we should work together to make a society that welcomes diversity in all its forms.

Plastic surgery isn't just about looking beautiful. It can also help improve a person's mood and fix problems that can't be fixed by changing their lifestyle.

Content Summary

• The increasing importance people have on how they look has led to a boom in the plastic surgery industry.
• Alterations to one's appearance can range from subtle to dramatic.
• Plastic surgery's rising popularity reflects people's ongoing yearning for self-assurance and enhancement.
• It makes us think about beauty, individuality, and ethics.
• The "Zoom Boom," or the rise of telecommuting, is a factor in the rising popularity of cosmetic procedures.
• Because of these factors, cosmetic operations have becoming increasingly common.
• Teenagers seek plastic surgery to fit in with their peers, while adults seek it as a kind of artistic expression.
• In Australia, the number of cosmetic procedures performed has doubled between 2010 and 2018.
• As more people learn about the positive effects of cosmetic surgery, the demand for such procedures rises.
• The public's view of plastic surgery is changing as more and more celebrities speak openly about their own procedures.
• Alternative payment options have made cosmetic surgery more accessible to persons with lower incomes.
• The rise of social media and the popularity of selfie cameras have contributed to an increase in inward concentration.
• Better cosmetic results can now be achieved because to technological and surgical advancements.
• Modern surgical techniques have less obvious effects and need less tissue removal.
• One common misconception is that cosmetic procedures are only pursued by vain people.
• A person's confidence can rise after plastic surgery.
• People want to seem beautiful because it's what they see portrayed in the media.
• The usage of plastic in plastic surgery is a common misunderstanding.
• Cosmetic surgery is useful for more than just improving one's appearance.
• More guys are beginning to follow women's lead and have plastic surgery.
• Nowadays, even middle-class people may afford to have cosmetic surgery done.
• When discussing the morality of plastic surgery, ethical questions arise.
• In the name of individual freedom, some people insist that cosmetic surgery is never wrong.
• Different surgical techniques carry varying degrees of moral legitimacy.
• The psychological benefits of cosmetic surgery include lessened stress and increased self-assurance.
• The ethical justifications for certain operations are discussed.
• Body alteration laws are unnecessary in a culture that values diversity.
• Body alteration is not something that should be policed or judged.
• Diversity of all kinds should be celebrated instead.
• The rise in telecommuting and the prevalence of online conferences has stimulated interest in cosmetic surgery.
• The filtered beauty standards of Instagram have contributed to a rise in interest in cosmetic surgery.
• Plastic surgery can help with more than just how you look; it can also help with things like breathing and pain.
• More people are comfortable talking about their positive and negative experiences with plastic surgery, especially on social media.
• People's willingness to share their own experiences with plastic surgery online has helped to normalise the procedure.
• Thanks to technological developments, plastic surgery is now more accessible and less intrusive than ever before.
• Many more people may now afford to have plastic surgery done because the traditional model of the family no longer exists.
• Patient access to credit programmes facilitates the deferred payment of cosmetic surgery.
• Selfie culture and the widespread use of front-facing smartphone cameras have led to a heightened awareness of one's own appearance.
• These days, the effects of plastic surgery are less pronounced and more seamless.
• Society should stop criticising body modification and instead focus on praising variety.