Cosmetic procedures, including plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures such as fillers, are more prolific than ever with millions occurring each year. These operations can be somewhat controversial; it seems like everyone has something to say about it. With potential implications for personal health, self-confidence, and the economy, this seemingly trivial concept has proven to be rather consequential.
According to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 1.5 million cosmetic surgeries and 28 million minimally-invasive procedures were performed in 2024; both increased since 2023. Surgical prices ranged from $2,000 to $19,000 on average, despite slow economic growth and more conservative spending. The report also shows that men are increasingly undergoing cosmetic procedures, accounting for a higher portion of growth than before.
What is notable about most cosmetic procedures, especially the most popular ones, is that they tend to reflect acceptable standards of beauty. Despite this, perceptions of cosmetic procedures tend to be negative across multiple audiences and countries. This is known as the “cosmetic surgery paradox;” people, especially women, are pressured into meeting a certain standard of beauty, but when they resort to cosmetic procedures, they are seen as vain, insecure, lazy, or deceptive.
There are numerous explanations for this phenomenon, namely the naturalistic fallacy and perceived injustice. The naturalistic fallacy refers to the belief that natural=good, including natural beauty. According to this logic, unnatural methods of achieving beauty are deceptive, immoral, or impure. Such beliefs can be rooted in religious ideologies or the simple opinion that unnatural looks are unattractive. Other theories are related to concepts of injustice, particularly regarding jealousy. Cosmetic surgery is seen as an unfair advantage in a competitive world, especially considering the extreme costs of such procedures.
Though these beliefs are popular across several countries, Brazil is a notable exception. While places like South Korea and the United States may view cosmetic surgery as a reinforcement of unfair beauty standards that are inaccessible for many, Brazil sees it as an equalizer. Rather than exacerbating existing class inequalities, Brazil has subsidized plastic surgery to become more accessible to people from each socioeconomic status. The reasoning behind this decision was to eradicate the physical “indicators” of poverty or criminality and thus level the playing field.
While apparently well-intentioned, this philosophy is clearly classist and predatory. Rather than condemning stereotypes, Brazil elected to prey on the lower class to undergo potentially harmful procedures and lengthy recovery times in order to support the cosmetic surgery industry (shockingly, this strategy was proposed by a plastic surgeon). That is not to say, however, that Brazil’s plastic surgery industry is the only predatory plastic surgery industry, because that is far from true. The global plastic surgery industry is inherently predatory, preying on people’s insecurities (and often creating them) and profiting off of them. The term “medicalization” refers to the process by which cosmetic surgeons create the false impression that certain traits are abnormal or harmful and in need of fixing (labial appearance, for example), a tactic frequently practiced by the cosmetic surgery industry. As a result, people with those traits believe they need to correct them when, in reality, they do not.
This is not to say that no cosmetic procedures have physical benefits (although propaganda can make it seem like more of them do than in reality). Braces, for instance, are commonly seen as an aesthetically-enhancing treatment, when in actuality they can have long-term oral health benefits. Reconstructive surgeries, which are considered cosmetic and often performed by plastic surgeons, can help patients recover from injuries and even prevent cancer from spreading, among other potential benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic procedures do not significantly improve self-esteem in the long term. It is arguable, too, that certain improvements to self-esteem and body image may also be counteracted by negative perceptions of cosmetic surgery. It is not uncommon for patients with body dysmorphia to undergo cosmetic procedures, yet cosmetic surgery has little effect on symptoms of body dysmorphia. In fact, with the exception of gender-affirming procedures, many recipients express regret for their past operations.
Another common misconception is that plastic surgery is dangerous. While not entirely incorrect, it is rare for patients to experience complications related to cosmetic procedures. Complications associated with cosmetic procedures are similar to those related to most other medical procedures, meaning that risk factors such as pre-existing conditions, doctor or provider, and infections exist, but not at an increased rate (and even when they do occur, they are often treatable). While it is normal to be concerned about the safety of a treatment, especially one that is likely unnecessary, it is generally not applicable to cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures (although they can be addictive) are actually much safer than other beauty trends including (but not limited to) the tapeworm diet.
Considering the high monetary costs, extended recovery periods, possibility of injury or dissatisfaction, maintenance requirements, changes in trends, and social implications, plastic surgery isn’t worth the trouble. Its expansion is largely attributable to exploitative marketing and intense pressures to conform. Truthfully, it is entirely unnecessary and unhealthy for individuals and communities alike.