Plastic surgery and injectables have risen in popularity, so much so that they have become the new normal. It’s nearly impossible to scroll any social platform without stumbling upon a user whose appearance is heavily altered by cosmetic procedures. What once was a luxury held only by the ultra-wealthy and most prominent Hollywood stars, the alteration of one’s appearance is now as accessible as a hair trim or manicure. So accessible in fact, that people have begun to add it to their monthly, or weekly, self-maintenance routines. As the beauty standards, particularly for women, continue to evolve and change, often towards an unnatural, unattainable look, should we come to terms with the fact that plastic surgery has become routine self-care? Or should we call out the increasing demands it places particularly on young, impressionable women to adhere to the everchanging beauty ideals, no matter the cost?

Dr. Stafford Broumand, a board certified, practicing plastic surgeon in the state of New York, notes cosmetic procedures and surgeries he predicts will rise in popularity, because nothing, not even plastic, seems to be immune to a trend. Minimally invasive procedures, like dermal fillers and micro-needling seem to be on the rise. Procedures like lip flips are also seeing an increase, along with “rejuvenating” services for reducing the signs of aging, brightening the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores, etc. And of course, consistent with the fervent use of GLP-1’s amongst the general public, body contouring procedures, like liposuction, are also expected to follow an upwards trend. 

Cosmetic Treatments as Self-Care

Self-care is the engagement in activities that will better the self in all domains, i.e. physical, mental, spiritual, etc. Self-care can look very different for different people. For some, it may be a night spent in, applying a relaxing face mask and watching a movie on the couch. For others, it may be a hot yoga class, or a walk in the park, or journaling. Self-care takes many forms, and it’s highly reliant on the individual and the life domain in which they seek to nurture. But for many, self-care extends itself into the realm of beauty treatments. Getting a blowout, a fresh manicure, a spray tan. With the undeniable rise in accessibility and normalcy of plastic surgery, particularly among minimally invasive and temporary procedures like injectables, altering one’s appearance has become mainstream. So much so that an appointment to the med spa for dermal filler or botox is as common as a scheduled bang trim or mani-pedi. But it comes with a price. Trifecta Med Spa, a chain of med spas within New York City, lists its prices for several of its services online. A single syringe of dermal filler ranges from 600 to 1200 dollars. A single unit of botox costs 16 dollars. Injectco.com suggests, on average, 40 to 65 units of botox are required for a full upper face treatment. That’s 640 to 1,040 dollars for a full treatment. 

Zillennials and Self-Care

Zillennials in particular have placed a prioritization on self-care, namely in the pursuit of achieving a healthy balance in all areas of life. Which is why the justification of cosmetic procedures amongst this cohort is rather concerning. NPR’s It’s Been a Minute podcast series featured a conversation with editor and host Joan Summers discussing cosmetic procedures and society’s outlook on those who get work done. She mentions a concern, possibly one of the most troubling characteristics with these trends, that these procedures are often targeted at young, 20-something year old women. The same cohort of women who have popularized the idea of self-care. The same women who are often the targets of bombarding messages surrounding beauty ideals, trends, and desirability. 

The reality? The plastic surgery industry is predatory. It appeals to impossible ideals perpetuated by a consumerist society that measures success in numbers. The more women feel the need to change their appearance, the more they strive for a tangible solution, and temporary, accessible procedures offer just that, a quick fix to an enduring problem. All the while, the industry makes money by promising self-esteem, acceptance, and happiness. The solution is not a simple one, but professionals suggest a more holistic approach to self-care, one centered around the entire person, to enhance self-esteem and protect against the effects aggressive messaging has on self-perception. Because ultimately, a well-rounded, positive sense of self doesn’t come from the immediate erasure of physical insecurity. It comes from consistent investment in one self, grace, and nurture. The core tenants of self-care. 

Is plastic surgery self care? Tell us what you think in the comments!