People worldwide increasingly opt for plastic surgery to enhance their appearance, a trend fueled by the societal emphasis on beauty standards.
However, I believe this development is negative as it can harm a person’s health.
Cosmetic procedures are in high demand because people want to meet society’s expectations for beauty. Those with ideal facial features or body shapes have advantages in social and professional settings. Some professions, such as acting and flight attending, are especially concerned with physical appearance. Even in other job vacancies, recruiters and HR representatives may eliminate candidates who do not meet beauty standards before assessing their skills or experience. In Korea, where appearance is particularly important, plain-looking citizens not only face difficulties in securing jobs but also appearance-based discrimination.
While plastic surgery can offer benefits, it also poses physical and psychological risks. Complications such as infection, scarring, and post-anesthetic issues are common. In severe cases, patients may experience facial dysmorphia, cardiovascular or respiratory complications, or even death. Patients may also become dissatisfied with the results, leading to body dysmorphia disorder, a mental health condition in which they become overly preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. They may also suffer from depression and anxiety or become addicted to plastic surgery, all of which contribute to poor mental health.
In conclusion, the pressure to conform to beauty standards has led to the popularity of the cosmetic surgery industry. However, indulging in plastic beauty can have a negative impact on people’s health. Therefore, this trend should be monitored and controlled.