More and more people undergo cosmetic surgery today for a desirable appearance. There are several motivations behind this trend, and I believe that this phenomenon is both positive and negative.
The rising trend of plastic surgery might be explained by many people’s belief in superstitions and the perceived modern ideal beauty standards. Many follow feng shui masters’ advice to change certain facial features to welcome luck and maintain prosperity. In Vietnam, for instance, many young entrepreneurs tend to seek superstitious guidance before launching their businesses. They are willing to spend hundreds of millions of VND on a nose job to augment the nose bridge because of the superstitious belief that wealth is stored in a big, round nose. Also, the rise of new beauty standards, influenced by the intensive social media exposure today, may explain why many people endorse this trend. As platforms like Instagram and TikTok increasingly shape ideals of beauty with curated images and influencer endorsements, individuals are often motivated to align with these perceived standards to gain acceptance in digital and real-world settings alike, and undergoing surgeries to obtain desirable features has become a norm. Once seen as a taboo, cosmetic surgery is now considered the unquestionable pathway to an ideal appearance.
I believe there are both positive and negative aspects to the surge in cosmetic surgery procedures. Achieving the ideal look is considered empowering and can boost one’s confidence in both professional and social settings. In fields such as performing or acting, for example, where appearance sometimes outweighs talent, good looks and figures may significantly contribute to one’s success. This highlights how cosmetic enhancements can shape perceptions of capability and attractiveness. However, a frequently neglected downside of this trend is that plastic surgery carries various risks concerning both physical and mental health. Non-invasive procedures like Botox injections can temporarily limit facial expressions, while invasive surgeries like breast augmentation pose potentially life-threatening risks. Additionally, poor cosmetic outcomes can reverse initial hopes for confidence, leading to diminished self-esteem and even mental breakdown.
In conclusion, superstitious beliefs and modern beauty standards might be motivations behind the growing trend of plastic surgery, which I believe encompasses both bright and dark sides.