In recent years, it has been a growing trend among people to have plastic surgery in an attempt to enhance their appearance. This phenomenon is driven by constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and medical advances. Notwithstanding the widespread use of cosmetic surgery, I personally believe that this is largely a negative trend due to the long-term physical and psychological effects it might bring.
A major contributing factor to this phenomenon is the rise of social media. While scrolling on social media, people may encounter the posts of celebrities or influencers. Constant exposure to those types of edited photos can lead people to internalise unrealistic beauty standards. By repeatedly comparing themselves to celebrities, individuals may become insecure and dissatisfied with their appearance. Therefore, they eventually choose cosmetic procedures, believing that it can solve their problems. Another contributing factor is the rapid advances in medical technology. Nowadays, with medical advancements such as modern technology and sophisticated techniques, plastic surgery has become much safer and more affordable. The increasingly easy access to this procedure contributes greatly to its widespread use.
Despite the growing trend of cosmetic surgery, I am convinced that this is largely a negative development. A primary reason for my concern is the underlying aftereffects of this procedure. Thanks to medical advances, the procedure has become safer than in the past. Nevertheless, it still carries potential health risks: this type of surgery may cause infection, facial paralysis and other health-related problems. In addition, heavy reliance on cosmetic procedures can induce an unhealthy obsession with beauty. Over time, people who undergo plastic surgery may link their self-worth with their appearance, without truly accepting themselves. This can result in lower self-esteem and insecurity.
In summary, the prevalence of cosmetic surgery is encouraged by medical advancements and excessive exposure to social media. This trend is primarily a negative development, as it can lower one’s self-esteem and pose severe health risks.