The rise of social media has played a pivotal role in shaping unrealistic beauty ideals, creating an unattainable standard for both men and women. The portrayal of flawless faces and perfectly sculpted bodies by celebrities has led to an unprecedented surge in the demand for cosmetic procedures.
Maryam al Balushi, a student at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), observed that the obsession with plastic surgery has transformed into an addiction and imitation. Models and celebrities, whose faces bear the scars of excessive surgeries, become unwitting icons, influencing others to pursue these alterations as a status symbol.
Body sculpting, also known as contouring, has become a popular choice, often discussed fervently in women's circles. This expensive procedure has garnered attention due to its prevalence on social networking sites, where celebrities use their altered appearances as promotional tools.
“We see there are models and celebrities whose faces have been disfigured by plastic surgery, and this is due to addiction to beauty products. Women save their money to perform a type of cosmetic surgery called body sculpting or (contouring). This type of operation are women talk in every gathering; it is an expensive operation, noting that social networking sites and celebrities have played a major role. In highlighting this trend, they are always a face for the camera and the face of companies for promotion, so their work requires that,” she says.
The obsession with plastic surgery has led to a noticeable similarity in facial features, especially with those obsessed with this type of surgery, especially girls; try to imitate Arab and international singers and artists.
Dr Lakshmi Indusri, a Specialist Dermatologist at Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Ghubra, highlights how the fear of aging and societal pressure to meet beauty standards have fuelled this obsession.
“The pursuit of an idealised image, perpetuated by influencers and celebrities, has led to a noticeable homogeneity in facial features, particularly among young girls. Driven by a desire to emulate Arab and international singers and artists, individuals undergo surgeries to mimic the perceived epitome of beauty,” she says.
Dr. Indusri urges caution against resorting to unlicensed and unsafe products, emphasising the potential for serious skin problems resulting from such choices.
A surprising catalyst for the recent surge in cosmetic procedures is the global Covid-19 pandemic. As per the British Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic procedures doubled in 2022 compared to the previous year. The pent-up demand caused by lockdowns contributed to this spike, but even as the world emerged from the pandemic, cosmetic surgeries continued to rise.
The International Society of Plastic Surgery reported a staggering 17.5 million cosmetic procedures worldwide in 2021, marking a one-third increase over surgical procedures. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted a concerning trend with around 12,000 cosmetic Botox injections administered to teenagers in 2020.
Amidst the wave of beauty obsession, it's crucial to recognise that cosmetic surgery can serve as a necessity for individuals aiming to repair, conceal, or mitigate damage to visible body organs caused by diseases, accidents, or other factors. Striking a balance between embracing one's natural features and making informed choices about cosmetic interventions is essential to foster a healthier relationship with self-image in an age dominated by the pursuit of perfection.
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