It’s not shocking when you see your favorite celebrities’ faces pulled up by invisible strings. Suddenly, their skin is tight, eyes are wide. Maybe their lips look fuller or even their cheeks, but this is expected, accepted even.
But what about your friends? Your peers? Slowly but surely, more and more young adults have been getting minor elective procedures like lip filler and Botox. Even though using these products is becoming more popular, it’s not becoming more normalized. There is still a huge stigma around these minimally invasive procedures. Especially for young women.
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, almost 75 percent of surgeons surveyed said they are seeing a rise in the number of patients under the age of 30 who request procedures like lip filler and Botox.
So, why is it still so frowned upon? Is it really that horrible?
Denial is a River in Egypt
Nothing is more frustrating than a celebrity or influencer denying the fact that they’ve had cosmetic surgery. Acting like getting these procedures done is such a bad thing, makes it a bad thing. This is why the stigma won’t die. The people who share their experience and maybe even why they did what they did, are usually more accepted and respected.
No one wants to be lied to. Especially when the truth is clear.
What’s the harm?
But seriously, what? What’s so bad about your mom, friends, significant other or even dad getting a little work done? If they’re upfront about it, the only person their decision is affecting is them. If someone has an insecurity, something they wish they could “fix” about themselves, why wouldn’t they do something about it if they can afford to?
It’s when the denial starts that it can get harmful. It creates unrealistic beauty standards. Whether you’re 20 or 50, no one is going to have a completely smooth forehead with no wrinkles. But when people think there are, they feel they need to “fix” the perfectly normal movements of their own forehead.
Taking back the power
These tiny cosmetic procedures have the power to make or break someone. Being transparent and open about doing it will help change people’s perspectives and turn the negative stigma into a positive.
No matter how much filler is in someone’s face. everyone is beautiful. Before and after, everyone is perfect the way they are.
What are your thoughts on cosmetic procedures? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
