Facing the Reality of Cosmetic Procedures
“Have you noticed that the incisors and canines are the same length?” This is a conversation starter I found myself engaged in at various gatherings this past year. Our casual get-togethers morphed into informal dentistry discussions as we scrutinized pictures of celebrities flaunting their dazzling, impeccable, and often unreasonably large teeth. We were captivated by the uncanny similarity of famous smiles. This intrigue is not isolated to our circle; as awareness around veneers escalates—along with the harsh realities of the process—an air of skepticism has taken hold. Sure, trimming down your teeth and embracing the risks of decay and chronic discomfort might yield a flawless smile, but in the pursuit of it, are we not also erasing the unique features that make us who we are?
The Price of Perfection
This dilemma goes far beyond veneers, extending into a vast realm of cosmetic modifications. Popular procedures like dermal fillers, Botox, lip enhancements, jawline contouring, rhinoplasty, chin implants, buccal fat removal, chemical peels, blepharoplasty, and brow lifts have seen an uptick in acceptance, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These treatments promise a refined, symmetrical, and youthful look. Yet, the rapid increase in popularity has resulted in a notable transformation of individuals’ features—especially among women, who accounted for 84% of facial cosmetic surgery patients in 2023. With these changing looks, societal norms are shifting, leading people to express discomfort more openly about the altered appearances of public figures.
“We have finally reached a moment that makes us confront a broken promise: the false assurance that self-actualization comes through physical perfection.”
Cultural Expectations and the Reality of Altered Faces
In today’s world, criticizing someone’s evolving appearance is almost taboo. However, as the features of celebrities, influencers, and even acquaintances are stretched, filled, and frozen, it becomes crucial to examine what these transformations reveal. For instance, contestants on reality shows like *Love Island* often look so dramatically altered that it raises concerns over regulatory gaps in the UK regarding cosmetic procedures. Likewise, the jarring shift in Matt Gaetz’s appearance captured attention at the Republican National Convention, prompting headlines questioning, “What Happened to Matt Gaetz’s Face?”
As dermatologists share their insights on social media, phrases like “pillowface” have begun to describe faces excessively filled with enhancements. This trend falls within a broader category that includes the so-called “Mar-a-Lago face,” which has become associated with certain personalities in the political realm, echoing the beauty standards popularized in a 2019 *New Yorker* article about “Instagram face.”
A Reckoning of Beauty Standards
This cultural reckoning is not simply about individual choices like rhinoplasty; it highlights a concerning trend of frequent cosmetic patients—most of whom are women—whose facial modifications risk rendering them unrecognizable. Too much filler or Botox can paradoxically age individuals, demonstrating that the pursuit of eternal youth often backfires, leaving behind a canvas of lost time, effort, and money.
No film has delved into the sinister extremes of this obsession quite like Coralie Fargeat’s *The Substance.* The film portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, whose quest to reclaim her youth via a mysterious serum results in gruesome, irreversible changes to her body. Watching it evokes a visceral reaction, drawing parallels between cinematic horror and the real-life horrors women often endure in their attempts to achieve an idealized beauty. In the short documentary *You’ll Be Happier,* a scene depicting a woman undergoing a Brazilian butt lift parallels the cinematic gore, showcasing the harsh realities and risks associated with such drastic measures.
The Uncanny Valley of Beauty
The phenomenon of exaggerated alterations, obsession, and disconnection from one’s body reflects a disturbing shift towards cosmetic body horror, defined by grotesque transformations. The reality shows we consume only reinforce this, as I realized while binge-watching series like *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,* *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,* and *The Golden Bachelorette.* The women in these shows often resemble one another so closely that it feels unsettling—each sporting the same extravagant hair and overly sculpted aesthetics in a collective pursuit of youth.
“On a fundamental level, ageing is proof we are still here.”
Confronting Reality in a World of Illusions
Women’s investment in their appearances often stems from deeply rooted societal expectations that equate beauty with value. Conventionally attractive individuals experience tangible benefits, from higher incomes to lower rates of incarceration. Yet, amid this backdrop, cultural narratives are shifting. Increasingly, women are expressing discontent over the lengths they have gone to conform to rigid beauty standards, showcasing their cosmetic procedure regrets. Celebrities admitting to these regrets further signify a cultural shift towards authenticity and acceptance of natural ageing.
As trends evolve, the backlash against excessive enhancements feels significant, highlighting the importance of individuality amid relentless societal pressures for conformity. The rise of influencers documenting their “glow downs” signals a desire for authenticity, as many women grapple with the implications of not only their physical appearances but also their identities in a world fixated on perfection.
A Broken Promise of Self-Actualization
While the cultural conversation around beauty is evolving, it remains coupled with harsh realities regarding women’s autonomy and societal expectations. The superficial celebration of youthful femininity seems increasingly inadequate. In a climate where women’s roles and appearances are scrutinized, there is a unique strength in rejecting conformist ideals, revealing the gap between physical perfection and true self-acceptance.
The women featured in shows like *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* may embrace success in certain arenas—landing lucrative sponsorships or achieving the aesthetic ideal. However, their circumstances reveal the facade of empowerment. An unforgettable scene underscores the disparity between striving for an ideal appearance and the harsh realities they face, as one woman is berated by her husband despite her efforts to conform. The chasm between physical allure and authentic self-expression remains deeply ingrained.
