Those who think about their appearance are certainly not stupid. The appearance of our body is profound psychological, social and cultural importance to our personality.
Our cultural history shows that both men and women have the desire of physical beauty and artificial beauty. It can express joy in life, but also a desperate struggle with unattainable ideals. When we first meet a person, we judge them by their appearance and immediately and spontaneously develop sympathy or antipathy.
Many studies have shown that physically attractive people have numerous advantages and enjoy their life more compared with less beautiful people: they are offered more help, they are more likely to get a job, they earn more, they are convicted less often in court and they are given shorter prison sentences. Unconsciously, beautiful people are attributed more positive character traits and they are happier and more successful. Indeed, cosmetic laser surgery can improve your outlook in life. But make sure that you will also consider cosmetic surgery prices before you undergo these treatments.
Therefore, is the boom of the beauty industry surprising? Obviously, no one should support fashion excesses. It is the task of sociologists and psychologists to analyze and criticize the excesses and cult beauty of the youth of our society. In the United States, we can only hope that we are spared of grotesque developments - where teens are taken to plastic surgeons by their mothers.
The scathing criticism of many women in the many "beauty traps" of our daily lives is understandable. Even committed feminists accept good looks as "politically correct" now. In fact, the beauty criteria are very important now. Of course, the criteria by which a face is perceived as beautiful are dependent on cultures and fashions.
Nevertheless, there is a fundamental canon that is perceived as always beautiful almost everywhere. It is characterized by total driving, more feminine features, high cheek bones, even and smooth skin. The face shape is usually all about the "golden ratio" (vertical mouth-eye distance 46% of the length of the face, eye-eye distance 46% of the face width). From the perspective of evolutionary biology, "being attractive" involves giving a reference to the special health and reproductive fitness.
Of course, the interest in beauty and cosmetic surgery is fueled massively by the media. Over 1250 TV programs about cosmetic surgery were broadcast in the spring of 2003 (study of the University of South Carolina). More than 10 million viewers watched such surgery shows every week. Aesthetic medicine is therefore a major trend in health care. The cosmetic surgery prices of this trend may vary from one clinic to the other. Cosmetic laser surgery from one clinic may not be the same with the others.
Is it morally justified?
In 2009, psychologists in Canada studied why women undergo cosmetic surgery. 4 factors were of utmost importance: 1) general dissatisfaction with the body 2) the desire to correct a particular defect (e.g. nasal hump) 3) experience of social stigma (e.g. teasing because of protruding ears) 4) role models in the media.
Dissatisfaction with one's own body was the most important motivation. Is it legitimate for a doctor to pay as much attention to the beauty needs of his patients? Some think that physicians should take the needs and problems of their patients more seriously and - look for a solution compatible with medical ethics. This also applies to actual or perceived beauty problems. There are imperceptible transitions between beauty and brokering symptoms with all lesions. Beauty and health are inextricably linked to the skin, so a dermatologist should always be asked to make an assessment in case of persistent lesions.
Men are increasingly concerned with their beauty and also compete with similarly unattainable ideals. Male mannequins are now 188 cm tall, they have a chest circumference of 107 cm and wear suits size 52. Who does not want to have that "Greco-Roman body with a Mussolini touch" (the description in the jargon)?
Beauty has always been a fascination for men: Egyptian hair clips for men, ancient Chinese razors, Pompeian toiletries, powder boxes of perfumed shower gel have shown the male beauty needs. When looking at historical fashion trends, it is clear that men striving for beauty were inextricably powerful, too. The integration of beauty and health was once unthinkable and there was no specific objective, contrary to the present time.
The wigs of Louis XIV and Madame Pompadour were unsanitary, parasites swarming around, and the health aspects of the skin care were neglected. However, health was a survival necessity for farmers while beauty was only a whim. Today, democratization and individualization are central pillars of the personal care - everyone has access to affordable mass market products.
Our body enjoys physical, mental and emotional worship rituals. The best beauty product is indeed the loving gaze of other people - unfortunately, this fountain is too often missing in our lives. The search for a replacement is therefore the best way to deal with the lacks. From a medical perspective, cosmetic surgery should be regarded as an aid, not as an educational measure.
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