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Since the beginning of time, man has always been keen on his appearance and how others viewed him. People with anomalies in their appearance have always been treated differently hence their need to alter their appearance and feel normal. Cosmetic surgery, therefore, is a necessary evil since people will always want to change their appearance so as to be perceived in a particular way. Health engine (2010) explains that cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure that is done in order to alter how a body part is oriented. Features such as structure, texture, color, or position of a body part can be changed during cosmetic surgery. However, there are some alterations which do not require the surgical approach and are referred to as non-surgical cosmetic surgery.
Critical discourse analysis is a method that involves assessing what is meant when language is used to describe various concepts. This method is especially important in the discussion on cosmetic surgery because it involves the consideration of terms used in describing cosmetic surgery but which were applied in different contexts. It is a common belief that the scientific approach has always yielded better results when applied in research but in cases that deal with social norms, this might not always be true.
Reality shows are generally an insight into the inner workings of a variety of issues, from celebrity lives to movie production processes, to talk shows among many more. However, the scientific method fails to consider the fact that some of the actors in reality shows might not hold the beliefs that are being discussed at a particular time. Therefore, critical discourse analysis is vital in analyzing the specific context in which certain terms are applied and thus drawing conclusions from it.
In a scene in the reality show, “The only way is Essex”, the character Lauren Pope complains about having PIP implants which she claims are horrible. She further states that more than 40,000 women have them. Chloe Simms, another character in the scene claims that there has been a public uproar and several demonstrations had occurred. Lauren Pope explains that the uproar has been due to an increased rate of the implants bursting and she did not wish to have a bursting implant. She goes on to explain that she had been yearning to change the shape and size of her breasts because she was not pleased by their orientation. Chloe Simms differed because according to her they were nice the way they were. Frankie Essex, the final character in the scene, is moved by the whole conversation between Lauren Pope and Chloe Simms because earlier on she did not understand why there were riots about PIP implants.
According to Chiara Townley (2019), surgical cosmetic procedures have been on the rise in a span of 5 years in America. She further states that statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that about 18 million individuals underwent cosmetic surgery in 2018. Chiara Townley (2019), goes on to explain that a study conducted in the United Kingdom revealed that people who undergo cosmetic surgery do so majorly due to low self-esteem, religious beliefs, and media influence. She also adds that although cosmetic surgery is more attractive to women, more men are now engaging in cosmetic surgery. Most cosmetic surgeries are focused on the appearance of the body because most people in society want to have the accepted “normal look”. Therefore more people are undergoing surgical procedures to alter their appearance.
Reality shows have increased over time and have become difficult to avoid owing to the fact that such shows can be accessed in many ways including the internet. According to Kaelia Neil (2016), many people who watch reality shows might not distinguish between what is depicted on television and real life. She further states that the more a person spends watching television, the more what they see on the television seems to be real. Ideally, people should accept how they look and focus on ways of improving their lives. However, society has set certain standards to which all people should adhere in order to be considered normal. Those who do not conform to these standards are put under pressure to be normal. Reality shows to some extent have been a tool used to portray the “acceptable standards”, especially one related to physical features. Kaelia Neil (2016) explains that the way the media portrays cosmetic surgery and its relevance to appearance might be the greatest contributor to the increase in cosmetic surgeries.
It is therefore very evident from the scene in “The only way is Essex” that cosmetic surgery is no longer a touchy subject but a widely accepted phenomenon. When an individual feels that a part of their body is not pleasing, they simply get it fixed via cosmetic surgery. It is so common that sometimes protests arise due to unsatisfactory products used for cosmetic surgery such as substandard breast implants.
In the second scene, Lauren Pope was accompanied by Chloe Simms to a PIP consultant. In the scene, Lauren points out her desire to replace the breast implants she currently had with even bigger ones as well as change their placement. The consultant assures her that no evidence had been tabled to prove the implants were faulty. After a quick check-up, Lauren is given a breakdown about her implants which she does not like. She then compares her implants with Chloe’s citing that they were much better than what she had. Lauren and Chloe then compare the implant sizes of various media personalities they know.
It is common human behavior to copy things from people they consider to be better than them because by doing so they will be like the person they admire. Thus, it is very common to find people dressing, talking, and altering their appearance to look like certain media personalities. The media has also grown over time, nowadays there is a variety of trending individuals, from movie actors to musicians to bloggers, and social media personalities.
Social media in particular has made it that much easier to access sensitive information about a trending person. In fact, there is more pressure on famous people now than before to satisfy the public’s fantasies. That is why many actors and musicians among many others alter their appearance to keep up with public desire. According to Megan Barnett (2017), social media personalities have been gaining more influence over the fashion and beauty industry, a sector previously dominated by celebrities. She further adds that these newfound social media celebrities trade on relatability rather than looks. Megan Barnett (2017) points out that some celebrities are making a positive impact by demystifying the reasons behind cosmetic surgery. One such example is Victoria Beckham who removed her implants. This gesture is crucial in trying to assist an already perceptive society on the advantages and limitations of cosmetic surgery from the upper side of fame.
In the third scene, Chloe Simms approaches Frankie Essex and shares her idea of getting implants in her buttocks. She shares her deep desire for having her buttocks adjusted, however, Frankie Essex seems to be against it because she hints at several situations that would feel awkward. Chloe then shows Frankie exactly why she feels she needs a cosmetic procedure done on her. Frankie eventually agrees to cite that Chloe’s buttocks are not very attractive after which Chloe promises not to have any more surgeries.
Catherine Ford (2013) narrates a personal experience where she was shocked to discover a close friend had undergone a cosmetic procedure but had kept the incident secret. She further explains that it was quite absurd that her friend had remodeled herself whereas her opinions were against the alteration of natural beauty. According to Catherine Ford (2013), cosmetic procedures have become common but still possess several uncertainties. People who have such procedures done on them often believe they are reinventing their personalities through appearance as well as self-improvement. However, to them, this transformation is supposed to occur without any comment, especially from their friends and family.
Catherine Ford (2013) points out that cosmetic surgery, done especially on older individuals, may be an indicator of their anxiety and personality identity crisis which is why they mostly keep it secret. Some people even go to the extent of having the procedures done in secrecy. However, Catherine Ford (2013) explains that even though most people are still skeptical about cosmetic surgery, it is not right to condemn those who pursue it. People should try to understand where such individuals are coming from, accept them for who they have become and move on.
From the events of the scene, it is evident that Chloe is not confident about her appearance. However, she seeks Frankie’s opinion in order to reassure herself that she is not making a bad decision. Many individuals who undergo cosmetic surgery often grapple with such dilemmas and need support from trusted ones. But, at times striking a balance between supporting a friend’s decision and looking out for what is best for them is difficult. Therefore, when handling such delicate situations one must always remember not everyone has accepted their looks.
In the fourth scene, Diags and Joey are seated in a café waiting for their friend Arg. When Arg shows up, Diags and Joey seem surprised by their friend’s appearance because he seems to be in very good shape. Earlier on they had been discussing Arg’s weight loss because apparently it seemed Arg had been trying to lose a significant amount of weight. Arg had his teeth, eyebrows and eyelashes adjusted. Joey and Diags then enquired as to whether Arg’s new look would be permanent or if he would eventually revert to his previous looks. Arg then reassures them that the look was there to stay and that he had improved himself for himself.
According to Fahemeh Akhlaghi et al. (n.d.), there exist two forms in which an individual views themselves, perceived self-conceptualization and ideal self-conceptualization. Perceived self-conceptualization is the notion that comes about from how a person views themselves while ideal self-conceptualization is an ideal perception a person has of themselves that they strive to achieve. Too much of either conceptualization is considered harmful and individuals who have this problem are considered to be obsessed with themselves therefore a balance should exist between the two. The more these two perceptions differ the more a person becomes confused and negative. This set of emotions leads them to pursue an ideal perception that is considered acceptable by society and cosmetic procedures satisfy this need.
Fahemeh Akhlaghi et al. (n.d.) explains that a flaw in one’s self-conceptualization as well as low self-esteem are the main reasons that may lead one to seek cosmetic surgery. Fahemeh Akhlaghi et al. (n.d.) further explain that changing appearance via surgery may not end in the patient achieving the satisfaction they sought after. The lack of satisfaction with one’s body image may be due to other unrelated mental and emotional factors. Some individuals suffer from identity crises and thus even if cosmetic surgery is performed on them the desired effect will not be achieved. Once such a disorder is corrected, the patient will be in a better state to decide what they want to achieve with cosmetic surgery. Mentally stable persons though are better candidates to undergo cosmetic procedures because they have specific desires which when fulfilled yield satisfaction.
Therefore in the scene, Arg was confident enough to leave his friends in amazement because they expected him to be a shadow of himself. Arg however reassured his friends that all was well with him and that all his efforts were for his benefit. He had undergone a few cosmetic procedures and hence looked different but it was his sense of self-composure that was astonishing. He might have struck a balance between his ideal self-conceptualization and his perceived self-conceptualization during his quest for self-satisfaction. Therefore, for whatever reason an individual may seek cosmetic surgery, the most important aspect to consider is the balance between their fantasies and what they really need. Too much emphasis on one aspect often results in disappointment and eventually low self-esteem.
In the last scene, Chloe Simms is with a beautician undergoing a glycolic face peel. During the procedure, glycolic is applied to her face which is a bit more painful than what she is used to. Chloe comments about the procedure being a household favorite among the famous especially before major events, to which the beautician agrees. The beautician then proceeds to describe the next procedure which involves injecting Chloe with some beauty product all over her face which will help in her facial appearance. The beautician then inquires about Chloe’s state of mind before she turns thirty and Chloe responds by stating she dreads turning thirty. However, Chloe still has hopes of getting married to a person she really loves and spending a lifetime with them.
Cosmetic procedures in as much as they tend to correct certain anomalies are not always as painless as they may seem. Some complications may arise during the operation which may lead to adverse effects on the patient which may further worsen their emotional state. Natalie Kita (2018) explains that there are numerous risks associated with cosmetic surgery. Some of them include infection, delayed healing, anesthesia dangers, and loss of sensation among many others. It is common knowledge that most celebrities are terrified of aging. Therefore, most media personalities spend a lot of time and persevere through painful and risky procedures in order to “stay in the game” as they like to call it. And since society often looks up to them for guidance on a number of issues, they are led to believe that aging is bad.
It is now business as usual finding people undergoing cosmetic surgeries in order to look a few years younger. Aging in modern society is no longer revered but is considered a weakness, irresponsibility, and outdatedness. Unfortunately, this norm has been spread due to insecurities and misconceptions of trendsetters to grapple with the fact that aging is a natural irreversible process. Rather than continuously perceiving aging as a vice, celebrities should apply their influence in trying to change this flawed reasoning and they themselves embracing the aging process.
According to Fahemeh Akhlaghi et al. (n.d.), patients with identity issues may believe that the result of a cosmetic procedure may help them improve their self-esteem. This is because after their body parts are altered to what is desirable their consideration for their body image also improves. However, undergoing cosmetic surgery might not always yield positive results for an individual. Thus, one should only pursue cosmetic surgery when they are completely aware of what one wants so as to achieve maximum satisfaction.
Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery (n.d.) argues that people with a better perception of their self-image are more productive in social and work setups and are more self-confident. However, dissatisfied patients tend to feel less productive and self-conscious about themselves. For a person considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure, they should fully be aware of the end feeling that surgery might have on them. Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery (n.d.) explain that some cosmetic procedures are crucial to children to enable them to lead normal lives. For parents, this is a difficult choice to make because there are many factors to be considered before arriving at a decision including the child’s opinion. Moreover, in case the need for cosmetic alteration ever arises, parents should always seek professional advice before deciding on the course of action to take. In teenagers, minor cosmetic adjustments might improve their confidence immensely. This is because, during the teenage period, youngsters become more conscious about their self-image, and incidences of teasing and trying to fit in might lower their confidence.
Ed Beardsell (2012) explains that cosmetic procedures have now become common and no longer viewed as taboo by society. However, the effects of cosmetic surgery are also felt by the people closest to the altered individual. After a cosmetic operation, a patient may exhibit a boost in confidence which may strengthen their romantic relationship as well as their intimacy. Ed Beardsell (2012) warns that cosmetic surgery may lead to discrimination by the significant other because they liked the person much better before the change. He also adds that the cost of the operation may put immense pressure on a relationship. Cosmetic surgery may also result in a personality change for the patient which might not go down so well with their significant other. Moreover, with successful cosmetic surgery comes increased attention on the patient by others and this might spark jealousy in their partner and strain the relationship.
Cosmetic surgery in the family setup can have several implications. First, when a member of the family gets an abnormality corrected by cosmetic procedures, other members of the family may feel happy for them. Cosmetic surgery may also be rejected by the family as it may go against their beliefs and customs and might brew conflict. The younger members of the family may also get inspired to venture into cosmetic operations to alter their looks. The family’s reputation may also be affected when non-members of the family discover a family member has had cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery may also encourage other family members to adopt it in order to change aspects of their body parts they do not feel comfortable with.
Sensitive matters such as appearance are often overlooked when one is in the company of friends. However, sudden changes in looks from cosmetic surgery make it more difficult to shy away from the issue. Friends are ideally perceived to be supportive and offer good advice without questioning a person’s motives. Some friends will support a person who has altered their appearance, others will question their rationale, and others will dislike the change. It all depends on the nature of the friendship. Friends have a duty to support a fellow friend especially when they are making a life-changing decision like having cosmetic surgery. It is also a friend’s duty to discourage a person who wants to have a cosmetic operation for vain reasons because it can greatly affect their relationship.
According to Mallory Muller (2017), everyone has had an aspect of their appearance that they wish they would change. She adds that many cosmetic surgeries, especially at a young age are not needed owing to the fact that the body structure changes as one grows older. In as much as cosmetic enhancements are beneficial, society has always considered it a taboo therefore, people who tend to have cosmetic surgery often hide it from society.
Mallory Muller (2017) explains that many teenagers are getting minor cosmetic operations in order to keep up with trends set by celebrities. However, it is not advisable for youngsters to pursue cosmetic surgery just for vanity because the risks are high. They are actively involved in school and the recovery process may greatly affect their learning schedule. It is high time trends set by celebrities on numerous platforms be questioned on merit because most people follow them blindly and end up regretting their choices. Also, it should be clear that not everything seen on television, including on reality shows, is the absolute truth.
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