“You’re perfect the way you are.” It has been a long-standing argument among bashers of cosmetic treatments. And yet, many of these people won’t hesitate to gossip about a misshapen nose the moment you turn your back.
Beauty treatments have existed for centuries. Historical records show that ancient Egyptians used honey and milk for healthy skin. The advent of science made surgical and non-surgical beauty interventions possible.
Grand View Research found that the market for professional beauty services stood at over USD 247 billion in 2023 and will grow at 7% until 2030. The results can tackle concerns you have struggled with for ages, like cystic acne or excessive fat deposits.
And yet, many of us shy away from considering these options for fear of being perceived as vain. Scaremongers claim that some procedures can leave you permanently botched or that the pain isn’t worth it.
How many of these fears are genuine? Let’s investigate the causes of stigma surrounding cosmetic treatments and attempt to clarify things.
Cosmetic Procedures Needn’t Involve Surgery
First, gather anyone who scares you about general anesthesia and a forbidding surgery room. They must realize that excellent cosmetic options exist that don’t require surgery.
For example, do you have apprehensions about your nose, like a wide bridge or a crooked tip? You can opt for a non-surgical procedure that uses dermal fillers for reshaping and gets completed in only 15 minutes. The results of these hyaluronic acid injections can last for up to 12 months or more.
Ensuring optimal liquid rhinoplasty aftercare at home is also straightforward, mainly entailing hydration and rest. You’ll need to avoid sweating and vigorous exercise for a while. If you do experience pain, it is generally mild enough to manage with painkillers and ice packs.
A common concern around beauty rituals is their “permanent” nature. What if things go awry, or you’d like to return to the status quo? Aesthetica by Dr. Adam notes how nose fillers dissolve with time without harming skin or cartilage. In fact, things return to their original shape eventually. Then, you can choose to repeat the process or pick a longer-lasting approach.
Today, non-surgical methods can fulfill many needs, from getting plumper lips to regrowing lost hair. Surgery phobia can go out the window.
Some Beauty Treatments Are Actually Medical
Why should a scar from a decade-old accident continue to haunt you each time you shower? There’s no reason to smile less because your teeth look crooked or yellow. Often, beauty procedures boil down to essential medical procedures.
Recently, BBC reported the heartwarming story of a teacher who overcame chronic headaches with Botox. Her nurse at the University Hospitals of North Midlands received a Daisy Award to recognize her efforts. More medical professionals are now using Botox to deal with migraines and essential tremors.
Our bodies and skin endure the wrath of stress in everyday life. It exacerbates problems like hyperpigmentation, hair thinning, and neglected oral care. Going the cosmetic route to diminish such concerns is anything but vain; it’s about taking charge.
Don’t Ignore The Psychological Benefits
A 2024 Psychology Today report found that many of us instinctively like “attractive” people. We assume they are more intelligent and well-adjusted. This halo effect impacts many social dimensions, with good-looking people earning almost 12% more than their less attractive counterparts.
The Conversation discusses how many people who undergo cosmetic work experience body image improvements. It can make you less self-conscious and keep your confidence up for many years afterward.
It seems harsh to place much value on looks in a world plagued by socio-economic divisions. But that does not alter the reality. Such treatments can decidedly tackle insecurities about your appearance. So, how different are they from the cosmetics in the bathroom? It makes sense to view them as additions to your self-care routine.
However, check your mental state while exploring a cosmetic regimen like Botox or breast enhancement. Those with preexisting depression or eating disorders may find their condition worsening in a bid to be perfect. The risks are higher if you face postoperative complications and a prolonged healing period.
Say Cheers to Preserving Diversities
A classic stigma around “beautification” is the loss of ethnicity and cultural heritage. Is the cosmetics world pushing everyone toward sameness (essentially Caucasian)? The Tablet Magazine wisely called this mish-mash of social media filters the The Instagram Face.
Here’s the catch. In a rush to judge the beauty industry, many overlook that the reason might be to highlight – and not blur – one’s roots. More people now take pride in their identity.
So, an Asian woman may be looking at enhancing the nose tip and not narrowing the hump to look more Western. The skincare landscape has also evolved, with makeup catering to diverse skin tones and facial architectures.
In fact, many cosmetologists now consider ethnic identity and origin before commencing. It is no longer about duplicating a “perfect” look but embracing your unique features with minor adjustments.
As the world gets noisier, making yourself heard needs confidence and courage. If apprehensions about your appearance interfere with larger life goals, it may be time to consider cosmetic intervention.
It can be a statement to celebrate yourself and express your openness to change, surface-level and deeper. You should be fine if you have thought things through and picked a reliable team with the necessary expertise.
