Recently, Allure Magazine, ran an excellent story concerning how and why some people “fess up” to having cosmetic surgery and others don’t.
Coincidentally, a recent consumer survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery reported that “71% of respondents believe society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery compared with five years ago.”
I suspect that may have something to do with the cosmetic surgery TV reality programs such as Doctor 90210 and Extreme Makeover. I was pleased to be one of the original Doctor 90210 doctors and felt that the program did help open the eyes of the viewing public to the very positive nature of cosmetic surgery. Likewise, Extreme Makeover really “wowed” the viewers by showing them the potential for rather impressive changes in entire body appearance. Of course, on Extreme Makeover, any and all forces were brought to bear including cosmetic surgery, injections such as Restylane, Juvederm, Botox, hair styling and makeup artistry. But the bottom line was that the public could see without having to ask a friend or neighbor some pretty impressive results.
Interestingly, the same American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery survey showed that “62% of respondents said society’s attitude towards cosmetic surgery made them feel more comfortable about undergoing a cosmetic procedure.” This is a reflection of increased openness in our society. Again, I credit the television programs with helping people understand that there is no shame nor is it a badge of narcissism that one has cosmetic procedures.
Cleopatra
Let us not forget that for thousands of years, men and women have desired to improve their appearance. Even Cleopatra wrote about it in the first book about improving one’s appearance. The difference between then and now is we have plenty of techniques, products and supplies to do the job.