In the age of globalization and the ever-increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery, it is no longer unusual for individuals to travel across borders in pursuit of beauty. This phenomenon has given rise to the emergence of surgical hotspots in countries like Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, and the United States. In a world where beauty is often perceived as a currency, we see instances like that of three Chinese women stranded at a South Korean airport due to their faces becoming unrecognizable from the extreme swelling caused by multiple cosmetic procedures. As access to plastic surgery becomes more widespread, the risks associated with these procedures are often overlooked or disregarded.

Many young women in recent years feel pressured to turn to surgery to conform to society’s beauty standards, especially with the constant exposure to curated beauty through social media. Social media sets high expectations for one’s appearance by bombarding people with flawless and idealized beauty. Young people are especially affected by these influences, making them feel that surgical enhancements are the only way to attain the societal beauty ideals. With the rise of social media, the pressure to conform to beauty standards has become an epidemic amongst young people, causing an increase in eating disorders, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, body dysmorphia issues, and an unhealthy relationship with their appearance. 

Many notable celebrities like the Kardashians are often at the forefront of beauty trends, and are known for the popularization of procedures like the BBL (or Brazilian Butt Lift), lip filler, and Botox. Celebrities and influencers frequently undergo cosmetic procedures, making it seem like a commonplace and easily attainable transformation. Young people often feel pressured to emulate their idols through peer pressure and the influence of pop culture. Teenagers are still young and impressionable, making them easily fall victim to peer pressure and feel a necessity to conform to the beauty standards that are perpetuated through social media. Consumer culture also plays a role in the emphasis of beauty standards, as many popular celebrities endorse beauty products like Kylie Cosmetics that women feel inclined to purchase, as a way of getting closer to attaining the perfect appearance. 

 According to Dove, 90% of girls say that social media makes them feel less attractive, and 56% of girls feel that they can’t achieve the beauty standards that are projected on social media. While some individuals may genuinely benefit from cosmetic surgery, the trend’s societal impact, particularly on young people, demands careful consideration. Encouraging a more diverse and inclusive definition of beauty, fostering realistic expectations, and promoting mental well-being are essential steps towards addressing the complex issues arising from this global phenomenon. Overall, it is important to find a balance between personal autonomy and societal responsibility through the pursuit of beauty enhancement.