Cosmetic Surgery and Feminism: A Feminist Exploration of Beauty, Autonomy, and Empowerment

A Historical Perspective on Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has been around for centuries. In ancient Egypt, women used kohl to darken their eyes and lips, and henna to dye their hair. In the Middle Ages, wealthy women would use lead paint to whiten their skin.

The first modern cosmetic surgery procedure was performed in 1896 by a German surgeon named Jacques Joseph. Joseph used a skin graft to repair a woman's nose that had been damaged by syphilis.

In the early 20th century, cosmetic surgery became increasingly popular among wealthy women in Europe and the United States. These women sought out cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance and to conform to the beauty standards of the time.

Today, cosmetic surgery is a multi-billion dollar industry. Millions of people around the world undergo cosmetic surgery procedures each year.

Motivations for Cosmetic Surgery

There are many reasons why people choose to undergo cosmetic surgery. Some people want to improve their appearance to boost their self-confidence. Others want to correct a physical defect or to restore their appearance after an accident or injury.

According to a 2018 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common reasons why people undergo cosmetic surgery are:

• To improve self-confidence
• To correct a physical defect
• To restore appearance after an accident or injury
• To enhance a particular feature (e.g., breasts, nose, eyes)
• To look younger

It is important to note that there is no one "right" reason to undergo cosmetic surgery. The decision of whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration.

Ethical Considerations

There are a number of ethical considerations that should be taken into account when considering cosmetic surgery. These include:

• Informed consent: Patients should be fully informed about the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery before they undergo a procedure.
• Autonomy: Patients should have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies, including whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery.
• Exploitation: Cosmetic surgery should not be used to exploit vulnerable people.
• Perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards: Cosmetic surgery can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards that can lead to body dissatisfaction and mental health problems.
• Gender inequality: Cosmetic surgery can reinforce gender inequality by perpetuating the idea that women are not beautiful enough unless they conform to certain physical standards.

It is important to weigh the potential benefits of cosmetic surgery against the potential risks and ethical considerations before making a decision about whether or not to undergo a procedure.

Cosmetic Surgery as a Feminist Act

Dr. Sarah Riley argues that cosmetic surgery can be a feminist act when it is done for the right reasons and with the right intentions. She argues that cosmetic surgery can be a way for women to empower themselves and achieve their desired physical appearance.

Riley emphasizes that cosmetic surgery should not be seen as a way to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, but rather as a way for women to express their individuality and to feel more confident in their own skin.

She also cautions that cosmetic surgery should not be used to exploit vulnerable people or to perpetuate gender inequality.

The relationship between cosmetic surgery and feminism is complex and multifaceted. There are no easy answers to the questions of whether or not cosmetic surgery is a feminist act. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits, risks, and ethical implications.

Dr. Sarah Riley's book, Cosmetic Surgery Feminist Primer, is a valuable resource for anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, motivations, and ethical considerations surrounding cosmetic surgery. It also offers practical advice on how to make informed decisions about cosmetic surgery.