The relationship between plastic surgery and beauty standards in the context of today

External beauty, like fashion, is a multitude of trends that are constantly changing and reflecting the moods and events in society. It is no secret that ideals of female beauty have varied throughout history: Rubenesque women were replaced by the delicate Victorian ladies.

The pace of change in beauty trends accelerated significantly in the early 20th century as a result of World War I, the onset of globalization, and the emergence of means of communication capable of bringing news and information to people in a matter of hours.

In the 1920s, movie actresses (Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich) became the embodiment of female beauty with their delicate facial features, fragile figures, and very expressive makeup, which looked beautiful in black and white.

In the 1930s, fashion took a turn toward femininity and soft lines, which were later replaced by masculine silhouettes and military minimalism in the 1940s.

Post-war fashion was the epitome of femininity. Women began to emulate Marilyn Monroe and pin-up comic book heroines.

In the 1960s, the trend for feminine shapes and slim waists was replaced by the androgynous style of supermodel Twiggy, and various diets, shapewear, etc. became popular among women.

In the 1970s, naturalness dominated, long hair came into fashion, along with what we now call body positivity or naturalness. In the 1980s, athletic girls who were not afraid of bright colors burst onto the fashion scene. A healthy, athletic body was at the peak of popularity.

Fragility and androgynous forms reigned supreme in the fashion world in the 90s: the bright colors of the previous decade were replaced by muted colors and minimalism.

The advent of social media and the diversity of beauty types marked the 21st century. After the active glamour of the 2000s and the dominance of Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne in the fashion world of the 2010s, we have come to a point where fashion is largely tolerant of diversity in body shapes, face types, etc.

It is no longer actresses or models, but social media influencers and beauty bloggers who have become the new beauty icons, showcasing a whole range of styles, looks, and trends.

Appearance trends on TikTok and Instagram spread very quickly, especially among teenagers and young people who are used to receiving new information through these channels.

What is so special about the current trends in female beauty that Instagram offers us? Many influencers record reels and stories using masks and filters that make their facial features doll-like, perfectly symmetrical, or unnatural in proportion. As a result, young people consider their unique natural appearance and facial features unattractive in terms of modern beauty standards. With their insecurities and psychological complexes, young men and women believe that a plastic surgeon or cosmetologist can solve all their self-image problems by bringing their appearance closer to an unattainable digital ideal.

An experienced plastic surgeon must distinguish between the real requests of patients (for example, a request to correct the shape of the nose, protruding ears, perform a facelift, etc.) and the unrealistic expectations of patients who come to them, for example, with a request to create a face like Barbie's. Psychological problems in patients are indicated by the presence of fabricated problems with their appearance or a large number of plastic surgeries performed in a short period of time with the aim of creating unnatural proportions.

It should be remembered that fashion trends change quickly, and they do not always coincide with the idea of a harmonious appearance that reveals a person's individuality. Large lips, breasts, and cheekbones create a striking image, but women will have to accept the loss of individual features and proportions of the face or body.

A positive aspect of recent years is that many people are choosing to embrace their individuality, with an emphasis on self-care and a healthy lifestyle. To correct flaws and problems with appearance, you should consult plastic surgeons who take into account not short-lived fashion trends, but the proportionality of changes in relation to the patient's physique. It is natural changes that will allow a woman to truly improve her appearance and allow her to preserve her individuality and natural beauty for many years to come.