J U L I A | L E E

Have you ever toyed with the idea of getting work done? And by work done I mean cosmetic treatments and surgeries. It’s something a lot of celebrities, Hollywood types, and people in the entertainment industry get thinking it improves the way they look. After living in NYC for a couple years, I moved to LA for three. And while living in LA for about a year, I developed an eye for recognizing when someone had work done because it was THAT common!

In my opinion, obsessing over achieving this ideal “look” leads to so many problems relating to body image and how the world sets its beauty standards. It can lead many down a very dark and long rabbit hole.

But I am a believer in balance, and if you think you need a tweak or subtle alteration, then there is nothing wrong with that. As long as you don’t stray too far and get carried away. To this day, I never had plastic surgery, but I have gotten and swear by micro-blading as well as other cosmetic treatments.

Why do we even feel the need to change the way we look? Are we shallow? Insecure? Here’s some things to think about if you are considering a treatment or procedure.

Surgical Fix or Not?

Most people who get cosmetic surgery will do so because they have issues with self-confidence. In simple terms, they don’t feel comfortable with certain aspects of their body. It makes them feel really down about how they look, affecting their mental health. In situations like this, why shouldn’t you consider a cosmetic treatment if it makes you feel better? 

I think there are two key points here: 

• Why are you self-conscious?
• Are there other alternatives?

If this has been an issue that’s plagued your life forever, then I don’t see why a cosmetic procedure can’t be the answer. That is unless there are alternatives that provide the same solution. Could you improve your flat booty by doing squats or going to the gym and following a proper routine? Yes, and it could stop you from getting butt implants, then maybe having butt implant removal if there are complications, and so on.

Likewise, if you have skin problems and want a facelift, could you see the same results from a few microneedling treatments instead? In many cases, you probably would!

In these scenarios, it’s best to try the alternatives, see if they improve your situation, and maybe consider cosmetic procedures if you’re still self-conscious. 

Also, if your self-confidence problems stem from looking at other people and wishing you had their body, is that a good enough reason to pay thousands for surgery? It’s a difficult argument, but perhaps it’s better to learn to love yourself and not compare yourself to others. Trust me, I know it’s not easy and this kind of self love takes a lot of work!

Physical Problems

The next point relates to physical problems that come from accidents or surgeries, etc. A good example is someone who had a breast removed due to cancer. Not a nice topic to think about, but it’s the sad reality for many women. Here, getting a breast implant can help someone feel whole again and bring a shining light after a terrible ordeal. 

There are many instances where illnesses or accidents can leave someone with physical issues that can be fixed by surgery. However, someone might worry about what people will think about them if they got surgery because it’s often viewed in a negative way. 

So what’s the verdict? Cosmetic surgery isn’t as bad as you might believe. The problem is when famous people just get surgery for the sake of it, then distort the public perception of body image. Still, there are cases where you could genuinely think about getting a cosmetic procedure, particularly if it’s the only option to solve a long-lasting self-confidence issue, or to correct a problem stemming from an illness or accident. Something to think about.