Over the course of the last few years, plastic surgery has come to be regarded as a tool that goes along with wellness, skincare, and therapy to help people feel more aligned with their ‘true’ selves. This may seem ironic given the earlier views of plastic surgery.
At one time, the notion of plastic surgery as a means to boost authenticity would have made many people scoff. But now, cosmetic enhancements are increasingly viewed as a source of empowerment rather than shame.
Public figures openly discussing their procedures have fostered this mindset and helped to bust the myth that diet and exercise alone are enough. And each celebrity who’s contributed to this change in paradigm is coming from their own unique place. Some are more expressive than others.
The Extreme (Yet Perfect) Example of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was a legend. The deeply beloved celebrity was one of the first to be open about her use of plastic surgery. And she demonstrated the importance of intention behind her aesthetic choices.
In Dolly Parton’s case, her choices were less conventional. She sought procedures that took her appearance to often cartoonish levels, which were complemented by large hair, dazzling fingernails, and extreme high heels she had custom-made for her.
She famously said, “If I see something saggin’, baggin,’ or draggin’, I’m gonna have it nipped, tucked, or sucked!” And she had procedures ranging from facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, brow lift, eyelid surgery, and dermal fillers.
This, in theory, would make her the perfect target for criticism and outrage. And she was, to some extent. There was the other side of that coin, however.
Plastic Surgery As a Means to Boost Authenticity
Dolly was adored for all the good she did in the world. And it was a lot. But she was also honest, down-to-earth, and able to laugh at herself. She injected playfulness and creativity into everything she did. This included her approach to her physical transformation.
“Having had plastic surgery is something I am not embarrassed about,” she wrote in Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. “I have done it and I will do it again when something in my mirror doesn’t look to me like it belongs on Dolly Parton.”
She loved extravagance and had no qualms about extreme body modifications. She was always transparent about her procedures and they never came from a place of shame or self-disparagement. She intended to be fully her at all times. And the public loved her for it.
It Comes Down to How We Feel About Ourselves
Of course, most people seeking plastic surgery don’t crave the extravagance that made Dolly who she was. Their sense of authenticity comes from a more toned-down place. For example, Simone Biles had no shame about sharing on social media that she’d had a breast augmentation.
This falls in line with more modern surgical methods that focus on highlighting a patient’s natural features rather than creating exaggerated alterations. Plus, changes made gradually and over time result in smoother and more harmonious results that many patients feel are more authentic for them.
“Seeing me win medals at the Olympics, that’s not relatable,” Biles said in an interview. “But what is relatable is how we feel about ourselves, what we talk about, what we go through, and how we share openly, honestly. And so that’s why I decided to share it.
She also shared that she had lower blepharoplasty to remove excess eyelid skin and had surgery to repair her earlobe after an earring was torn out.
What Does It Mean to Be Authentically You?
As more patients are emphasizing plastic surgery as a means to boost authenticity, experts predict that people will continue to be more open about the procedures they’ve had.
After all, there’s a large emotional component to plastic surgery. And people want to share the positive impact plastic surgery has by increasing their confidence and helping them feel more at ease and like the person they truly are.
So if you’re ready to explore what it means to be authentically you through plastic surgery, contact us today. We look forward to meeting you.