The Faces of Stigma Behind Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery has become a target for criticism for quite some time now. By looking into this criticism, the purpose of plastic surgery, its history in medicine, and the ethical concerns associated with it, one can understand why there might be debate. The discussed perspectives include negative and positive views, and both will be explored. The effects of the plastic surgery stigma in the form of discrimination and/or societal rewards will be investigated as well. In efforts to understand the stigma, the risks and long-term consequences of plastic surgery will be explored while also looking into the safety of plastic surgery that may invalidate some of the stigma. By comparing plastic surgery to other forms of personal enhancement, the stigma will be challenged by highlighting the juxtaposition of socially acceptable self-improvement methods and non-socially acceptable plastic surgery self-enhancement. Furthermore, this thesis takes a deeper dive into the factors that cause differences between the countries in their views of plastic surgery, and provides a foundational understanding of the root of the stigma while proposing solutions on how to best destigmatize it.