Category: Cosmetology

Cosmetology: The professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, and skin. Cosmetology is the professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair, and skin. This means you have the opportunity to learn techniques like cutting, coloring, also styling. You learn about the face and skin including waxing, skincare and treatments, and makeup.

History

Although this field has transformed greatly, the depiction remains the same, the origins are consistent with the practices that happen today. Back then in ancient times, cosmetology began as a skilled trade among the servant class, and Egyptian women who used ochres (earthly-toned pigments), and dyes on their cheeks and eyes, as shown in Egyptian art. Now women go to the store or salon and put those pigments on, albeit made differently. (History 2005-2013). In ancient Greece, the makeup trade utilized saffron or lead for color palettes. Women from Sparta were forbidden from wearing makeup due to the belief of possession of superior beauty. The customs of baths, spas, manicures, and hairdressing as we know them today originated in ancient Greece. (Evergreen 2019). Today, cosmetology has become more specialized. Beauticians concentrate on hair coloring or hair cutting; aestheticians focus on aesthetic and medical-related services, such as plastic surgery, and nail technicians specialize in artificial nail enhancement, nail care, and pedicures. (Evergreen 2019).Make-up and cosmetics were used long before the first century. As for who the first cosmetologist was, that’s debatable. If we’re talking about the first person or people to actually mix ingredients together for the purpose of applying and beautifying, then most would give the Egyptians title. Although some sources say the first cosmetologists were ancient hunters who used urine and mud to camouflage their scent. (Statece 2015)

Personal Attributes

As a result of women wanting to beautify themselves, a career in cosmetology is greatly appreciated. If you’re going to be a cosmetologist, you won’t want to settle for being an average stylist. Instead, you’ll want to be a great cosmetologist, valued resource clients consult for all of their beauty needs. While acquiring technical skills in cosmetology school will certainly help you achieve more goals, technical abilities aren’t enough to make you a great stylist. To be a great cosmetologist, you’ll need to develop qualities to make other accomplished professionals stand out in your field. (Statece 2020). The individual must have a passion for beauty, to be dedicated to their work, have an artistic flair and enable them to visualize how hair can complement the bone structure and facial shape and how color selection can enhance facial features. (Hearst 2020) A Knack for Listening. honesty, technical skills, and adaptability. Being a good hairdresser means listening to your guests in more ways than one. Making Visions a Reality. Part of being a successful hairstylist means staying on top of the latest trends. (Hearst 2020).

Education and Licensing

Licensing requirements vary by state, but aspiring cosmetologists need the following: a high school diploma or GED, a cosmetology training certificate or associate degree in cosmetology. Supervised hands-on experience to be eligible to take their state’s cosmetology licensing exam. (Hearst 2020). Some cosmetology programs enroll students as young as 16-years-old. Success in the field depends on ability, motivation, work ethic and willingness to work long hours. (Hearst 2020). Cosmetologists work in many settings. You may find employment in a nearby salon, or you may find a job styling hair at a resort, on a movie set or backstage at a professional theater. Cosmetologists also work at mortuaries doing the nails, makeup, and hair of the deceased before a funeral. You must be able to stand for long stretches of time. Cosmetologists work long hours with weekend and evening hours assigned. (Hearst 2020). Job prospects for cosmetologists look good, according to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016. The demand for cosmetology will jump 13 percent between 2016 to 2026. A growing population and greater client interest in specialized hair techniques will drive demand. As of May 2016, cosmetologists earned an average salary of $29,500, or $14.23 per hour, not including tips and commission. There are limited jobs at higher-paying. (Hearst 2020).

Potential Career Paths

No matter what path I choose, I will have to complete my 1500 hours and you have to do 18 months, you could go for 24 months but 18 is normal. You just need to be 18 and you can apply for a hair school. I plan to go to Prestige College of beauty in Michigan City or DenmarkCollege of beauty in Merrillville. Personally, by looking at what both have to offer I’d choose Prestige College of Beauty. They have a wider background and disclose more information.

Pay and Benefits

Salary

A cosmetologists salary varies widely depending on the types of services provided, where they are based geographically, clientele and years of experience. In the United States, a cosmetologist can expect to earn between $7.73 and $16.89 an hour, with a median hourly rate of $9.76, which means half earn more and half earn less. Tips are a large factor of hairstylist income, and they may also vary widely. Someone working in this field can expect to earn anywhere from $0.69 to $7.08 per hour in tips. Depending on the employment structure of a salon, cosmetologists might be entitled to overtime pay. In that case, they can expect to earn anywhere between $5.12 to $54.63 per hour in overtime. With such wide ranges in hourly wages and tips, it’s no surprise that the average salary of a cosmetologist can vary drastically. Depending on many factors, workers in this field could earn as little as $16,287 or as much as $46,188.

Job Outlook

Employment of barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than average for all occupations. Population growth will lead to greater demand for hair care services. The employment outlook for cosmetologists is positive overall. In general, employment growth in the industry is at 20 percent through 2018. This growth rate is higher than for most occupations. Even though average growth in the industry is high, there are some variations based on the specific position sought by the professional. For instance, job opportunities for hairdressers are expected to increase by 20% through 2018. However, job growth for barbers will be much lower at 12 percent over the same time period. Job growth for skincare professionals is expected to increase by 38 percent through 2018. The number of positions available in spas and hotels is also projected to increase, due to the popularity of these services. Cosmetologists can also seek work in other positions such as fashion consultants or sales representatives for salon products. Growth in these areas will also fuel need for more cosmetologists.

Typical Day

Many cosmetologists work Tuesday through Saturday, there are plenty who work on Monday. You typically take two days off per week, with one being Sunday and the other being Monday, or maybe a Wednesday. Mondays are often taken because Saturday is often the busiest day of the workweek for a cosmetologist. After arriving early, you’ll look at your appointment book and talk with the receptionist to make sure clients haven’t canceled or rescheduled. It’s time to prep your station by restocking shampoo, conditioner, or styling products if they are running low. Once your first client arrives, you’ll consult with her to find out exactly what she wants. You’ll wash, cut, dry and style her hair to perfection. Depending on the services that clients want, you can typically fit three to four appointments into the morning before breaking for lunch. The afternoon may be filled with a color or foil or adding and styling extensions. Additionally, you may perform a makeup application or eyebrow wax. By the end of the day, the sun may be gone, but you will be fulfilled and excited to do it all over again tomorrow.

Impact of Technology

Perhaps one of the biggest ways in which technology is changing the beauty industry is through molecular biology. Now it is possible to actually get down deep into the molecular structure of hair, skin, and nails to literally see the effect products are having when used and if there is any damage being done. Cosmetology is a discipline that covers hairstyling, skin and nail care and chemical services. While much of what a cosmetologist offers is a hands-on, individual service, as with almost all facets of life, technology plays a role. A computer program in a salon can aid clients when they are selecting a new hairstyle. The client brings in a photo of herself which is scanned into a computer. On the monitor, cosmetologists can then show the client how she will look with an array of hairstyles and colors from which she can make her selection.

First-hand Experience

As useful as books and school can be, real-world experience shows higher-quality guidance. Angela Amador, a cosmetologist in her own home, has a wide background with cosmetology. Angela graduated from Capri Beauty college and got her cosmetology license in 2013. She said the hardest things were cutting people’s hair short, but has gotten better at it as it is now 2020, and picky clients. Angela said she loves creativity and is excited when people give her the creative liberty to do what she wants to their hair (Amador, personal communication, February 21, 2020), Angela told me and I quote ” I suggest you intern at a busy salon to get the real feel for what this career is about. The experience taught me more than the hair school did. Never give up! Nothing good comes easy.” (Angela Amador 2020). After talking with her it made me want to go into cosmetology more and more.

Conclusion

This research taught me more than I thought it would. Even after my research, my passion is now stronger than it was before. With that being said, my career outlook personally seems great. I plan to go to Prestige Beauty College and get my license, And later in life I will eventually own my own salon.

References

1. A Brief History of Cosmetology. (2020, January 17). Retrieved from https://www.evergreenbeauty.edu/2013/01/a-brief-history-of-cosmetology/
2. Admin. (2017, July 10). Employability Skills: Job Skills: Youth Central. Retrieved from https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/plan-your-career/8-job-skills-you-should-have
3. Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019, September 4). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm
4. Cosmetologist Salary: What to Expect. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cosmetologistlife.com/cosmetologist-salary.html
5. Cosmetology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetology
6. cosmetology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yourdictionary.com/cosmetology
7. Dowd, M. (2018, October 1). What Kind of Education Is Required to Be a Cosmetologist? Retrieved from https://work.chron.com/kind-education-required-cosmetologist-10688.html
8. Dowd, M. (2018, October 1). What Kind of Education Is Required to Be a Cosmetologist? Retrieved from https://work.chron.com/kind-education-required-cosmetologist-10688.html
9. How can I know if I am being paid fairly? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career/cosmetologist/salaries/IN
10. The Five Traits of a Great Stylist (Updated 2020): Douglas J Aveda Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://douglasj.edu/the-five-traits-of-a-great-hair-stylist/

Cosmetics have become a daily needs for woman, girls and even man. It correct some parts of our face and give the spotlight to the part that we want to highlights. Since people have different face’s problems and special aspects, different kinds of cosmetics have been made according to its function. Cosmetic ads always give a big impact to our lives, especially woman. It promote one’s product to attract costumers depending on the market target. The researcher conducts a study to analyze how persuasive language differ in different eras. The study will help people to know what the differences are and modernization of language as time goes on. Based on the research conducted, the researcher found out that the different words in cosmetic advertisements are used based on the manufacturing’s time to make it more beneficial.

To begin with, it’s a general information that old advertisements tend to be overdramatic compared to modern ads. Shown on the data of 1974’s advertisements, it tends to describe more about the product rather than the benefit. It also use old style and overdramatic adjectives such as ‘as if a spoonful of cream has been pured into each powder’, ‘glide on airy light yet feel smooth ad cream’ and ‘see your plain eyes come alive’. The 2020’s or modern ads focus delivering the benefit of the products using simpler, yet modern words to attract customers. Rather than texture, many people will mostly prefer the one with great benefits. Some example of the phrases used are ‘brow instantly look fuller’. The 2020’s ads also gave information on how to use the product to get the best result.

In addition, people can clearly see the differences on the usage amount of words on both advertisements. The 2020’s advertisement tends to use simpler and lesser but meaningful words. It attracts costumer’s interests more than the 1974’s advertisements since all the words were straightforward but still on trend. An example was ‘enchase’ which means engraving, engrave our brow’s shape and color. It hits the target perfectly on spot. One word can bring so many differences, 2020’s ads creator know the needs and interests of the costumers. By using just one word, they can attract costumer’s interests and willingness to know more about their products.

Moreover, aside from using simpler words, the 2020’s advertisements are easier to understand. The usage of words are different, it clearly shows “See your plain eyes come alive” compared to “Brows instantly looked fuller, thicker and healthier”. Both advertisements shows the result of using the product in different language and way of delivering it. 1974’S advertisement relies more on one’s imagination, while some people may be in an urgent situation so they can’t imagine things really accurately. The words fuller, thicker and healthier are enough to persuade people to buy and it hits it’s jackpot. If brows are fuller and healthier it automatically will make one’s eyes and overall looks become alive. 2020’s ads shows the precise benefits of using the product.

Baird, M. L. (2021). ‘Making Black More Beautiful’: Black Women and the Cosmetics Industry in the Post‐Civil Rights Era.Gender & History, 33(2), 557–574. Web.

In this journal article, the author analyzes the synthetic development of distinct cosmetics for black females. More specifically, the main notion of the paper is to illustrate how cynic was the” success story” of black female cosmetic products. While the industry experienced a significant increase in revenue and scale, the source of this process was the racial discrimination of black women since the marketing campaign emphasized that black women are beautiful. By doing this, cosmetics companies were propagating racial inequality in terms of natural beauty so that white females were considered as those who are already attractive while black women must use cosmetics to become “beautiful” too.

Brooks, L. (2019). “50 Shades of Beige “: An Empirical Investigation into Issues of Representation, Inclusion and Diversity in the Twenty-First Century English Cosmetics Industry.Academia Press. Web.

In this thesis, the author profoundly investigated the business models of most popular cosmetics brands owned by white race representatives. As a result, the author derived the three most considerable aspects where black women’s identity is significantly discriminated against. First and foremost, it is the brand targeting, which excludes black women representatives from the general marketing strategy by advertising black female cosmetics in particular cases only. Secondly, the companies do not invest sufficient funds in developing makeup tones and shades adjusted to black skin type. Last but not least, the shades’ naming is also one of the racial discrimination sources derived from the makeup process. By doing this, companies highlight that the makeup “is usually for white females,” so there is no need to develop appropriate products for black females.

Dixon, A. R., & Telles, E. E. (2017). Skin color and colorism: global research, concepts, and measurement.Annual Review of Sociology, 43(1), 405–424. Web.

In this article, the authors developed the racial inequality throughout the meaning of terms “coloring” and “colorism.” More specifically, they examined the relationship between any social activity and color. In the vast majority of the cases, the color meant for people the notion of race. Thereafter, the authors integrated the main theory into a more particular subject, which is skin-lightning. According to the widespread theory, the lighter the woman’s skin, the more honorable she is. As a result, many women are willing to make their skin lighter in order to increase their own social status. Finally, this article might bring considerable value to the work since it discloses the subject’s issue from an unfamiliar angle. Moreover, referring to the history and analyzing the problem worldwide might allow to “connect the dots” between the USA and other nations or even countries.

Gurrieri, L., & Drenten, J. (2019). The feminist politics of choice: lipstick as a marketplace icon.Consumption Markets & Culture, 24(3), 225–240. Web.

This article argues about the feminist politics of choice, specifically black women. Over centuries and across cultures, lipstick has been a common beautification ritual. Lipstick has endured decades of debate to earn its reputation as a commercial symbol – although a divisive one. It was formerly thought to be a sign of Satan, a dangerous health hazard, and even an unlawful commodity. To some, it is empowering; to others, it is restricting. By looking at lipstick’s gendered past, you can see how it represents a disputed feminist politics of choice – seen as both fun and purposeful, as well as creating appearance-based predictions focused on an idealized version of feminine beauty.

The authors also noted that black beauty has bodies and faces and its own confidence. The researchers look at how lipstick creates conflicts between freedom and injustice: self-expression and decision, dominance and preference, and ethics and preference. Finally, the authors concluded that lipstick must first be detached from oppressive ideals of ideal feminine appearance for women in order to be enjoyable and freely chosen.

Phipps, S. T., & Prieto, L. C. (2018). The business of black beauty: social entrepreneurship or social injustice?Journal of Management History, 24(1), 37–56. Web.

Pioneers such as Annie Turnbo-Malone and Madam C.J. Walker, as well as more modern black cosmetic industry entrepreneurs such as Grace Amey-Obeng and Lisa Price, have all made significant contributions to the improvement of their societies. In fact, the authors claimed that stereotypes of black business owners (such as Turnbo-Malone and Walker) exploiting their race to profit from brands that physically reshape them into white standards of beauty are often untrue, though she did acknowledge that ad campaigns publicizing smoothing curly hair and straightening black surface were revealed. The authors also believed that black women’s heritage of industrious work in the hair sector reflects systemic gender-based discrimination, in which not only were people of color traditionally inferior to white people but black women were also prevented from accomplishing prevailing principles of womanhood (and beauty), resulting in economic oppression.

Moreover, black female business owners resorted to systematic gendered racism by entering a field molded by these themes and producing and selling items that allowed women of color to adhere. The authors concluded that organizations must avoid becoming “modern ranches,” while simultaneously promoting fairness and eradicating bias in any form. As a result, they will strive to engage in socially conscious entrepreneurship, fostering a more meaningful firm in specific and a more just culture generally, where equity is economical and administrative.

Krozer, A., & Gómez, A. U. (2021). Not in the eyes of the beholder: Racialisation, Whiteness and Beauty Standards in Mexico. El Colegio de M´exico. Web.

The authors of this article profoundly analyze the racial issue in Mexico, where skin color plays a pivotal role in personal status. As a result, when developing arguments, Krozer and Gómez emphasized the significance of skin “whitening” with two approaches. More specifically, the first method is natural but hardly applicable to the vast majority of people. When marrying the “brighter” husband, wife, the individual might lighten personal status since their children will have near-to-white skin type. On the other hand, the synthetic approach demonstrates the more significant racial discrimination since even though people may decide what people to choose for marriage, nobody could define a preferable skin type during birth. Finally, the case study provided a qualitative research base that might be used for the reasoning of the current situation.

Lawson, C. E. (2021). Skin deep: Callout strategies, influencers, and racism in the online beauty community.New Media & Society, 23(3), 596–612. Web.

The phare idea concerning the world of beauty is that before achieving equality, the community should experience internal changes through massive “callout campaigns.” As a result, today’s world, in the author’s opinion, is an outcome of regular community crises. The article helps to restate the idea of today’s social equality when it comes to the beauty industry. Moreover, the revolutionary process suggested as the alternative to the traditional approach might have a positive impact on the future of the “racial question” in the USA. This article was chosen to create a deductive approach theory so that from the general racist discrimination, we can observe how this tendency influences the beauty industry.

Nakray, K. (2018). The global beauty industry, colorism, racism and the national body.Journal of Gender Studies, 27(7), 861–863. Web.

This book provides a multi-side approach to explain the fundamentals of discrimination on the skin color basis. The work is divided into three parts, where the author analyses the context of the issue in the first part, the main actors who are directly involved in the problem, and the conclusion part. While the first and the second part of the book are interesting to be analyzed, only the conclusion part is important for the research due to the ideas that were derived by fundamental analysis of the beauty industry, which could be criticized or supported afterward.

Shawna, C. (2018). “Dark Shades Don’t Sell”: Race, Gender, and Cosmetic Advertisements in the Mid-Twentieth Century United States (No. 22870). McMaster University. Web.

In this article, the author describes the cosmetic industry’s “worst” times for racial discrimination analysis. This is due to the fact that the analyzed period might be considered as a “sales boom” in the cosmetic industry and significant racial discrimination tendency at the same time. As a result, some of the elements of that time might coincide with the current situation, so that it is critical to provide parallels to examine the level of similarity between two time frames.

Van, A. Y. (2017). More than Skin Deep: An Analysis of Black Women’s Experiences with Race, Skin Tone, and Cosmetics(10641972.). Minnesota State University. Web.

This dissertation provides great examples based on race discrimination in the cosmetic industry. Moreover, the author connected the whole work with the notion of skin. Consequently, the analysis provides not only the psychological analysis of cosmetic industry discrimination but also the new trends of skin lightening, which became a widespread industry despite the risk of death.

As women began asserting themselves, gaining rights, entering the workforce and are now beginning to achieve higher social positions such as CEOs of companies, powerful positions in politics and key researchers in a variety of fields, issues of female identity remain unresolved for many women. Magazines geared toward business women sold in supermarkets continue to highlight titles that focus on image and appearance rather than accomplishment and achievement. Although the choice to work has largely been taken out of the hands of women in today’s economy, article titles reveal the degree to which women continue to struggle with external appearance. For many women, the feeling is that they must conform to a socialized external ideal image if they are to achieve any degree of success. While many are willing to pin the blame for this attitude on the women themselves, there is plenty of evidence suggesting it is a concept perpetuated and emphasized by the cosmetics industries through the medium of the media.

The media world depends to a large extent upon the money it receives from advertisers to stay alive, but these advertisers depend to a large degree upon selling their products. The best way to sell a product is to ensure that the product is something that will be needed perpetually, that there will always be some kind of demand for the product. A very effective technique in doing this is to set an ideal that is nearly impossible to achieve and then selling products that are geared toward bringing someone closer to this ideal, as has been done in the dieting and cosmetic markets. “Women are sold to the diet industry by the magazines we read and the television programs we watch, almost all of which make us feel anxious about our weight” (Jean Kilbourne, media activist, cited in “Beauty and Body Image”, 2009). This is only started with the portrayal of women in the media as “the images of impossibly thin models overwhelm today’s teenage girls. Unbelievably, most models are thinner than 98 percent of American girls and women” (Bartell, 2008), which is also the source for everyone else to form their ideas of what the ideal female body should look like. Thus, friends, boyfriends, parents and others all add to the pressure for girls to attain, regardless of how impossible it might be, the shapes and forms represented in the media. While some may argue that this isn’t really as prevalent as the reports seem to indicate, it has been demonstrated that “women’s magazines have ten and one-half times more ads and articles promoting weight loss than men’s magazines do, and over three-quarters of the covers of women’s magazines include at least one message about how to change a woman’s bodily appearance – by diet, exercise or cosmetic surgery” (“Beauty and Body Image”, 2009). These widely apparent examples of how women portrayed in the media represent an impossible ideal to which ‘normal’ girls are constantly compared has also been proven to have the potential for long-term psychological and physical problems.

Girls who are constantly compared to the images they see on TV and in their favourite magazines as well as hear the comments of others around them who also hold these impossible standards are at great risk for serious problems. “Research indicates that exposure to images of thin, young, air-brushed female bodies is linked with depression, loss of self-esteem and the development of unhealthy eating habits in women and girls” (“Beauty and Body Image”, 2009). This problem is made worse by the fact that many mothers contribute to the problem without even realizing they’re doing so. “Many mothers have their own unresolved issues about weight and body image that inadvertently interfere with their ability to help their daughters create a healthy sense of their own bodies” (Bartell, 2008). In fact, the problem has been traced through almost every age group, beginning with very young girls just starting social interaction at kindergarten and extends well into adulthood without help. “One out of every four college-aged woman uses unhealthy methods of weight control – including fasting, skipping meals, excessive exercise, laxative abuse, and self-induced vomiting. The pressure to be thin is also affecting young girls: the Canadian Women’s Health Network warns that weight control measures are now being taken by girls as young as 5 and 6” (“Beauty and Body Image”, 2009). That otherwise educated women are seemingly falling into this trap of body image indicates both the depth of the issue as well as the emotional content it involves.

Although women today have achieved a great deal of success in a variety of spheres including the home, the business and in personal fulfilment, they are still largely the victims of a media society intent on cornering them into an impossible ideal. The reason for this emphasis is not necessarily a malignant intent on the part of the media channels themselves, but rather an inherent element of the system in which these media channels depend for their livelihood on the advertisers who pay them to run their ads. The advertisers, some of the most powerful being the cosmetics industries, have a vested interest in perpetuating the idea of youth and a specific definition of beauty. These definitions have been proven to be nearly impossible to attain, yet the pursuit of the ideal perpetuates the industry which, in turn, struggles to perpetuate the impossible ideal.

Works Cited

1. Bartell, Dr. Susan S. “Help Your Daughter Create a Healthy Body Image.” Focus Adolescent Services. (2008).
2. “Beauty and Body Image in the Media.” Media Awareness Network. (2009).

Problem Identification

Cosmetic injections have become increasingly popular in recent decades. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, 2016), out of over 15 million minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2016, over 7 million involved injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A and over 2.5 million procedures included soft tissue fillers, such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and others.

Since 2000, the number of minimally-invasive procedures performed annually has increased by 180 percent (ASPS, 2016). Cosmetic injections are widely perceived to be a safe alternative to plastic surgery. Indeed, if performed by a professional, the procedures yield satisfying results with virtually no consequences or side effects. However, some people still experience local side effects of different severity, such as inflammations, infections, asymmetries, allergic reactions, or even skin necrosis (Dumitrascu & Georgescu, 2013). According to recent studies, most of the side effects are not due to allergies, as previously believed, but due to the formation of biofilm (Dumitrascu & Georgescu, 2013).

Dumitrascu and Georgescu (2013) define biofilms as “groups of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other in a three-dimensional structure, on a given surface” (p. 192). Biofilms are usually resistant to antibiotic treatment due to their outer layer, which consists of a protective polymeric substance offering antibiotic resistance (Sadashivaiah & Mysore, 2010). Biofilms can consist of several different microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, which means that they can cause different types of infections (Sadashivaiah & Mysore, 2010).

The concept of biofilm remains relatively new to dermatology, with few studies available on the formation of biofilm post-cosmetic injections; however, it is needed to explore the ways of preventing biofilm formation from reducing the occurrence of side effects and complications. According to Conrad, Alipasha, Thiru, and Kandasamy (2015), biofilms can cause delayed onset of sterile abscesses, as well as inflammatory responses similar to allergic reactions. Kim, Ahn, Jeong, and Suh (2014), on the other hand, argue for the involvement of biofilms in the formation of granuloma, which affects up to 1% of patients after cosmetic injections. Ozturk et al. (2013) add that “All fillers, especially longer-lasting products, are potential surfaces for biofilm formation” (p. 870), which is why it is crucial to generate an effective framework for the prevention of biofilm formation.

“The guidelines on the best infection control practices for intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular needle injections” (Hutin et al., 2003) have been issued by the WHO in 2003. They are still applied to cosmetic injections in the U.S. and the rest of the world. The guidelines stress the use of sterile injection equipment, prevention of contamination, needle-stick injuries, and access to used needles, as well as the use of appropriate hygiene equipment and practices before, during, and after injection (Hutin et al., 2003). “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infections” also provide some advice on the procedures (Berrios-Torres et al., 2017). However, neither of the guidelines addresses the formation of biofilm, specifically, which creates a gap in evidence-based prevention practices.

Moreover, as the prevention of bacterial infections by the current guidelines usually implies the use of preventive antibiotic therapy, and biofilms are usually insusceptible to antibiotics, there is also a need for supplementary preventive care with the use of efficient anti-biofilm agents. For instance, Borges, Saavedra, and Simoes (2012) describe the possible use of ferulic and gallic acids in biofilm prevention and control of pathogenic bacteria, whereas a subsequent study by Borges, Simoes, Saavedra, and Simoes (2014) suggests that selected isothiocyanates can act as preventive agents reducing the possibility of biofilm formation. Additional qualitative research studies were used to complement the evidence-based approach suggested in this paper.

Literature Review

Due to the scarcity of research on biofilm formation post-cosmetic injections, the search process for applicable articles was extensive. Scholarly journal databases were searched for articles regarding the formation of biofilm following cosmetic injections. The inclusion criteria applied to all articles found during the search process included both objective criteria, such as the date of publication and credibility of the source, and subjective criteria, such as validity and applicability to the research topic.

Only sources published within the last five years were admitted into the current study. The following databases were searched: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Taylor and Francis, Elsevier, Science Direct. The search terms used in these databases included “biofilm formation post-cosmetic injections,” “prevention of biofilm formation,” “biofilm in dermatology,” and “biofilm prevention.” CDC and WHO websites were also searched to obtain information on the current guidelines. Some articles were found by examining the References sections of secondary research articles on the topic. To provide an introduction to the topic, the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons was searched for the latest reports on the prevalence of cosmetic injections in the United States.

Seven studies were found that fit the search criteria for recency, credibility, validity, and applicability to the topic. Four of the studies used descriptive qualitative methodology to summarize the previous findings and complement them with new information and suggestions. Two of these studies were used in the problem Identification section due to the fact that they provide an in-depth explanation of the process of biofilm formation and the difficulties in the treatment of biofilm-induced complications. Another study used case studies to illustrate the complications following cosmetic injections, their prevalence, and treatment methods (Conrad et al., 2015).

Two studies used quantitative methodology to illustrate the effects of particular substances in the prevention of biofilm formation (Borges et al., 2012; Borges et al., 2014). Overall, five of the nine studies that passed the search criteria were applied to the creation of the present evidence-based practice protocol.

Findings

The first study that was considered in this research is a qualitative descriptive research by De Boulle and Heydenrych (2015). In this study, the researchers focus on patient-specific factors that have to be addressed before cosmetic injections as they may be predictive of various complications, including biofilm formation. De Boulle and Heydenrych (2015) state, “Selecting appropriate patients, or perhaps, more importantly, not treating inappropriate patients, is the first and a crucial step in avoiding complications with dermal fillers” (p. 205). The research methodology included a convention of a round table meeting with physicians practicing cosmetic injections regularly in order to determine the prevalent correlation between patient factors and the onset of complications (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015).

A thorough literature review of the journal articles considering post-cosmetic injection complications was also conveyed to identify the common patterns (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015). Based on the information collected, the authors constructed a table representing the factors contradicting or warranting caution in the use of dermal fillers (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015).

For instance, active skin infection, hypersensitivity, active collagenous, as well as hemostatic or coagulation disorders are stated to be contradicting factors to the use of dermal fillers (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015), which means that patients with these conditions should not receive dermal fillers to avoid complications, particularly due to the possibility of biofilm formation. The authors also provide directions considering the timing of injections: for instance, “Botulinum toxin treatment should be planned two weeks before filler” (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015, p. 209). These recommendations should also be included in the evidence-based practice protocol, as the ignorance of the directions may create a risk of biofilm formation.

Another qualitative descriptive study by Kim et al. (2014) presents a treatment algorithm for complications following cosmetic filler injection. The article also explores the preventive procedures that can help to avoid general complications, including those resulting from biofilm formation (Kim et al., 2014). For example, the authors stress the importance of cleaning the injection area and avoiding injections of hydrophilic permanent filler materials through oral or nasal mucosa (Kim et al., 2014).

The injections of fillers into the previous filler site or traumatized tissue is also not recommended (Kim et al., 2014). The authors also consider several injection techniques to be particularly harmful, including a fan-like injection pattern, rapid injection, rapid flow rates, and injection of higher volumes (Kim et al., 2014). Other methods to avoid complications, including the use of blunt or small-caliber needles, aspiration before injection, and delivery of material at different points, are also discussed (Kim et al., 2014). Overall, this article is useful as it provides supporting material that is needed to create a comprehensive practice protocol.

In their article “Abscess formation as a complication of injectable cosmetic fillers,” Conrad et al. (2015) present a series of cases gathered from the author’s clinical practice. The authors examine the factors that may have influenced the process of abscess formation in these patients, stating that three of the four patients were prone to inflammatory reactions that could have affected the abscess formation.

The relevance of the article to biofilm study is also evident, as the authors confirm that biofilms appear to be present in all of the four cases, although in a dormant state (Conrad et al., 2015). The authors explain the use of Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization test, a cytogenic technique that can help to identify the bacteria present in biofilms, even if they are in a dormant state (Conrad et al., 2015).

The article provides evidence of the usefulness of the FISH test in the treatment of biofilms, stating that “Fish test has the advantage that in addition to being as highly specific as ordinary culture, it is much more sensitive concerning identifying bacteria in biofilms; with one study of 44 cases showing FISH test identifying 58% of cases compared to none identified with two different culture methods” (Conrad et al., 2015, p. 17). Overall, the article is applicable to the topic in two separate ways. First, the authors identify the possible contraindications to the injection of cosmetic fillers based on the four cases reviewed. Furthermore, the authors justify the use of PNA FISH test for the detection of biofilm and the particular bacteria that it contains, which can be used to prevent the growth of biofilm at the beginning stages if there is a threat of bacterial infection.

One of the two quantitative studies used for the protocol is research by Borges et al. (2012) on the activity of ferulic (FA) and gallic acids (GA) in biofilm prevention. The research proved that the overall level and speed of biofilm formation were substantially reduced by the phenolic acids, which shows that there is a potential to use them in the prevention of biofilm formation after cosmetic filler injections. The proposed intervention was effective in reducing the bacteria’s adhesive capacity; however, this quality of biofilms also offers opportunities to explore alternative ways of preventing adhesion, such as light preventive massage of the area of injection. In conclusion, the authors suggest using GA and FA in conjunction with the prescribed antibiotic therapy, as they can adjust the resistance level of the bacteria forming the biofilms (Borges et al., 2014).

Borges et al. (2014) offer another quantitative study, focusing on the action of selected isothiocyanates, allylisothiocyanate (AITC), and 2-phenylethylisothiocyanate (PEITC), on bacterial biofilm prevention and control. The same four types of bacteria were studied as in the 2012 research: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes (Borges et al., 2014).

The two aspects of ITCs’ effect on biofilms were assessed: reduction of biofilm mass and bacteria mobility (Borges et al., 2014). The researchers also outline the potential of using phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of biofilms. For instance, they explain that Glucosinolates (GLS) are an important group of phytochemicals that are present in foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, horseradish, Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi (Borges et al., 2014).

These phytochemicals have proven antimicrobial effects (Borges et al., 2014) and thus can be used as a supplement to preventive therapy during the post-injection period. According to the result of the experiment, both types of isothiocyanates were useful in preventing and controlling the formation of biofilms (Borges et al., 2014). Overall, the study proves that isothiocyanates have potential use in biofilm prevention and treatment. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these phytochemicals on human and animal cells to ensure that it would be safe to use AITC and PEITC in high concentrations (Borges et al., 2014). However, the natural sources of isothiocyanates can still be used as part of the prevention efforts to control the development of biofilms following cosmetic injections.

Critical Analysis and Evaluation of Literature

A critical analysis and evaluation of the literature are reflected in Table 1. The most significant study that supports the proposed practice is a study by Berges et al. (2012), which proved the effectiveness of gallic acid (GA) and ferulic acid (FA) in the prevention and control of biofilm development. The findings suggest that complementing antibiotic therapy with GA and FA, as well as using these phytochemicals independently, will prevent the formation of biofilm. The remainder of the studies is displayed in Table 1.

Formulation of Intervention Protocol for Clinical Problem

The patient population for this protocol includes patients of any age or gender who are considering receiving treatment with cosmetic injections using soft tissue or dermal fillers.

Protocol

• Identify any patient-specific factors that may serve as contraindications to cosmetic injections. According to De Boulle and Heydenrych (2015), there are several factors that may affect the onset of complications. The proposed protocol insists on not treating patients who are at a high risk of developing inflammatory complications.
• Examine the area and patient history for signs of inflammatory responses to past procedures. According to Conrad et al. (2015), the majority of patients who present with biofilm-induced complications are prone to developing inflammatory reactions.
• Clean the injection area thoroughly. As outlined in WHO’s injection guidelines (Hutin et al., 2003) and Kim et al. (2014), ensuring that the area is properly cleaned reduces the risk of infection.
• Avoid injecting of hydrophilic permanent filler materials through oral or nasal mucosa (Kim et al., 2014).
• Avoid harmful injection techniques (fan-like injection pattern, rapid injection, rapid flow rates, and injection of higher volumes), as these techniques can harm the surrounding area, thus facilitating inflammation (Kim et al., 2014).
• If possible, inject the material through small-caliber needles. According to Kim et al. (2014), delivering the material through small-caliber needles allows reducing the speed and volume of the injection, thus preventing damage to the surrounding area.
• Advise patient to use gallic acid (GA) and ferulic acid (FA) as part of the post-treatment preventive therapy. Borges et al. (2012) proved the effectiveness of GA and FA in the prevention of biofilm development.
• Encourage the patient to include isothiocyanate-rich foods into his or her diet during the post-treatment period. According to Borges et al. (2014), allylisothiocyanate (AITC) and 2-phenylethylisothiocyanate (PEITC) are effective in controlling the metabolic activity of bacteria and preventing the formation of biofilm. While the use of these phytochemicals in high concentrations has not been studied, foods rich in isothiocyanates can play a significant part in the prevention of biofilm formation.
• Advise the patient to report any tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area. If the patient experiences any signs of inflammation or infection, it is crucial to begin the antibiotic treatment in due time to avoid further complications.

Expected Outcomes and Associated Evaluation Criteria

If the proposed intervention is effective, the rate of complications following the cosmetic injection will decrease dramatically. However, given that the rate of complications for this type of treatment is already very low, it would be difficult to evaluate the impact of the protocol objectively. One of the possible ways of evaluation is by performing the PNA FISH test on the patients 4-6 months after the date of injection, given that no signs of infection are present. The test will help to determine if the formation of biofilm has occurred; a negative test result in the vast majority of the patients who adhered to the recommendations will be the ultimate reflection of the effectiveness of the protocol.

Table 1: Critical Analysis of Quantitative Research Articles.

References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). (2016). Plastic surgery statistics report. Web.

Berrios-Torres, S. I., Umscheid, C. A., Bratzler, D. W., Leas, B., Stone, E. C., Kelz, R. R., & Dellinger, E. P. (2017). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection. JAMA Surgery. Web.

Borges, A., Saavedra, M. J., & Simões, M. (2012). The activity of ferulic and gallic acids in biofilm prevention and control of pathogenic bacteria. Biofouling, 28(7), 755-767. Web.

Borges, A., Simões, L. C., Saavedra, M. J., & Simões, M. (2014). The action of selected isothiocyanates on bacterial biofilm prevention and control. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 86(2), 25-33. Web.

Conrad, K., Alipasha, R., Thiru, S., & Kandasamy, T. (2015). Abscess formation as a complication of injectable fillers. Modern Plastic Surgery, 5(2), 14-18. Web.

De Boulle, K., & Heydenrych, I. (2015). Patient factors influencing dermal filler complications: Prevention, assessment, and treatment. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational dermatology, 8(1), 205-214. Web.

Dumitraşcu, D. I., & Georgescu, A. V. (2013). The management of biofilm formation after hyaluronic acid gel filler injections: A review. Clujul Medical, 86(3), 192-195. Web.

Hutin, Y., Hauri, A., Chiarello, L., Catlin, M., Stilwell, B., Ghebrehiwet, T., & Garner, J. (2003). Best infection control practices for intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular needle injections. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 81(7), 491-500. Web.

Kim, J. H., Ahn, D. K., Jeong, H. S., & Suh, I. S. (2014). Treatment algorithm of complications after filler injection: Based on wound healing process. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 29(3), 176-182. Web.

Ozturk, C. N., Li, Y., Tung, R., Parker, L., Piliang, M. P., & Zins, J. E. (2013). Complications following injection of soft-tissue fillers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 33(6), 862-877. Web.

Sadashivaiah, A. B., & Mysore, V. (2010). Biofilms: Their role in dermal fillers. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 3(1), 20-22. Web.

Introduction

Body Modification practices have been in existence for a long time but has only gained prominence in recent times. This can mostly be attributed to popularization by the media especially in the west. Today’s mass media promotes awareness of outward appearance and has the greatest influence in the promotion of excessive or unnecessary cosmetic surgery. These practices are characterized by serving no therapeutic purpose and are largely done for aesthetic purposes.

Modifications come in the form of socially acceptable ones and those that are shunned by the majority of the community mostly due to their profane nature. While the practices are not uniform across all cultures, there exists some form of universal acceptability. Of particular interest is the role in which they play in society which ranges from ritualistic roles to identity roles. In this study, the factors that lead people into body modifications shall be addressed and the effects that come from these surgeries shall be discussed.

Brief overview of body modification (cosmetic surgery)

Body Modification such as cosmetic surgery is the alteration of one’s body deliberately for non-therapeutic purposes. This means that these modifications serve no medical purposes and are merely aesthetic or ritualistic in nature (Rush, 76).

Various opinions are held regarding body modifications and the topic provoking impassioned emotions of admiration and rage from those that support as well as those that oppose it. Pitts notes that while some celebrate the practice as being a rich form of art, others condemn it for being socially problematic and for encouraging “self-mutilation” among society members (26).

Causes of Excessive or Unnecessary Cosmetic surgery

In the recent past, an interest in Body Modification has developed significantly in the west. The forms of body modifications that have enjoyed this resurgence are tattooing, plastic/cosmetic surgeries and excessive piercings. This occurrence can be attributed to the issue of self identity which has been prevalent on man’s mind since the Stone Age days.

Featherstone attributes body modification practices to the need to “take control of one’s body” and hence make a statement or create a unique identity for oneself (17). Body modification ranges from socially acceptable practices such as piercings to unacceptable practices such as self mutilation or deformation (Featherstone 19).

Racism and prejudice are among the most common causes of excessive body modifications. Sometimes, people prejudge other people by their appearances. So it is a common perception that the first impression is most important. Thus, people obsess over beauty to fit the standards of beauty which promoted by mass media and it often lead people to have excessive or unnecessary cosmetic surgery.

The concept of beauty has been known to differ amongst people and one person’s idea of beauty may not necessarily be the same for another. Through advertisements, individuals get a predetermined perception in regards to the human body and beauty.

This perception influences them and they start seeing faults in their physical appearance. As such, the need to change these “flaws” is overwhelming and pushes them into opting for surgeries so that they can look like the people in the adverts. For example, most main character of television shows tends to employ fascinating actors or actress.

Although there are some television shows whose main characters are not beautiful or handsome, they are often illustrated as freak or social misfits and the shows bring them into derision. While there is no universally acceptable standard of beauty, beauty is evaluated on a standard that is acceptable to the local community. With this constant pressure to fit in, people try to change the physical qualities that make them feel less beautiful or handsome.

Another cause that pulls people into excessive cosmetic surgeries is basically the lack of personal identity and low self esteem. The world today is very skeptical and everyone has to work extra hard to fit in. people who believe that they are ugly often fear to interact with their beautiful and handsome counterparts because they feel left out and unworthy.

As such, they end up trying to change their appearance so that they can fit in with other members of society. Evidence of this can be seen from the New York Times columnist who invented the word “Lookism”. The word means discrimination or prejudice against people based on their physical appearance.

Other people do cosmetic surgeries so that they can get back their confidence which has reduced. This is further worsened by the mass media which portrays beautiful and handsome people as confident with the ability to do anything. Featherstone claims that due to the popularization of beauty by the mass media, cosmetic surgeries and other forms of body modifications have become forms of self expression in nowadays (35).

Body modifications have evolved from the early days where it was the exclusive premise of either outcasts or royalty to being widely acceptable and even fashionable to the general population (Featherstone 24). The wide spread acceptance accompanied by the affordability and ease with which modifications can be carried out has led to the craft enjoying unprecedented boom.

The availability of better medical facilities has brought about the assurance that if modifications occur within a health facility, there are almost no risks of fatalities. This is in contrast to the early days whereby the risk involved in cosmetic surgeries were great and often led to infections which at times proved to be fatal (Siebers 87).

Another cause though not so popular reason as to why individuals indulge in cosmetic surgeries is to hide their identities. As Siebers explains, criminals as well as people willing to turn a new leaf in their lives (start afresh) often change their appearances so as to run from their pasts, enemies and in the case of criminals; the law enforcement agencies (72).

This has been very effective especially in cases where the law enforcement agencies need to protect valuable witnesses from the wrath of criminal masterminds that may try to harm them so as to protect themselves.

“Money is the root of all happiness” this cliché holds true because the more money one has, the more he/she can achieve. In regards to this topic, cosmetic surgeries are not as cheap as expected. Therefore, the more money one has the more the results and cosmetic work he/she gets. Ordinarily, cosmetic surgeries are very addictive and having money in abundance only fuels this need to get more different.

Effects of Excessive or Unnecessary Cosmetic surgery

Despite the large scale acceptance and wide spread embrace of body modification in modern culture, most forms of body modification still remain a touchy issue with majority of the people. This is because of the negative connotation that is attached to some forms of modifications e.g. loss of identity and pretence; academics are seen to invariably agree in their description of cosmetic surgeries as being a sign of cultural deviance (Slosar 154).

In addition to this prejudice against some body modifications, others can have adverse health impacts on the subject. This is especially so when the modifications are done without adhering to health standards. This is especially an issue with body reconstructive surgeries which may have adverse effects on the nervous system and lead to serious illnesses.

Having excessive surgeries is very dangerous and may affect the quality of health of the person getting these surgeries. For example, due to excessive surgeries, Michael Jackson had serious health issues, could not stay under the sun and affected his mental status (he became obsessed about his looks).

Slosar explains that the human body since birth is well balanced (49). As such, changing any aspect from the original form leads to a situation whereby the individual constantly needs to change other things. This leads to an obsession since the patients often strive for perfection; which is unattainable.

Another effect is that the chemicals and medical substances used may have serious side effects on other bodily functions. As mentioned earlier, repetitive surgeries may affect the nervous system, lead to cancers and other illnesses due to an increase in chemical substances in the body or overexposure to radiation. To this end, the patients end up spending more money in treating other diseases or living a secluded life because they cannot function normally.

In addition, excessive cosmetic surgeries may have devastating effects on one’s social life. The more one changes his/her appearance, the further they divert from who they were originally. This is because and physical modification made affects one’s personality leading to change. This affects how the people interact with others as well as their perception of other people.

As mentioned earlier, cosmetic surgeries are often obsessive and costly. Therefore, they may have serious impacts on one’s financial status and in some cases; people have been left bankrupt because they overspent on these surgeries. On the same note, due to this obsession, cosmetic surgeries have caused serious marital and family issues because the individuals cannot fully perform their duties as required.

Recommendations

There exist laws that prohibit some forms of body modifications which are deemed as destructive to ones body. It should however be taken into consideration that body modifications are strictly a matter of personal taste and preference and the democratic rights of a person which guarantee freedom of expression imply that one can perform most of the modifications without fear of any retribution.

However, the responsible authorities should ensure that the practitioners do not take advantage of the patients and use beauty to exploit them. Laws should be set to regulate the number of surgeries permitted to an individual so as to protect them from harming themselves.

Conclusion

This paper set out to find out the causes and effects of body modification particularly excessive cosmetic surgeries. It has been observed that this practice is mostly undertaken as a form of self expression with an aim of creating a unique identity for oneself.

The practice is in some forms seen to be socially acceptable while in other forms as unacceptable. Its roles have also been seen to vary from aesthetic to personal gratification. The implications of body modifications to a person can be both gratifying and detrimental and as such care should be taken when choosing to engage in them.

Works Cited

Featherstone, Mike. Body modification. CA: Sage, 2000. Print.

Pitts, Victoria. In the flesh: the cultural politics of body modification. LA: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. Print.

Rush, A. John. Spiritual Tattoo: a cultural History of tattooing, piercing and Scarification. USA: Book First, 2005. Print.

Siebers, Tobin. The body aesthetic: from fine art to body modification. Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2000. Print.

Slosar, R. Jay. The culture of excess: how America lost self-control and why we need to redefine success. CA: ABC-CLIO, 2009. Print.

Introduction

Cosmetic surgery helps to enhance appearance. It involves hair transplant, breast implants, liposuctions, and tummy-sucks. Gynecologist and general surgeons mostly practice it. People assume that cosmetic and plastic surgery are the same. Plastic surgery mainly deals with facial and body enhancement due to birth abnormalities and accidents. Training to qualify as a plastic surgeon is different from a cosmetic surgeon.

Hence, cosmetic surgeon patients should understand that the training, experience, and education for becoming competent in cosmetic surgery are not the same as that required to become knowledgeable in plastic surgery. Many patients have false information that all plastic surgeons can undertake all cosmetic surgery.

Thus, they have incorrect and inaccurate information when it comes to choosing their surgeons. This endangers them by going to physicians with no expertise in cosmetic surgery. Despite all the risks and damages involved in cosmetic surgery, I support it because it has helped women largely.

Refutations

Counter Arguments

Breast augmentation as a cosmetic surgery improves one’s breast, resulting in an outstanding figure. Some of the reasons why people seek breast augmentation include, increasing the breast size, the perception that one’s breast is too small, to enhance the body outlook and proportion, to achieve an enhanced appearance, size, and projections (Nadler, 22). Breast augmentation helps in enhancement, not perfection.

Liposuction as cosmetic surgery helps patients to get rid of unwanted fats that cannot be controlled by exercise and dieting. Aside from visual enhancement, liposuction helps patient’s clothes to fit them better. Patients get a psychological lift after they have undergone liposuction due to a trimmer body. Some patients find it easy to have physical exercise regularly after removal of extra fats; this makes them have body fitness (Miller, 33).

Mastopexy, as a form of cosmetic surgery, helps in the improvement of one’s outlook. It also helps in upgrading self-confidence and makes a person have a balanced self-outlook. Patients get a sensuous backside, and they are less cautious about self-appearance. Patients are advised to have reasonable goals about buttocks augmentation, and they should do it for their reasons but not anyone else reason. They should put in mind that it is for improvement, not perfection.

. All cosmetic surgeries have risks involved. If one follows, the doctor’s instructions, there are no problems, complication, and risks. Breast augmentation is not permanent and cannot stay forever; hence; it ruptures at one point or another (Nadler, 45). Patients may recognize leakage because a change in the size of the breast is detectable. An implant may rupture because of trauma on the chest region, but mostly it occurs spontaneously with no reason.

The major issue with breast augmentation is capsular contracture, the scar surrounding the implant hardens and tightens, and this makes the breast feel harder and tighter. The solution to this problem is by pressing the breast slowly during healing and following the surgeon’s instructions. Some women may feel numbness and sensitivity, but these symptoms may vanish after some time.

Rippling is another side effect experienced: it is experienced when the implant moves, and it is characterized by indentations on the surface of the implant. Removal of the implant is the best solution in case of severe cases. Some women may have contamination at the implant, antibiotics treat these infections, but in a severe situation, removal of the implant is advisable.

Liposuction has problems and complication like any other surgery. Some may suffer from sagging skin, numbness, scaring, and dimpling (Miller, 50). Follow up surgery rectify these problems. Other rare but extreme complications include excessive fluid loss and drug overdose. The following factors are associated with the removal of a large number of fats, multiple procedures are done together, and the use of general anesthesia. Risks involved with buttock implants include infection and bleeding.

Fallacies

Many people think that cosmetic surgeons are not doctors. What they do not comprehend is that surgeons are doctors who do not cure any disease. They only enhance and improve certain parts of the body. Cosmetic surgeons need to undertake a medical course for four years after they complete college.

They must excel in the board of examination to be qualified and attend seminars to broaden their skills. All this make them qualified as any other doctor. Others think that cosmetic surgery is only for the rich: this happened many centuries back when it was affordable only to the affluent. Nowadays it is affordable to anyone interested. This is because many surgery centers have come up and this procedure well.

Force qualification

Liposuction is advisable for individuals of normal weight who want to enhance their body. It can put the abdomen in place, shape the ankles, and remove contours. Liposuction cannot cure obesity; the process may even alter body proportion permanently. Patients with good skin will acquire smooth complexion after fat removal. Tumescent fluid yields satisfactory results. Because of pregnancy and other factors, women breast have lost proportion and begun to loosen.

Breast implant corrects this problem easily. Pursestring mastopexy surrounds the nipple with an incision. The other method is lollipop mastopexy, where an incision is underneath the nipple. Face-lifts make a person’s face smooth by removing excess fat. The procedure used is short-scar scaring, which yields good results. The face becomes fresh and smoother. Eyelid surgery gets rid of unwanted fat and skin on the top eyelid. It tightens the bottom eyelid and offers a relaxed and alert appearance.

My opinion on cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is of good and great help because it helps to improve various parts of the body. For instance, women who undergo this procedure find themselves with smoother and unwrinkled skin. For example, those who undergo liposuction can wear clothes, which did were small to them earlier.

There is the removal of unattractive and troublesome part of the body; this makes a woman feel more appreciated. There is no worry about looks and emotional instability. Some women feel very awkward with their breast and are very unhappy with them when they look in the mirror; luckily, breast implantation has helped them.

Conclusion

Cosmetic surgery is a procedure done from a personal decision but not from influences from others. A patient should put into account that cosmetic surgery is for enhancement, but not for perfection and that, there are risks involved. Through following doctor’s instructions, no risks and complications are encountered.

Works Cited

Miller, Sam. Plastic Surgery. New York: Wolters Publishers, 2006. Pp. 33-50. Print.

Nadler, Bruce. Nip tucks work out. North Chalk Stone: Radius Publishers, 2005. Pp. 22-45. Print.

Reconstructive surgery is a practice that was designed for functional and cosmetic purposes. Time has given rise to a novel practice: female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) that has solicited a lot of controversies. Initially, procedures to alter the genital size, appearance, and function were conducted for purely medical reasons, but now, this has changed to alter even that which is considered normal (Goodman, 2011). This has been the reason for contentious debate revolving around FGCS. However, criticism and anti-campaigns against FGCS are increasing amidst an increased use of this surgery and associated procedures. Medicalization of the women’s genitalia exposes photos of pre- and post-surgery that resemble female genital mutilation according to the New View Campaign (2008). Yet, these photos are seen as an ideal representation of the woman’s genital.

Various magazines have articles that indicate the desired or ideal female genitals, and by so doing, these articles result in consumer anxiety. Any woman looking at these articles begins comparing her genitals to those of the woman in a mere photograph, not forgetting that photoshop might have been used to enhance the picture(s). The articles on these new technologies and how the vulva and labia tissues should look like leads to disconcerted women about what is normal, and what is abnormal genitalia. Female genital cosmetic surgery is a term that envisages several procedures.

First, labiaplasty is a novel procedure that entails modification of labia tissue that is considered extremely droopy by making it more firm through injection of fat from other parts of the body. The labia minora is the main target, and it aims at reducing the size of these lips to avoid protruding beyond the labia majora. Also, it entails the correction of labia tissue asymmetry about size and/or length. This is an absolute cosmetic procedure without a single effect on one’s sensations. The ideology of an ideal labia has prompted many women to seek cosmetic surgery. Women undergo these surgeries based on the perception of an ideal labia minor: minimal, unextended, symmetrical, homogeneously pink, and not wavy (Davis 2002, p. 15).

Vaginoplasty, also known as vaginal rejuvenation, is another procedure that entails the tightening of the vagina and vaginal opening. This procedure is done by eliminating tissue deemed excess from the vaginal lining. It is mainly sought by women who have lost their vaginal tone after delivery. Hymenoplasty is yet another FGCS procedure that brings about re-virgination. This procedure entails reconnecting the edges of the hymen, mainly torn during the first sexual activity, so it can tear and bleed during intercourse. This procedure is prevalent in areas where cultural and religious values form the gist of the society, and especially in communities where virginity is highly valued. Labia majora augmentation is a procedure that plumps up the labia major after being injected with fatty tissue from other parts of a woman’s body. Vulval lipoplasty makes use of liposuction and eradicates fat deposits from the area covered by pubic hair: the mons pubis. The result is a less prominent mons pubis (Braun 2013).

G-spot augmentation is a procedure that aims to enhance the size of the G-spot and result in better sexual pleasure. This process entails the injection of substances such as collagen into the g-spot. The procedure should be repeated after every 3-4 months because this is the period that the effects of the procedure are felt. Analogous to various critics of these procedures, there is no indication of the side effects of associated with frequent G-spot augmentation. Perineoplasty “is a reconstruction of the perineum, vulvar vestibule, vaginal introitus, and distal vagina by excising scarred and redundant tissue and opening perineal and levator ani musculature” (Goodman 2008, p.4).

This procedure aims to enhance the strength of the pelvic floor and make it compact. The last procedure highlighted in this paper is a clitoral hood reduction. This procedure is aimed at improving a woman’s sexual pleasure through enhanced stimulation during sexual activities. The procedure reduces the hood of skin surrounding the clitoris and subsequently leaving the glans, which is the head of the clitoris found beneath this skin, exposed (Braun 2013).

The escalating use of FGCS is due to greater awareness and advertisements that create a feeling of self-criticism within an individual. The procedures are enticing, and any woman would be tempted to undergo either one procedure of her choice if only to improve her body and especially concerning sexual organs that seem to give an individual her identity. These procedures have grown over time, but Brazilian waxing seems to have opened the box of panthora. Brazilian waxing is a procedure that removes the pubic hair and leaves the genitals exposed; hence, no camouflaging and women can evaluate the appearance of their genitals. The result has been an increased feeling of self-consciousness and confusion about what is normal and abnormal. Sexuality is a topic that is less discussed; therefore, an individual will only rely on what photographs and surgeons of cosmetic surgery deem normal. Grady (cited in Purdy 2001) states that most women who undergo FGCS have normal organs. There is some misguided information that pushes women to undergo FGCS, yet they may not need it.

FGCS made its first appearance in the news in 1998 when Gary Alter and David Matlock (surgeons in Los Angeles) advertised various genital procedures aimed at adorning the vulva and elevating response to sex. Despite the fact that vaginal tightening had pre-existed, the new surgeries envisaged plastic surgery procedures with a focus on orgasmic function and vulva appearance. These new technologies for enhancing the female genitals were triggered by the increased hairless norm, heightened expectations for pleasure, orgasm, and G-spot response (Tiefer 2008, p. 467).

The quest for FGCS is attributed to psychological distress that comes about due to the appearances of the vulva, which has been pictorially enhanced. According to Grady (cited in Purdy 2001), conditions that were once left alone are now deemed as ailments; hence medicalizing sexuality. Medicalization of sexuality has resulted in the growth of the surgeons at the expense of their patients. Grady (cited in Purdy 2001) highlights that some of these conditions; labeled ‘abnormal’ are merely part of the great diversity within the human race. Notwithstanding that some procedures may be necessary, it would be important for surgeons and associated health professionals to succinctly define what can be deemed as a medical condition that requires medical intervention rather than performing unnecessary procedures on the women’s bodies.

The entire medicalization and franchising of female genitals have engendered scrutiny into one’s genital appearance, response to sexual activities, and one’s sexual behavior. This has led to the insecurity of some sort about their functional abilities regarding sexual intercourse and sexuality regarding clothing. Whereas surgeons and the media promote FGCS procedures, critics claim that the entire process violates important human ethical principles. The credibility of information provided by the media is questionable because surgeons have been cited offering free cosmetic procedures to journalists during interviews (Tiefer 2008, p. 469). FGCS is considered to surgically victimize women because most of them undergo the procedures without a comprehensive informed consent. Despite the fact that these procedures are performed by, other gynecologists are against the practices alleging that there is insufficient evidence to deem these procedures as safe and reliable.

Some women seek FGCS for aesthetic value, but it is difficult to distinguish between functional and aesthetic characteristics of these procedures. FGCS is compared to female genital mutilation (FGM) by some critics, but this has not received much scrutiny because unlike FGM that is coerced, FGCS is taken up by the western women freely. However, in the case of autonomy, full informed consent should be given while highlighting the negative impact of the procedures. Autonomy is questioned because societal and media pressures prevail and push the woman to change her looks, all in a bid to be sexually appealing. FGCS conflicts with ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence. Women do not fully understand the repercussions associated with these procedures, and the surgeons performing these procedures are not devoted to delineating such information because it may ruin their business.

Consumer organizations supported the franchising of medical products as a means to promote competition. However, critics such as the New View Campaign argue that this move is aimed at misinforming and misguiding the consumer. The images posted on the internet and showing in pornographic cites indicate an ideal female genital that most women will crave for. This is bizarre because even in facial looks, no one person is identical to another. The New View Campaign deems genital cosmetic surgery as an unregulated, unmonitored, and untested practice that has merely misinformed the public. Women have especially fallen prey to what is deemed “an ideal body image” (2008, p. 1).

There is no scientific backing of the safety and effectiveness of genital cosmetic surgery; hence, the strong opposition by the critics of such kind of surgery. There is a concern that women seeking these services are not fully aware of the consequences of these procedures. There is a major bias towards the positive and desirable outcome in comparison to the negative outcomes. Genital cosmetic surgery is delineated as a flawless process on online photos and videos. Yet, possible adversities such as “scarring, loss of genital sensation, post-operative anxieties, reduced erotic pleasure, obstetric risks and chronic pain” can occur (Tiefer et al., 2008, p. 1).

The New View Campaign advocates transparency, that is, the surgeons should give all the details of the cosmetic procedures. Feminists against FCGS and they have condemned it as a means that aggravates gender inequality. Genital surgery is mainly used to draw an appealing picture of sex work and pornography, which are deemed as avenues for exploitation and oppression. According to Tiefer (2008), feminists assert that women have the right to control their bodies howsoever they chose, even if it means undergoing the FGCS. On the other hand, these feminists argue against myogynists’ influences that push a woman to make fraught decisions that are not autonomous. Interviewees of cosmetic procedures tend to focus less on the adversities of these procedures and focus more on the benefits they have derived from them. It can be summed up from these interviews that women agonize over criticism, comparison, and discontentment.

This paper would not be complete without highlighting the risks associated with the various FGCS procedures, as indicated by Goodman (2011, p. 8). Labiaplasty is associated with the excessive repair, infection, scarring, hyper- or hypo-sensitivity, scalloped labial edges and disfigurement. Clitoral hood size reduction is associated with hypersensitivity, damaged glans, or clitorial body due to frequent operations and scarring. Perineoplasty required vigorous repair that leads to dyspareunia, infection, and damage of organs in close proximity such as rectum and peritoneum. Hymenoplasty is also associated with dyspareunia as well as additional defects on the hymenal ring. Vaginoplasty is associated with incontinence, scarring, infection, dyspareunia, injury to adjacent organs, and poor wound healing.

There are advertisements all-over about FGCS. These advertisements highlight the benefits of these procedures; apparently, these benefits are short-term. There is no indication of what these procedures can do over a long term and especially for those requiring repetition such as the G-spot augmentation. There is a need for studies to show long-term effects of FGCS because any woman who seeks the magical effects of FGCS would inarguably take up the procedure. It is important to understand whether the risks discussed above are emanated in all individuals who undergo the procedure, or are there particular predisposing factors to such risks.

References

Braun, K 2013, ‘What is genital cosmetic surgery (GCS)?’ Health Journey, issue 3. Web.

Goodman, M 2011, ‘Female Genital Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery: A Review’, Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 1813-1825.

New View campaign. (2008). Research and Monitoring Needed for Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery– NYC protest set for November 17, 2008, 12-2PM, Final Press Release. Web.

Purdy, L 2001, ‘Medicalization, Medical Necessity, and Feminist Medicine’, Bioethics, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 248-261.

Tiefer, L 2008, ‘Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: Freakish or Inevitable? Analysis from Medical Marketing, Bioethics, and Feminist Theory,” Feminism & Psychology, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 466 – 479.

Davis, S 2002, ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships (Labia Cosmetic Surgery),’ Feminist Studies, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 7–37.

Body modification tells a lot about people and their preferences. It may tell us about individuals who have body art; such as their likelihood, which substances they use, or any type of violence. Women’s desire to look attractive or their need of expression has made many go for plastic surgery.

A Need for thinner bodies

When it comes to weight, most women prefer to look thin since they think they would look attractive if they were thin.

In the twenty first century, thinner is preferred by most men in the globe, and this has driven the women to modify their bodies by going for plastic surgery. Most women do not know the ideal size of their bodies; the ideal weight depends on whose criterion is being used. The criteria may be based on health or what other people say about your physical appearance, what people consider as right weight or body mass.

Most of the modern women have gone to the extent of being extra thin and underweight. At this point, I agree with the fact that cosmetic surgery has caused symbolic damage to the women.

According to the world health organisation, a BMI of 3.0 is categorized as obese and has greater risk of developing heart problems but, also, having a body mass index of below 18.4 is discouraged since it is a sign of underweight and exposes an individual to greater risks of developing heart diseases, lowered immunity, anaemia, depression and even death. Most of the women today have a BMI of below 18.4 which is very dangerous to their health.

Weight loss surgery has made a lot of negative changes on women who has done this, this effect are psychological and leaves the victim in a worse situation. This is because weight loss surgery changes how people relate with others, how they feel about themselves, their self-esteem and their whole life.

After Surgery

Because the effects the surgery are so much and far-reaching, one may find that their life has become less interesting than before and they may feel like they are the odd ones out in the society. Also, the outcome of the surgery may not be appealing to victim. At times, women who have done this surgery are not satisfied and end up doing more surgeries that do not bear good fruits. Eventually, they damage their nice natural look with an unappealing plastic look which cannot be changed any further.

Women with tattoos

The men communities and masculinity have mostly used tattooing. Currently, many women are going for tattoos; this has impacted negatively on the perception of women. Women with tattoos remain stigmatized, being pierced as more promiscuous, less attractive and drunkards (Swami and Furham, 2007).

Recent researches shows that tattooed women are perceived as not being morally upright than untattooed women. Furthermore, women with larger tattoos or tattoos that are highly visible are perceived more negatively than women with smaller tattoos.

A recent research shows that men with tattoos are less attracted to women with large tattoos, but women with tattoos do not react negatively towards other women with any tattoo.

Tattooed and pierced bodies tell us a lot about psychology and behaviour of a person. In most cases, people with tattoos are perceived to have physiological or biological problems by health practitioners.

Extreme surgery does not bring happiness

Botox has a side effect that lasts for six months if interfered with other types of medication it can cause flu or other undesirable side effects. People going through this type of surgery, may not be happy at the end if the injection does not work well with them.

It is not always the case; the outcome of the surgery depends on the genetic composition of the person and the expertise of the practitioner. Examples of medication that can be dangerous side effects if mixed with Botox are lincomycin, tobramycin, and gentamicin. They can lead to severe heart problems.

If money was not objected, I would not go for plastic surgery

Physical appearance may socially be termed as deviant since not just the appearance that provides a negative. However, rather the meaning and interpretation that people get from the appearance. Especially with tattoos, many people believe they are connected with devil worshiping or with people who are not morally upright. As for me, extreme surgeries are not healthy both to our bodies and social relationships.

Most women who are doing plastic surgery are old and want to appear young, others are dissatisfied with a particular feature for instance the nose and requires it to be lifted, others want to acquire western beauty standards, like the Asian women who do the eyelids surgery, and the influence of culture ideas especially in breast augmentation. Therefore, these women are portrayed as having low self-esteem and any other person who goes for plastic surgery. The surgery has effect on social and biological components of the body (Bereska, 2011).

Works Cited

Bereska, Tami. (2011). Deviance, conformity and social control in Canada. Toronto, ON: Pearson Education Canada.

Introduction

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular nowadays as technology is advancing and more operations become possible. This branch of medical science is different from plastic surgery because it does not serve a practical purpose and only makes the person look different. However, this trend should not continue as not only does cosmetic surgery still come with significant risks but it also changes the perception of beauty and may pressure people into having unnecessary operations.

Cosmetic surgery has been becoming more popular recently in the United States as well as other countries. According to Cosmetic Surgery (2017), the number of operations performed in the United States each year has increased by 732% between 1997 and 2016. Cosmetic Surgery (2017) adds that most of the procedures are performed on women and people between 35 and 50 years of age.

These statistics suggest that the surgery primarily appears to women who believe they are losing their beauty and want to retain it for as long as possible. Cosmetic Surgery (2017) notes that the most popular procedures are liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lifts, abdominoplasty, and blepharoplasty. These data are consistent with the prevailing view of cosmetic surgery as a tool that primarily applies changes to faces and breasts or reduces the weight of the patient.

Reasons for Operations

As mentioned above, the primary reason why people turn to cosmetic surgery may be a perceived loss of beauty. Bodies in Christ (2015) supports this idea and adds that many Americans struggle with body dissatisfaction as well as unattainable body ideals. The media frequently promote the latter as they are the primary medium for beauty product advertising. Fashion magazines tend to use Photoshop to edit featured images and make the bodies of the models appear slimmer, with more pronounced curves.

Such campaigns as these establish impossible standards and attempt to convince women that unrealistically thin bodies are the norm and that everyone should strive toward them. Attempts to do so promote body negativity and self-harming behaviors, warping the perception of beauty in the minds of people. Furthermore, some people are more impressionable or less mentally stable than others, and they may respond strongly to the kinds of advertising described in the last paragraph.

Bodies in Christ (2015) notes that enormous numbers of American men and women are affected by an eating disorder at some point in their lives and that around a thousand women die of anorexia nervosa each year. Furthermore, some people may turn their body image insecurities into mental issues, a condition that is called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and described by Castle (2018). These kinds of people often realize their inability to deal with their perceived issues and turn to cosmetic surgery as a potential solution. However, the procedures are not perfect, and even if they do not suffer any adverse consequences, BDD victims tend to remain dissatisfied.

Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery retains the risks of more medically oriented surgical disciplines, although there is usually little to no threat to the patient’s life during or after the operation. Nevertheless, failures that harm the patients happen sometimes, particularly because the lucrative nature of the industry may attract companies that lack ethical concerns or proper quality control measures. Edmonds (2013) describes the case of PIP, a company that made breast implants that used non-medical silicone and were more likely to rupture than competing models.

A large number of women around the world received potentially dangerous implants, and, according to Edmonds (2013), they may be linked to an increased probability of cancer. Edmonds (2013) also highlights that trust is a significant part of the popularity and danger of cosmetic surgery, as the procedure is performed by doctors, and patients feel assured that they are safe. However, more and more varieties of doctors are beginning to offer to perform the procedures, and sometimes it is difficult to completely verify the safety of a product used for the operations, both for doctors and for patients.

Alternatives to Cosmetic Surgery

Ultimately, the primary concern surrounding cosmetic surgery is that it does not provide health benefits but carries risks for the recipient’s well-being. The only possible justification for the procedure is a subjective improvement, and there are usually less dangerous ways to achieve it. Cosmetic surgery would likely become unnecessary if people chose to be more positive about their bodies. According to Pennington (2018), children with facial differences tend to score better on body image tests than those who do not have unusual features.

One possible reason is that children in the first category often develop better social skills to compensate for the awkwardness and therefore realize that one’s appearance is not critical to who he or she is. On the other hand, Pennington (2018) notes that most teenagers without body differences put significant emphasis on body image and rate it higher than many other concerns. A cultural change that focused less attention on one’s appearance would likely improve the self-perception of many people, especially teenagers, and lead fewer people to resort to cosmetic surgery.

References

Bodies in Christ. (2015). America, 212(6), 5. Web.

Castle, D. J. (2018). Body dysmorphic disorder and cosmetic surgery: are surgeons too quick to nip and tuck? In Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit, MI: Gale. (Reprinted from Body dysmorphic disorder and cosmetic surgery: are surgeons too quick to nip and tuck? Web.

Cosmetic Surgery. (2017). In Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit, MI: Gale. Web.

Edmonds, A. (2013). The Risks of Cosmetic Surgery Should Not Be Ignored. In L. I. Gerdes (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. The Culture of Beauty. Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press. Web.

Penington, A. (2018). Children with facial difference have a lot to teach us about body image. In Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit, MI: Gale. Web.