Beauty unboxed: Unveiling the ‘why’ behind plastic and cosmetic surgery in young adults

The present qualitative study delves into the interplay of beauty ideals, cosmetic and plastic surgeries, and the sociocultural influences of the digital age. Through the use of semi-structured interviews with 10 women who have undergone aesthetic procedures, the study explores the psychological effects, and the challenges posed by societal norms and social media. Drawing upon phenomenological interpretivism, the research captures participants’ lived experiences and illustrating the profound impact of cosmetic and/or plastic procedures on self-esteem, body image, and confidence through a thematic analysis of the data. Findings reveal that individuals’ struggle with conforming to the euro-centric beauty norms propagated on social media and the unattainable standards set through the use of editing apps and filters. Nonetheless, the participants highlighted the beneficial psychological effects of plastic surgery, and the consequent self-esteem boost they experienced following a cosmetic procedure. These women also emphasised the importance of celebrating and recognising cultural diversity on social platforms in relation to the Western beauty norms perpetuated. Moreover, the study critically examined the responsible use of cosmetic and plastic surgery, the importance of informed decision-making, and appropriate guidance from healthcare professionals.