Beyond the Mirror: Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty that lasts a Lifetime

Growing old is tough… especially on the ego. Just having to hold my book (or whatever I’m reading) out to see the fine prints or hearing myself grunt as I pick up something from the floor… I feel so old! The amount of food that I have always consumed now makes me fat. And when I look in the mirror, I seem to have grown a new wrinkle on my face. Ugh… it’s horrifying! What do I do now?

While none of us can prevent aging, there are a variety of options to ward off the more visible signs of growing old. Among the most popular, of course, is cosmetic surgery. We hear about how it maintains a youthful look and enhances appearance… on our social media feed, in magazines, and in television ads, and see the results on some of our friends and favorite celebrities. It’s so hard to keep up with the ever-changing looks of the Kardashians or remember how they looked before all the nips and tucks.

Cosmetic surgery has become synonymous with the quest for youth and beauty. It has spawned a new aesthetic of desirability and is driven by the need for social acceptance.

Historically, the field has, for centuries, been driven by medical necessity. During World War I, the sheer volume of patients with facial injuries and burns — coupled with advances in blood transfusions and infection control —…