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Cosmetic Surgery Boundary Work And The Pursuit Of The Natural Fake

Jermaine Powell

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Published in Under The Knife: Cosmetic Surgery Boundary Work And The Pursuit Of The Natural Fake

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Cosmetic surgery is a booming industry, with millions of people undergoing procedures each year. But what is the real motivation behind cosmetic surgery? And how does it relate to our ever-changing conceptions of beauty?

Under the Knife: Cosmetic Surgery, Boundary Work, and the Pursuit of the Natural Fake

by Samantha Kwan

5 out of 5

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In this article, we will explore the concept of boundary work in cosmetic surgery and how it relates to the pursuit of the natural fake.

Boundary Work in Cosmetic Surgery

Boundary work is a term used in sociology to describe the processes by which people create and maintain social boundaries. In the context of cosmetic surgery, boundary work refers to the ways in which surgeons and patients negotiate the boundaries between the natural and the artificial.

Surgeons often use the language of naturalness to describe their work. They may say that they are simply "restoring" a patient's natural beauty or "correcting" a flaw. However, this language is often misleading. In reality, most cosmetic surgery procedures involve the creation of something new, not the restoration of something old.

Patients also play a role in boundary work. They may seek out cosmetic surgery in order to achieve a certain look, but they may also be hesitant to admit that they have had work done. This is because there is still a stigma associated with cosmetic surgery. Many people believe that it is vain or unnatural to alter one's appearance.

The tension between the natural and the artificial is at the heart of cosmetic surgery. Surgeons and patients are constantly negotiating the boundaries between these two concepts. This negotiation is often difficult, but it is also essential. It is through boundary work that cosmetic surgery can be used to create beautiful and natural-looking results.

The Pursuit of the Natural Fake

The pursuit of the natural fake is a central theme in cosmetic surgery. Patients often seek out procedures that will give them a more natural appearance, even if those procedures involve the use of artificial materials. This is because our culture values natural beauty above all else.

There are a number of reasons why we value natural beauty. First, natural beauty is seen as a sign of health and vitality. Second, natural beauty is seen as more authentic than artificial beauty. And third, natural beauty is seen as more desirable than artificial beauty.

The pursuit of the natural fake is not without its problems. One problem is that it can lead to unrealistic expectations. Patients may expect to look like a perfect 10 after surgery, but this is rarely the case. Another problem is that the pursuit of the natural fake can lead to addiction. Patients may become so obsessed with achieving a certain look that they undergo multiple procedures, even if those procedures are not necessary.

Despite these problems, the pursuit of the natural fake is likely to continue. As our culture continues to value natural beauty, more and more people will seek out cosmetic surgery to achieve a more natural appearance.

Cosmetic surgery is a complex and controversial topic. There are many different reasons why people choose to have cosmetic surgery, and the results of surgery can be both positive and negative. However, one thing is for sure: cosmetic surgery is here to stay. As our culture continues to evolve, so too will our conceptions of beauty and the role of cosmetic surgery in achieving that beauty.

Under the Knife: Cosmetic Surgery, Boundary Work, and the Pursuit of the Natural Fake

by Samantha Kwan

5 out of 5