What’s wrong with plastic surgery?

·21 min·2 clips

A woman's horrified reaction to a graphic plastic surgery video reveals the raw reality behind cosmetic procedures.

The episode opens with a visceral audio clip of someone reacting to a graphic plastic surgery video, setting a tone of alarm. It then introduces the case of a 29-year-old mother from Leeds who died after a Brazilian butt lift procedure in Turkey, illustrating the severe risks involved. Host Tina Daheley notes the global cosmetic surgery industry is booming, projected to be worth £19 billion by 2023. Dean Azar, presenter of the BBC show 'Plastic Surgery Undressed', shares his experiences from filming, where he initially held skeptical views but found surgery normalized across society. He describes witnessing a rhinoplasty in detail, including the use of a mallet and metal splint, and learning about the risk of hitting the brain, which can be fatal. Azar discusses a survey showing most young people considering surgery haven't sought counseling for body image issues, and he highlights how social media filters distort self-perception, such as making noses appear 30% bigger in selfies. The episode covers the influence of reality TV stars like the Kardashians, with over half of surveyed 18-35-year-olds saying such figures influenced their desire for surgery. It explores specific communities, including British Asian women having rhinoplasties secretly and gay men facing prescriptive beauty ideals. Christine Rosen, a writer from the University of Virginia, provides historical context, arguing plastic surgery is driven by denial of aging and envy of beauty rather than mere vanity. She points out that nearly half of cosmetic surgery patients in the US are ages 40-54, often due to workplace or social pressures. Rosen compares the cultural impact of widespread surgery to environmental effects of SUVs, suggesting individual choices accumulate into societal norms. The episode concludes with information on where to watch Azar's show and credits the production team.

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