Cost of beauty

INVASIVE: FACE-LIFTS COME WITH RISKS

- Thami Kwazi

In an era dominated by social media, where filters, Facetune, and carefully curated images reign supreme, a disturbing trend has emerged of young women pursuing invasive surgical facelifts to achieve a fleeting and often unattainable vision of beauty.

This phenomenon, driven by the influence of celebrities and social media influencers, raises not only questions about self-worth and beauty ideals but also serious concerns about long-term consequences—physical, emotional, and societal. How far is too much?

Dr. Maureen Allem from Skin Renewal Clinics spoke to The Citizen about the importance of self-image, not overdoing plastic surgery and keeping facial tweaks natural and gradual.

The illusion of perfection

Celebrities and influencers project images that are polished, idealized, and—crucially—often unattainable.

Through carefully staged photos, heavy editing, and even surgical enhancements, they set a beauty standard that is both unrealistic and relentless.

Young followers, immersed in a digital world where the line between fantasy and reality blurs, often internalize these standards as benchmarks for their own appearance.

The consequences are devastating

>Body dissatisfaction: Comparing one's unfiltered self to an influencer's manipulated image fosters discontent and a distorted self-image.

>Mental health struggles: Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem thrive when individuals feel they will never "measure up."

>Normalization of surgery as a quick-fix: Young women are increasingly turning to invasive procedures to "correct" perceived imperfections, with little awareness of the risks or realities involved.

The long-term ramifications of surgical face-lifts