Australian women's motivations for, and experiences of, cosmetic surgery: A qualitative investigation. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonell, Sarah; Austen, Emma; Griffiths, Scott
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 41(2022)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Cosmetic surgery -- Plastic surgery -- Cosmetic surgeons -- Body image; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Women describe being motivated to get cosmetic surgery because of its normalisation. Having one cosmetic surgery seems to encourage having future surgeries. Women report having cosmetic surgery for themselves (not for anyone else). Women might experience depression in the days following cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons might engage in unethical behaviour. Abstract: Little qualitative literature has examined women's motivations for undergoing cosmetic surgery or their experiences throughout the surgery process (e.g., consultation, aftercare, and recovery). To fill this gap, we interviewed 15 Australian women (M age = 37.67) who had undergone cosmetic surgery. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis from which we generated five overarching themes. Broadly, participants described the 'cosmetic surgery lifestyle' as being normalised in contemporary Australian society. In terms of their own cosmetic surgery experiences, several expressed suffering from severe depression immediately post-surgery. Most participants also discussed how interactions with other people influenced their cosmetic surgery journeys. For instance, several described having problematic and/or distressing interactions with cosmetic surgeons, while others spoke to the lack of emotional support they received from romantic partners. Finally, almost all participants described how cosmetic surgery was a decision they made 'for themselves' (i.e., completely independent of external influence), yet, paradoxically, described how negative comments made by others drove them to cosmetic surgery. These findings contribute to existing feminist accounts of cosmetic surgery and highlight ethical concerns regarding how cosmetic surgery is practiced in Australia.