The Insecurity Industry

If your flaws are tarnishes, there are people who’ll varnish them for you. But are plastic surgeons profiteering or problem-solving? It probably depends on who you ask. 

My friends have had all manner of alterations, mostly minor. Their prescriptions for accepting their image include a rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and veneers or Invisalign, your choice. Admittedly, that sounds snide, but I can relate to their fixation with flawlessness. 

A glance at my physique, and you’d probably question the previous sentiment. Flawless isn’t the adjective that springs to mind. At least, that’s precisely where mine wanders when I glance in the mirror. I can barely look myself in the eye while brushing my teeth topless for fear of watching my torso wobble back and forth over the basin. 

The problem is, people are closer to perfection than ever. Enhancing yourself is a well established process, but its escalation has been exponential in my lifetime. Noughties fat-shaming fashion mags have given way to sensationalist pseudo-existences online, an alternate dimension in which if you’re not curvy, you’re not worthy. 

Regardless of your shape, whether you’re authentic or airbrushed, we’re all attempting to achieve our perception of perfection. Though, visiting friends who required procedures to adore their features reminds me how each alteration is the physical manifestation of an insecurity, something that needed to be fixed to be appreciated. 

Although that’s my perspective, my friends who’ve felt the need to fix themselves seem overwhelmingly appreciative of the results. I assumed accepting imperfection was the solution, but those closest to me have shown taking control is an alternative route to enjoying your image.