It seems that the traditional standard of beauty is forever evolving into an impossible ideal. The natural female form has fallen victim to a fleeting trend. In today’s tabloids public figures seem to be plagued with the very same insecurities that their readers are struggling with at home. As a culture of excess and extremes, we hold vulnerabilities on a pedestal, fascinated with emaciated socialites and their whimsical journeys through anorexic rehab.

Some stars have ventured far beyond public eating disorders, even taking to plastic surgery to have photos permanently taken in the best possible light. Ashley Simpson, Kathy Griffin, Courtney Love, and even Howard Stern have confessed to going under the knife. Popular shows like Dr. 90210, Nip/Tuck, and MTV’s I Want A Famous Face thrive on graphically depicting the realities and results of augmentation. It seems that more than ever surgery has become an accepted solution to an epidemic of insecurity. Is it because of new innovations and advancements or has it become this seasons hottest new trend?

In 2005 11.5 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the United States. Botox is of course the most popular, while liposuction is also frequently requested. Since 1997 the overall number of procedures has increased 444%. While our visions of plastic surgery were allotted to extremists like Joan Rivers or Pamela Anderson the more subtle and significant changes were slowly becoming more trendy than a Fendi purse. Once a taboo subject for those in the limelight to deny, society now applauds their new plastic look. Read More »