Authenticity is a multi-faceted definition: Genuine. Original. Real. In today’s digital media landscape, authenticity has become a trend as motivation for people to embrace and celebrate who they are and how they were made.

What this trend often overlooks, however, is that many people struggle to match how they perceive themselves on the inside with how they look on the outside. That internal turmoil can hinder someone from becoming their true, authentic self.

As board-certified plastic surgeons at Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery (AIPS), we are passionate about helping patients achieve their personal goals through cosmetic procedures. Unfortunately, though many strides have been made toward normalizing plastic surgery, it still carries a number of unnecessary stigmas. This article explores the history behind those stigmas and why they should be debunked.

1) Plastic surgery is for people who want to be or look fake.

Through the years, celebrity icons have used exaggerated plastic surgery as their differentiator: Dolly Parton, Joan Rivers and Pamela Anderson come to mind. While their cosmetic procedures are obvious, their changes have become their identity – their authentic self.

Some people want a big, exaggerated change from their plastic surgery. While this can be achieved, plastic surgery can also be very natural. Whether the patient’s goal is to reverse aging or minimize the effects of childbearing, our jobs as their plastic surgeon is to form a connection, understand what they want and help them achieve the look that will make them feel most fulfilled.

2) There’s one idealized look everyone should aim for.

The idea of one beauty standard – one idealized look – is a longstanding problem. From Barbie dolls to celebrities, people have been inundated by the idea that there is only one ideal body type or one way to look beautiful.

It’s refreshing to see a shift in celebrity role models, toy companies and the entertainment industry to represent different skin tones and body shapes; however, it may still take quite a while to minimize the idea that there is only one specific standard of beauty. You don’t have to change your body to meet a stereotype, but you can change your body to meet the version of yourself that you want to be.

3) Plastic surgery is expensive and only for the rich and famous.

The assumption that plastic surgery is only attainable for the rich and famous is, once again, rooted in the media. While it’s true that many affluent celebrities, influencers and public figures make noticeable changes to their appearance, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures may be more affordable than you think.

If you are considering plastic surgery, we encourage you to meet with a provider to discuss your options. It’s important to be open about what you really want and why, and work with a surgeon who can recommend the best options to fit your desires and your budget. Ultimately, plastic surgery is a worthwhile investment in yourself.

While the stigma surrounding plastic surgery may take many years to debunk, we are committed to helping patients become their authentic selves. To explore all your options and offerings through AIPS, visit www.aiplasticsurgery.com.