A personal brand is often influenced by what others perceive us to be, how others feel about what we say or do and especially how we look. Whether or not we agree with it, this perception of our personal brand might then be forced into our channels of influence. These could include social media, in-person gatherings, and word of mouth, among others.
Plastic surgery is one way some individuals transform their appearance, in some cases bowing to the pressure to fit in and project a certain image, convey an acceptable personal brand. Many celebrities have opened up about their cosmetic procedures. Dolly Parton is known and respected for her openness, once saying “if something is bagging, sagging or dragging, I’ll tuck it, suck it or pluck it.” Courteney Cox also admitted to “doing stuff to my face that I would never do now.” After initial denials, Kylie Jenner admitted to having lip fillers. Also, after claiming otherwise for years, Tyra Banks eventually admitted to getting a nose job early in her career.
But some celebrities maintain the illusion that their transformed looks were not the result of chisels and gouges. And with the increasing use of less noticeable procedures, like Botox, it’s hard to tell if a celebrity has intentionally altered their appearance.
“The psychological pressure to meet societal beauty standards can be difficult to manage, especially because it can leave you feeling like you’re never good enough,” says Naomi Torres-Mackie, head of research at the Mental Health Coalition, calling these beauty comparisons “a rigged race that’s unwinnable.”
There’s nothing wrong with bettering yourself, to rewind your look to a younger period in your life or perhaps to change your look altogether. In fact, research published in Clinical Psychological Science reports that plastic surgery patients could experience more joy in life, a higher sense of satisfaction and greater self-esteem. But do it because you want to, not because of how others expect you to look.
Have you ever considered plastic surgery or another form of body transformation because of how someone made you feel or how they expected you to look? Please share your thoughts in the comments section or in the Brand Rewind Facebook Group.
Photo by Sam Moqadam on Unsplash
Denise Kaigler is the founder and principal of MDK Brand Management, a firm specializing in brand strategy, business consultancy and career coaching. Prior to launching her business in 2015, Denise held senior, executive and C-suite roles at several global brands. Denise is the author of Forty Dollars and a Brand: How to Overcome Challenges, Defy the Odds and Live Your Awesomeness, available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She is also the creator and executive producer of Brand Rewind ™, a multi-media experience that explores the actions and behaviors of personal and business brands and empowers others to learn from them. Sign up for the Brand Rewind ™ newsletter and subscribe to the Brand Rewind YouTube channel by clicking here.