The Problem With Plastic Surgery

Hi friends 🌸 Today we're doing a deep-dive into the ethics of plastic surgery, the responsibility of the individual, and who's to blame for our current beauty trends that are leaving young women with life-long physical and psychological damage.
There is so much being said on this topic, and very little is being said from a feminist intersectional, historical perspective, all things that need to be kept in mind when discussing this. It's not a simple question, but I hope I was able to raise some questions worth discussing.
Please do let me know what you think!
Thank you so much for watching 🌺
00:00 Beauty Inflation
00:26 People Don't Look This Way
02:14 Freedom of Choice
03:55 "I'm Doing it for Me"
05:50 The Beauty Industry
09:00 Mental Health
10:30 Ask Yourself This
11:04 Backlash
12:20 The Individual
13:00 Conclusion
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[@angeltina2623]

Finally finally finally someone said this !!! I talk about this a lot with my family and friends. Yes, it is "our choice", but what kind of an example are we giving to the younger generations? Why not focus on our inner health, work and try to be a better person? Why put so much focus on looks? P.s. I understand there are people who really need plastic surgery.

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you! Exactly. Such good questions to ask, and so important!

[@linisolithia]

I think videos like these are important for girls/women to watch. I am always happy to see others questioning the things that beauty/cosmetic surgery industry have normalized

[@SagaJohanna]

Thanks so much! I

[@thewanderingstarseed]

I have always vowed to never have duck lips. I have very thin lips and never feel like I can pull off lipstick. But I honor my genes and will never get duck lips. I have noticed that almost ever single tv show and movie, the actresses have a pronounced upper lip. Even child actors have this. It’s easy to see how we can be influenced by this status quo. We can’t blame the celebrities, we need to blame the people casting actors/models. I saw the same thing happen with bleached teeth in the late 90s. All the movies before that era, actors had normal crooked, yellow teeth.

[@SagaJohanna]

Yes, it is very difficult and I agree. Same in Swedish vs. American TV. Almost no one has bleached teeth or veneers on Swedish TV, but unfortunately it's getting more and more common now.

[@ingrid607]

Great post! I can't believe that we are still obsessing over how we look when there are so many tragedies going on in the world. I guess people are unable to get over selfish and narcissistic behavior instead of focusing on more important things.

[@SagaJohanna]

It's a difficult situation. I can see how our focus gets contorted if we don't have positive role models growing up. I just hope we talk about this more so that we can make the right corrections ♥️

[@almabove2010]

This is so true! I'm a 13 yr old girl and I totally believe in just being comfortable and happy in your own body! Thank you

[@SagaJohanna]

That is so awesome!

[@almabove2010]

@@SagaJohanna Aw TYSM that's so sweet!

[@breatheinsimple5369]

I definitely look 100% more like you than all these women we see everywhere and I love that! I would never voluntarily do a surgery.

[@SagaJohanna]

I think there's something beautiful about accepting the way we look.

[@breatheinsimple5369]

@@SagaJohanna yes! And you are beautiful!

[@kp74952]

Love this video. Thanks for saying what needs to be said!

[@libeluladearcilla1161]

Thanks a lot for this video because it really covers everything we should know, from why are we doing this to what are the consequences. Everyone has something beautiful in their bodies, everyone is nice on their on way... Weninly have to accept and be who we truly are!

[@SagaJohanna]

I agree

[@susandean8584]

Brilliant. So well said as always.❤️

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you so much

[@jeffkiess]

A super important message...genuinely and passionately communicated!

[@valorielynwhitman8531]

Oh, Saga! 😮. Once again you are right on point. When I was 13, the school nurse told me that I was 5 pounds over normal. She was basing this on a chart that someone dreamt up that did NOT take into account my ancestry, bone structure or body type. I was so devastated by this pronouncement that I went home crying. My dear mother immediately put me on the "diet tu jour", cabbage soup diet. It was aweful! 🤢 But I wanted that 5 pounds gone, never mind that I had been a normal, active, energetic 13 year old prior to the pronouncement. I promptly lost the 5 pounds and went back to eating as I had previously, a healthy, well-rounded diet. I gained back the 5 pounds along with an additional 5 pounds. So I used the cabbage soup diet 🤢 to lose the now 10 pounds. I lost it quickly, but after stopping the diet, I regained 15 pounds. This yo-yo diet continued. By the time I finished college, I had somewhat stabilized at 20 pounds over what I was told was normal. Then I got married.😁. Thinking that I should fit into a specific dress style, I crash dieted to loose 30 pounds. I looked GREAT!!! I got pregnant right away and gained 70 pounds.. I told myself that I would lose the extra baby fat,. But I became pregnant again, and again, and again. Eight pregnancies later my body was shot and I was 95 pounds more than the school nurse had told me that I was overweight. I continued the dieting yo-yo my entire adult life, having done ever diet known to man. Now, at 70 years old, my metabolism is so messed up at 170 pounds overweight, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I have turned Overeaters Anonymous, a break out of Alcoholics Anonymous, as I have a true addiction to food and messed up head. I will never fit into that unnormal mode that I once thought was sooooo desirable. Now all I only want is a healthier ❤️‍🩹 lifestyle. When the beauty and fashion industry has dictated my body image for so long that it is a true mess. I no longer use makeup, hair products that contiminate my body. And I won't live long enough to regain a healthy goal weight, but I see hope on the horizon. Younger people, like yourself, are speaking out about what's a normal body. Many are turning away from the beauty products of a corrupt industry, and embracing healthier skin and a glow from within. I see more and more actors and actresses with everyday normal body types. The fashion industry has even made clothing to cover large people. My worth is no longer in my figure. I KNOW I HAVE VALUE, not because I don't fit into a mold, but because I broke the mold, and stand up to have my voice counted. As a mother and grandmother and now great grandmother, I hope that my granddaughters can be given back there birthright to live with beautiful bodies that God gave them. Sorry to preach, but I am no longer going to suffer silently. ❣️❣️❣️Your American Grandma. ❤️🇺🇲👵

[@SagaJohanna]

Hi American Grandma ❤️❤️🇺🇲 You have such incredible stories! I wish I could come over and interview you and share it with the world. Thank you so much for sharing! It is so incredible.

[@valorielynwhitman8531]

@@SagaJohanna You're welcome. I feel that you and I are simpatico. Maybe others can benefit from errors made in my life. I have had a very interesting time and I love to share. ❤️

[@rjaydriskill]

This is such an important message that someone needed to say for a long time. These young girls are brainwashed and most are going to regret these decisions eventually. Styles and preferences change, and plastic surgery seldom holds up over time anyway. I’m glad that you, Saga, are trying to help people and improve their lives. This is going to help so many young girls.

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you

[@karenshahwan6612]

Another great video!!!

[@alecb.7696]

This is a really important issue to highlight, which you do with your customary cogency and eloquence. I accept what you say about social media not being the sole cause of this, but I do think it to be a significant accelerator (in vastly expanding the scope for and the expectation of comparisons to the false body norms you point out). Cal Newport’s book, Digital Minimalism, made some interesting more general points about the (adverse) affect on happiness experienced by the first generation to have smartphones as children. I’m glad I went through school without anyone having a mobile phone (still less a smartphone). ‘Comparison is the thief of joy!’

[@SagaJohanna]

Hi Alec! I was thinking about you the other day, and so happy I saw this comment

[@giselev9243]

5 thumbs up! Well said!!!

[@SagaJohanna]

Wow thank you!

[@karenarden1856]

Hi Saga, thank you for once again trying to help people to see the error of their ways, be it that they focus way too much on shopping until they drop, or even worse, nothing but their outer beauty, their appearance.. I imagine that pretty much throughout history, very unfortunately there has been far too much emphasis on beauty of the external kind. Especially so for women. The standards and styles have changed throughout the centuries, but now in this day and age it has become a ridiculous seeking out of something that really will not have much bearing on one's life ultimately. But women need to know that it is not at all feminist to fall victim to a belief that all that really matters is their looks. That's not at all what feminism should be about. In fact, it is a grave irony that they would think that they are being empowered by doing things like this, when in fact really they are being weakened in who they actually are as real women. It is entirely going against the grain of what feminism is supposed to stand for. All they are doing is falling prey to what society expects of women, rather than exerting inner strength, using the talents they were given, being comfortable in their own skin, and therefore self-confident, and of course the most important aspect of who we really are, and that is letting our inner beauty shine forth! Once upon a time people were respected as they got older, for their wisdom they have gained in their walks in their lives, a time when lines on the face represented character, and not flaws. Women now need to understand that no matter what they do, they can't win a race against time. They better learn how to age gracefully. So speaking out for young girls who are so impressionable, is one way to maybe begin an alternative movement, one in which people will learn again to value the real person, not some fake ideal. That's called a plastic person, and unfortunately they seem to be everywhere. Keep up the great work! 💖

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you so much! Such a wonderful comment!

[@S88_03]

Why this videos has only 200 likes ?😠 I loved your ideas u are a very smart women I really love and admire watching more aware smart and strong women like u on these platforms especially women from " western society " , keep sharing yr amazing thoughts ♡

[@KevinhatGeburtstag]

good video, thank you :) the editing is really nice, but not too flashy.

[@SagaJohanna]

Thanks so much :)

[@gillianford9208]

I have naturally big breasts and for the life of me I can't understand why anyone would actually have an operation and put themselves at risk basically just to follow fashion. Thank you for your wonderful channel you have so much wisdom!

[@SagaJohanna]

Isn't it crazy that even that is such an uncommon thing to hear?? So reasonable! Thanks so much!

[@alexrichardson5594]

Very well done video and great subject. I have to say that because of this issue the majority of females (in the US) struggle with so much mentally and lacking in personality. They focus all their time and energy into their appearance instead of working on their personality, self growth, gaining skills and having hobbies. It's really sad when you can ask most females what they like to do and the default is hanging out with friends and I'll say doing what only to get something like "I don't know, just hanging out or going shopping, to the club or out drinking". Society has caused women to struggle far more then they should. Teaching young women that being promiscuous is okay and that it will attract men but, the reality is quality men want quality women that don't show off their bodies to the world. Any statements against the norm is seen as sexist. I have been labeled sexist many times but, the reality is I just want what is best for women and I know chasing this idea of beauty never makes women happy. Sorry for the rant, this was suppose to be a short comment hahaha. This topic is just something I think about all the time. I want a woman that dresses conservatively and haven't found a single one yet in this country.

[@eternalwizard776]

Finally someone saying this! Just because we can doesn’t mean we should! It’s terrible for society in general. I barely know anyone who hasn’t has some type of plastic surgery or filler even tho I live in the middle of nowhere in America. It’s way too common!

[@ronjamaarika]

Very good video! Everyone should watch this. I find it really sad that so many people just blindly follow these trends :/

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you so so much!

[@waterwitch1690]

You deserve so many more views and likes than

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you

[@TilapiaDuDanemark]

tak

[@SagaJohanna]

tack

[@dostopitnow]

Thank you so much for this video. This is a much needed subject of discussion. I have known women who have suffered horribly after having surgery for cosmetic reasons. I don’t own a TV and stopped watching it many years ago because of the fake ads that try emotional manipulation. It is so subtle but fear based manipulation that says you’re not good enough if you don’t have this product or look this way. It’s so sad, that young girls are the most vulnerable.

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you for watching! I know, it's quite overwhelming once you see through it! And the industry preys on the most vulnerable! That's why these conversations are so important.

[@philipbrackpool-bk1bm]

Excellent piece Saga, it seems to me that the people peddling this nonsense are telling girls that it’s their individual freedom to alter themselves and in the process lose their individuality, your idea of decluttering should also extend to our minds, let’s free ourselves of admen’s ideas of perfection.

[@SagaJohanna]

thank you so much! I agree, it is so strange and agree with your analogy!

[@philipbrackpool-bk1bm]

@@SagaJohanna actually to illustrate the point if you take a look at the latest pictures of Pamela Anderson, personally I think she looks fabulous.

[@SagaJohanna]

@@philipbrackpool-bk1bm Yes, I think she's going more and more for the natural look!

[@MissMolly75]

Yes!!! And Thank You for such a well thought out, intelligent video on this subject. You said everything I think and feel, just much more eloquently. This needs to be talked about more, and throw in why everyone is feeling the need to tattoo their bodies as well.

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you so much

[@Celestials615]

I recently canceled my third nose job, but i will need to have one again because the first two made my nose crooked so I can't breathe well

[@SagaJohanna]

Breathing is very important! Good luck on your journey! My husband had nose surgery of a boxing accident so i know how much he struggled with not breathing!

[@oliviaphoenixpark7344]

Thank you so much for this video! I was just thinking again about getting botox and fillers the other day, because I was unhappy with my face and the negative feeling was quite suffocating. Now, I can breathe again and rethink this. 💚

[@SagaJohanna]

Thank you so much, I know that feeling and I know how hard it is. 💚

[@marypower7673]

❤

[@SagaJohanna]

❤❤

[@San3590]

It makes me so sad to see young women erase their most unique and distinct features to look like a snapchat filter. And like you say in the video, trends are going to change and they'll end up regretting it, or having yet another procedure to follow the latest fashions.

[@JohnPaul-158]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I wish more younger women would wake up. To me, it is a turn off. Natural is best and the most attractive! Someone please explain to me, how the Kardashians are attractive? To me, they are totally unattractive!

[@SagaJohanna]

Unfortunately a lot of young guys on the internet are just as lost as the young girls are!

[@JohnPaul-158]

@@SagaJohanna Sadly, you are right... Stay safe!

[@waterwitch1690]

I’m so tired of people thinking big boobs are better. Is it worth the scoliosis?? My friend had to have a reduction on her natural breast because of the back problems it was causing her. Bigger isn’t always better, quality over quantity

[@SagaJohanna]

I agree!!

[@naomisandoz3448]

very good video i like natural women not with plastic

[@pk0204dg888]

Do you think this has something to do with competition among girls? I think some of them do because they can potentially earn more money by getting more attention. Instagram marketing pay them a lot.

[@SagaJohanna]

I don't think it has to do with competition, as much as with fitting in, or not being "the weird one". And Instagram/Society does push this trend. The "prettier" you are according to social norms, the more followers, meaning the more money. Social Media definitely pushes this culture and it's been shown that even in the workplace, prettier equals more success!

[@user-oq1gw2lf1c]

The worst thing is for a woman to feel her value in her body and not in her ideas and skills.

[@SagaJohanna]

Yes!

[@TJ-kz1ul]

As a mom of two teenage sons, I have to say, I disagree with what you are saying about men. There is a huge pressure on men to look a certain way, and they can also be under a huge amount of stress and anxiety because of it. In fact, so much so, that it has caused one of my sons to have some very serious health problems that he has had to be treated with by a dr. Men are also bombarded with images of perfect-looking men with huge (unnatural) muscles, and chiseled chins which is also not real. Or if it is, this is the standard men feel they have to achieve. I frequently hear women talking about men as if they are a "piece of meat, oh yum" etc etc etc. Or the opposite "he is so ugly/fat/unattractive" etc.

[@SagaJohanna]

I think this is such an inserting comment. I absolutely agree that the pressure on young men is increasing, and unfortunately, it will continue to increase if we look at the trends of social media. However, I want to also mention that historically this has not been the case and it is still quite uneven. Especially the older we get. Most women still have to look attractive and "young" as they age, where men can be deemed attractive without doing so. There are also many famous and/or successful men, in all walks of life, who couldn't care less about their appearance or who doesn't look like this norm. Yet for women, even politicans and millionaries are usually skinny, wearing makeup and heels etc. I remember being a teenager and I wish all the best for your sons, because I know how darn hard it is. We should teach both our young girls and young boys to not speak about each other this way, however, it is difficult when social media, music, media, TV etc., even adults! Often use this language about each other

[@peri252]

I really appreciate this video but I wish you didn't include all of the sexually objectifying images and video clips of women. I feel like as women we are already bombarded with these images on a daily basis so including them in a video about the psychological damage these standards are causing to young women seems slightly contradictory to me. Again, really appreciate the time and energy you put into this video but my preference would have been to just hear you talking. Thanks.

[@SagaJohanna]

Really good point. I was considering not putting them in but I find they helped share the absurdity of the story! ❤️

[@nicolasgalviza7948]

the empowerment and "hot girl sh*t" narrative on plastic surgery's truly made it so toxic. like it's aspirational to look like an alien's interpretation of a woman after they'd only looked at photoshopped IG "models" on dubai trips. Yes, girlboss queen slayer, you can do whatever you want with your body. does not mean it's feminist or even good. And image editing's not helping, btw. Like, the Kardashians are actually BOTCHED and don't look mildly as good as they'd want you to believe they do on their show (which is video edited, come on you guys) and IG posts. Take all the makeup, shapewear, pushups, buttpads off and all you get is botched plastic ladies who could easily fit in the RHOBH. But, they can smooth it all out with image editing. edit: Oh, and no, it's not "feminist" to get your body done. It certainly is part of your bodily autonomy as a HUMAN BEING WHO LIVES IN A SOCIETY WHICH GRANTS YOU SUCH RIGHTS. it isn't, however, "feminist" to capitulate to society's beauty standards to feel better about yourself and change something which was natural and 99.9% sure worked just fine (like your nose and normal body fat distribution). Feminism's not always pretty, sweetheart. It shouldn't come down to you so you can feel like a badass slay hot girl curvy queen girlboss. You can't buy your way into "girl power"

[@SagaJohanna]

Love this comment, thank you so much! I completely agree. I couldn't have said it better myself! We need to post this somewhere else haha :D

[@adrianr650]

But the real need is for general health practitioners, doctors and nurses and not beauty specialists.

[@SagaJohanna]

Yes!