Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center Explores Status & History on Labor Day

Has cosmetic surgery become a status symbol? Is beauty a commodity? It is quite possible that in this time of affordable cosmetic surgery that beauty has become a commodity. As technology evolves, so does access to cosmetic surgery. In the past cosmetic surgery recipients were perceived only as patients, not the savvy consumers they are today. Cosmetic surgery has indeed become synonymous with status and upward mobility.

In the past, cosmetic surgery was something to be hidden, kept secret and be ashamed of. Not anymore! Gone are the days when a nose job was condemned. The technology of cosmetic surgery is not the only thing that has made non invasive procedures more available to the average person; electronic technology and access to the Internet has created an educated demographic of consumers.

Interestingly this trend parallels another historical trend you would not suspect! And that trend was also changed as America became less class oriented. I am talking about the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day! Ever wonder where that rule came from? At the end of the 19th and very beginning of the 20th centuries, only the rich, upper classes wore white in order to stand out from the commoners. It was called the “Gilded Age.” Of course laborers who couldn’t afford vacations continued to work through the hot months of the summer in their working garb. However, the rich who could afford vacations not only wanted to be cool, but also wanted to distinguish themselves by advertising the fact that they could afford not to get their hands dirty, nor their clothing it seems. Now everyone wears white in the heat of summer, yet somehow that not wearing white after Labor Day rule continued on through the 50s and 60s!

Just as all classes wearing white has become normalized, cosmetic surgery is becoming normalized. As procedures become more and more affordable, this has become referred to the “democratization of cosmetic surgery.” In our American culture we believe democracy is best and that the consumer should be able to have access to information about services they may want to purchase. Accurate information is critical when assessing cosmetic procedures. Just because cosmetic procedures are becoming more common does mean they do not involve risk. So do your research and choose a board certified cosmetic surgeon. And have fun this Labor Day weekend!

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707