Social media has heightened the desire for a BBL “hourglass” figure, distorting the perception of what an ideal body should look like. This has made many women feel insecure about their bodies, leading them to want to emulate the images of idolized celebrities in the entertainment industry. This trend raises significant concerns.
In a survey, it was discovered that 30% of people seeking cosmetic surgery experience body dysmorphia. This psychological condition can distort an individual’s body perception, leading to dissatisfaction even after procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
BBL Augmentation
The Brazilian Butt Lift, commonly referred to as BBL, has taken the cosmetic industry by storm, making it a highly sought-after body enhancement procedure. The demand for this cosmetic treatment far exceeds the available supply, resulting in the presence of unqualified practitioners in the field.
BBL involves enhancing the buttocks by transferring fat from other body areas, such as the arms, thighs, or abdomen, and injecting it into the buttocks. This technique aims to create a rounder and more contoured appearance for the buttocks using fat grafting. According to Bulimia.com, the Brazilian butt lift was the most searched cosmetic augmentation in 2022, with over 4.4 million searches.
Social Media: Likes, Filters, and Body Image.
Social media has transformed the world into a global village. People are inundated with an overwhelming amount of information and content, making it increasingly difficult to control what they see online. Over the years, social media has had a significant impact on how individuals view their bodies.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have popularized trends such as the Brazilian butt-lift (BBL), presenting it as the ideal body shape. Celebrities in pop culture have further glamorized this image through social media, setting it as the standard for beauty.
A 2020 survey revealed that 70% of young women felt influenced by social media when considering cosmetic procedures. The likes, shares, and followers that individuals accumulate online translate into validation. This dynamic often leads women to desire body alterations in pursuit of the “perfect shape.” However, that so-called perfect body is not as flawless as it appears.
Some celebrities and influencers have faced criticism for heavily editing their photos. These overly manipulated images create a misleading perception of what is normal or achievable.
Unfortunately, women who have emulated their idols to achieve a BBL have sometimes ended up with poorly executed results due to unqualified practitioners. This illustrates how constant exposure to altered images can distort perceptions of the physical body.
The Power of Influence: How Entertainment Shapes Modern Beauty Standards
The global beauty standard has evolved, with women who have BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) figures being seen as more attractive in today’s society. This raises the question; who defines beauty standards?
In this 21st century, the entertainment industry is heavily sexualized, particularly in America, which is a significant cultural influence around the world. Many countries, including Nigeria, are greatly impacted by American content, as it often sets trends.
A large portion of the Nigerian population consumes American movies and music. Many of us grew up admiring stars like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and other influential American celebrities. For many women, their body shapes have become the ideal standard of beauty to aspire to.
The Celebrity Effect: Rise of BBL Trend
Celebrities and social media influencers wield a certain level of influence, which significantly impacts body image perceptions. They often promote BBLs as trendy and desirable, and with their large followings, they reinforce the idea of an ideal body type—creating a cycle where followers aspire to resemble them.
According to popular opinion, BBL rose to popularity in 2015, courtesy of Kim Kardashian, aka Kim K. The Kardashian clan, famous for their hit reality TV show (Keeping Up with the Kardashians), has long been associated with beauty trends. As of 2022, searches for ‘Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)’ had increased by over 5,000% since 2018 (Buliama.com) and have since plateaued over the years.
Ironically, the BBL is one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgery procedures in the world because of its high risk of complication, infection, and even death. One will think this is enough to scare people away, but the reverse is the case.
The recovery process is like a roller coaster— it is long, intense, and painful even when the procedure goes smoothly. Although some women now regret having a BBL, and even Kim Kardashian stopped “filling her butt,” after a while, her natural size and shape came back.
Deep-Rooted Issues That Lead Women to Undergo Surgery
1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Imagine staring at the mirror in disgust and wishing you could change a part of your body you don’t like. Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition that deeply affects how an individual perceives their body or appearance, which leads to obsessing over little flaws.
In this case, a woman may fixate on the size or shape of her buttocks as an inadequacy. Even when others reassure her of her beauty or don’t even see any flaw, the internal perception of her body overrides it, driving the desire to change her shape.
2. Low self-esteem and self-confidence: Some women who lack confidence or self-esteem oftentimes find themselves entertaining the idea of a BBL because they want to be accepted or validated.
For some, physical appearance gets tied to their sense of value, particularly if they believe or have convinced themselves that enhancing their body will improve their worth or social acceptance. This need for validation is often fueled by societal standards, which can be difficult to shake off.
3. Cultural and societal pressure: Women often face pressure to conform to beauty standards, sometimes even from their peers. Feeling left out or different can create a sense of loneliness, making it easier to succumb to these pressures.
In recent years, the ‘hourglass’ figure, which is characterized by a tiny waist and big curvy hips has been heavily sensationalized by the media, social media, and celebrities. This widespread glorification has made the desire to fit in a major psychological driver for women considering BBL surgery.
4. Influence of social media and celebrity culture: Social media is a major catalyst for this trend among women. Influencers often flaunt their BBL curvy bodies, reinforcing the idea that these body types are the standard of beauty. As a result, women who admire these public figures sometimes find themselves questioning their beauty.
5. Fear of aging or loss of youthfulness: As women advance in age and reach different milestones such as pregnancy, menopause, weight loss, or experiencing bodily changes, they may begin to notice changes in their appearance.
Wrinkles, stretch marks, and loss of skin elasticity become more apparent, often leading to feelings of frustration or distress. This is especially true for areas like the buttocks and breasts, which tend to lose fullness and shape over time. In the pursuit of restoring a more youthful, curvier figure, some women turn to procedures like BBL as a way to reclaim the body they feel they have lost.
The Role of Body Positivity in Overcoming Dysmorphia and Body Image Issues
To be honest, many of us have insecurities about certain parts of our bodies. You might have secretly wished for a pointed nose, a defined jawline, or long legs. These feelings arise because, as humans, we recognize that we are not perfect, especially when societal standards influence our perceptions of beauty.
And that’s where the body positivity movement comes in. It encourages self-acceptance and reminds us that all body types, shapes, and sizes are worthy of love and appreciation. Embracing this mindset helps you combat body dysmorphia, boost self-confidence, and redefine what beauty truly means.
Body positivity can help you gain the following:
1. Self-acceptance: Body positivity emphasizes accepting and loving one’s own body as it is. So, flaws or imperfections are embraced; this is a positive shift from self-criticism to self-compassion. Hence, allowing individuals to see their worth beyond physical appearance.
2. Improved mental health: Body positivity decreases depression and enhances the mental health of a person. It reduces the stigma, shame, and isolation surrounding body image issues. This further helps to break the cycle of negative thoughts and obsessive behaviors common in body dysmorphia, thereby improving overall mental health.
3. Overall health over aesthetic goals: Body positivity advocates for physical fitness, strength, and emotional wellness rather than pursuing unrealistic beauty standards. It prioritizes internal well-being over external appearance. Individuals with body image issues can find more sustainable goals that promote physical and mental health.
Redefining Beauty: Embracing Self-Love Over Trends
The BBL boom is propelled by a variety of factors, including body dysmorphia, societal pressures, and the influence of social media and celebrity culture. While the desire for a more desirable body is strong, it’s important to recognize the underlying issues fueling these decisions.
Body positivity is a powerful antidote, encouraging self-acceptance, improved mental health, and a focus on overall well-being rather than chasing unrealistic beauty standards. Ultimately, true empowerment comes not from conforming to fleeting trends but from embracing and celebrating one’s unique beauty.
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