The Opinions From Kardashian Injectable Lips to Mar-a-Lago Face
22 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and insightful New York Times columnist, teams up with Jessica Grose, an opinion writer focusing on culture and personal life. They dive into the surge of cosmetic procedures, exploring how reality TV and social norms have shifted public perceptions. Discussion highlights include the democratization of Botox, the pressures of modern aesthetics on all genders, and the potential for beauty practices to impact long-term happiness. They celebrate aging naturally as a rebellion against beauty standards.
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Plastic Surgery Visible On Vacation
- Meher Ahmad noticed many tourists in Istanbul with casts and bruises after plastic surgery, showing medical tourism's visibility.
- She detailed personal use of Botox and fillers, underscoring how commonplace these procedures feel now.
Reality TV Shifted Norms
- Jessica Grose traced the turning point to reality TV, especially the Kardashians, normalizing cosmetic procedures.
- She noted younger patients now often document and share their procedures publicly.
Class And Race Shape Uptake
- Tressie McMillan Cottom highlighted class and race differences in plastic-surgery uptake and its aspirational framing.
- She linked early reality-makeover shows like The Swan to mainstreaming surgical transformations.