It's Been a Minute The thin line of good vs. bad plastic surgery
Jul 18, 2025
Jessica DeFino, a beauty reporter and advice columnist at The Guardian, joins guest host B.A. Parker to discuss the blurred lines between good and bad plastic surgery. They dive into the societal pressures of beauty standards fueled by social media, examining how public scrutiny influences perceptions of cosmetic procedures. The conversation also touches on mental health implications tied to beauty ideals, as well as the evolution of these standards over time. A light-hearted trivia game about beauty terminology adds fun to this complex topic.
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Defining Good vs Bad Plastic Surgery
- "Good work" in plastic surgery means subtle and invisible changes fitting accepted beauty standards.
- "Bad work" is noticeable, confrontational, and seen as a failed attempt at beauty.
Moralizing Beauty and Surgery
- The language of "good" and "bad" plastic surgery carries moral judgments about beauty.
- Society often equates natural beauty with goodness, making attempts to alter appearance seem confrontational.
Speak Broadly About Beauty Culture
- Discuss body and beauty culture without singling out individuals to avoid harmful stigma.
- Focus on broader political and social implications of beauty, not just personal choices.