Are Hollywood stars pushing us to plastic surgery?

The recently published pictures of Renee Zellweger have sent waves across Hollywood as onlookers debated whether or not the star had had plastic surgery.

While some surgeons alleged that the 45-year-old had had an eyelift lid, Zellweger denied the claims and said she was simply “living a different, happy, more fulfilling life.” Indeed, Zellweger’s claims could be genuine. 56-year-old Sharon Stone, who shone on screen even aged 37 in 1995 flick Casino, says that she has shyed away from the knife in favour of growing old gracefully.

In 2012, it was thought that the famed ‘lunchtime boob job’ had served to take away some of the social stigma associated with cosmetic augmentation, with surgeons claiming that it was a less invasive procedure.

However, the product used in the procedure, Macrolane, was soon withdrawn due to associated complications and claims that it could make mammograms more difficult. But it was too late for the 1,000 women who tried the new product, doubtless influenced by the commercial success of those in the public eye such as Katie Price.

Having undergone six previous operations before on her breasts, former glamour model Katie Price is now said to be worth £45 million. As a role model to millions of young women, the star has seemingly promoted the message that plastic surgery can help us to be successful in life.

This was particularly evident in the case of Josie Cunningham, the aspiring glamour model who sparked a media backlash when she had a £5,000 breast enhancement paid for by the NHS.

But while breast augmentations may be one of the most popular choices of cosmetic surgery, today’s modern day socialite culture has also served to make the idea of facial Botox injections more glamorous. The procedure involves injecting a chemical into the skin, usually around the forehead, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is now becoming so popular that TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex have even given rise to ‘botox parties.’

The media is awash with images of cosmetically enhanced celebrities from Sharon Osbourne to Nicki Minaj. While there is every reason to promote successful women, it’s important that today’s impressionable young women are aware of the true reasons for their success.