Navigating Body Image Issues and Plastic Surgery

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., - Body image issues have become common place in the modern era and many people have found themselves comparing their outward appearance to those of celebrities and social media influencers.

Dr. Smita Ramadanam, a board-certified plastic surgeon, says that many of her clients struggle with self-image issues rooted in constant comparisons to influencers and celebrities online.

“When celebrities aren’t transparent or outright deny undergoing procedures, it creates unrealistic expectations,” she said. “People start to believe their bodies are abnormal, even when they’re going through normal life changes.”

Ramadanam praised recent admissions from high-profile figures like Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner—who disclosed undergoing breast augmentation and a facelift respectively—as a positive shift in public discourse.

“This kind of honesty is empowering,” she said. “It helps people understand that even those who appear ‘perfect’ are making personal choices about their bodies.”

While social media has helped reduce some of the stigma surrounding plastic surgery, Ramadanam emphasized the importance of using it responsibly. “When people are candid about their experiences, it can be educational and encouraging. But when it’s misleading, it can harm people’s self-esteem,” she said.

Asked whether surgery can address conditions like body dysmorphia, Ramadanam was cautious. She stressed the need for thorough consultations and, in some cases, psychological evaluation.

“If a patient has unrealistic views of their body, surgery might not be the right first step,” she said. “We sometimes refer those patients to mental health professionals to address underlying issues.”

Ramadanam also emphasized that choosing not to pursue cosmetic procedures is equally valid.

“There’s no right or wrong. Plastic surgery is deeply personal,” she said. “It’s perfectly OK to accept yourself just as you are.”