Dysmorphic World: The Allure of Tight Skin
Why is body fat so demonised?
To look thinner and to feel beautiful is what convinces the 70% of dissatisfied young adult female users on social media to consider undergoing cosmetically enhancing procedures. The increasingly louder yearnings of women craving to alter the surface of their skin fuels the epidemic of destroying fat cells in exchange for higher self-esteem, commonly regarded as lipotherapy.
In the heart of London lies Marylebone High Street- Prominently known for the emergence of high-end clinics and bougie cafes to entertain the rich’s opulent excursions. Amid the several rising ‘superclinics’ popularising fat-reducing techniques of targeting bodily insecurities and modifying them into what clients' hope will mirror the ‘body of their dreams’. Leading the UK’s cellulite reduction treatments and specialising in skin tightening, Georgios Tzenichristos delves into the instrumental variables that guarantees longevity of the lipotherapy industry.
Observing that a majority of his clientele are female, Tzenichristos outlines how “for women, beauty is more important, whereas men usually struggle with confidence, success, or money.” Reflective of the unchanging beauty standards that still prevail in modern society. Delineating excessive use of social media as a major common denominator in persuading the public to partake in cosmetic work. Tzenichristos expresses how he “100%” agrees with the damaging impacts social media has on dictating self-image, highlighting the unrealistic outcomes that most therapists promise their clients. Whilst commenting on how apps such as “Instagram and TikTok transcend beyond makeup and filters, emulating a totally fake, dysmorphic reality”.
Suzi, 16, feeling pressured to comply with the rigid beauty standards mirrored by her favourite media influencers, turns to Georgios to ask what she can do to overcome her anxiety. “If you ever listen to me, I will say there is no point in comparing yourself to other people; yes, try to be a better version of yourself, exercise, be healthy, maybe have a couple treatments, but don’t get obsessed; it's not the number 1. Quite often, if you know yourself, a beautiful personality can achieve more in terms of relationships, attraction, work, and social happiness in life than a beautiful body.” The holistic approach the therapist took in advising Suzi’s mental concern may suggest changing attitudes regarding bodily modifications, emphasising that individual positive actions overrule the physical changes one may impose upon the self.
“It’s the honest thing to do”. Unafraid to turn away clients who suffer from body dysmorphia, Tzenichristos’ attitude remains in favour of the health and safety of each of his patients, who, in his opinion, would much rather consult with a lipotherapist that would unrealistically promise them “The Earth, the Sun, and the Moon.” Revealing the underlayers of exploitative nature ubiquitous to the lipotherapy industry. The emotional manipulation of clients could potentially increase the risk of health problems resulting in serious bodily damage, which Georgios claims he sees “happens every day” to new clients he consults with, who are seeking help from previous procedures.
“Back in the day, everyone wanted to be super thin.”
In advocating for a body-accepting world and posing the hypothetical question: Will lipotherapy ever be seen as redundant? The therapist mirthfully replies, “Believe me, it’s not going to happen anytime soon, as humans will still try to improve some things, but if people magically stopped caring about cellulite tomorrow, I’d be out of a job, but who cares? I'm not going to cry about it.” Considering Georgios’ open-mindedness to what the future may hold, his honest response compelled me to question why some people are so inclined to “get rid” of natural fat.
And is reducing one of your most vital organs just a diluted version or minimising ourselves, only leaving a shell of a human? Or perhaps it's our self-obsessive talk about how our bodies used to look in the past and the means we go to achieve who we were. If so, how would you stop these incessant comparative thoughts? Asking for a friend.
As always, many thanks and appreciations to those who read my work. I love you all in the most platonic and meaningful ways—you matter! In other news, keep a lookout for the Leonids meteor shower and its shooting stars. 🌠