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The body positivity movement is paving the way for women to feel confident, comfortable and proud
of their bodies. Since early 2012, women have been pushing back against the Barbie-like figures
depicted in advertisements and on television. The focus of the body positivity movement is that there
is not one type or standard for beauty, but that instead, all bodies are beautiful.

Most women-focused tv commercials were a memorable first glimpse into loving ourselves and our
own skin and accepting the genetics of our body type. Now, even the athletic-wear catalogues show
women of all shapes and sizes sporting their yoga gear. Many e-commerce sites have also adopted to
the times, and women can see their favourite pair of jeans shown on a variety of body types to better
see themselves in the clothes they are buying.

A Shift in Perspective

In recent years, Kenyan media and advertising have begun to feature more diverse body types. This
shift has empowered many women to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that societal pressures and cultural norms can still influence
body image concerns.

Empowering young women

There are so many different body types and genetic differences between us all, and we are each
beautiful because of those differences.

Through this cultural shift, I am hopeful that young women will be empowered by positive self-talk, a
heightened self-esteem and a reduction in the anxiety, depression and eating disorders that have taxed
my own generation. Without unrealistic standards of perfection, I am hopeful they will learn to love
who they are and embrace all that is beautiful.

How does this fit with plastic surgery?

So, what does this mean for plastic surgery? Body positivity is an incredible message, and one that
truly melds well with what we do as plastic surgeons. We know all too well that the aesthetic
procedures we offer are not a quick fix or a total makeover. Instead, when tastefully done, plastic
surgery is a way to optimize someone’s body to make them as comfortable as possible in their own
skin.

We are even seeing a change in the way my patients talk about surgery. They sit down for their
consultation and tell me that they eat healthy, they exercise and that genetically they are very
comfortable with the body they are in. They aren’t asking to look like Victoria’s Secret models or
socialites. They are requesting natural and tasteful procedures that make them feel their very best and
interact as their best self with their loved ones and the world. They feel and look beautiful, and their
attitudes radiate just that, no matter what their body type.

Not one size fits all

Plastic surgery is not about making everyone look the same, but about embracing what makes us
unique and beautiful as an individual. For some, it means accentuating something they are already
very proud or, or for others optimizing something to make them happy. There is no one-size-fits all
approach, and we are here as physicians to help these patients with our unique skill set on their
journey to health and wellness.

Surgery is not for everyone. But a woman should also be supported if she does choose to have a
procedure or surgery for her own personal reasons. An extension of body positivity means non-
judgment for what an individual decides, and we should avoid shaming those who make decisions that
differ from our own.

There is so much to learn from this new focus on body positivity, and there is no better avenue to
open that discussion than in our field of plastic surgery. We as doctors are here to help our patients in
any way that we can, and we are excited to be a part of that journey if that is something you choose.

Source: Adopted from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/)

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