Are we genuinely stepping into the “undetectable era” of cosmetic surgery?

If you’ve noticed an increase in celebrities who seem to have defied aging without obvious signs of fillers or other aesthetic enhancements, you’re not the only one pondering this. TikTok users have also taken notice, with one individual asserting in a viral video (with 6.2 million views) that a new era has begun.

Dr. Prem Tripathi, a facial plastic surgeon, shares in the video, “What individuals will be doing to their faces in the coming year will astound you because we are stepping into the undetectable era.” He describes this phase as “the moment in aesthetics we’ve always dreamed of, where the treatments people undergo on their faces are unnoticeable.”

For an excellent illustration, he points to Christina Aguilera. At 43, the pop icon, who has previously discussed her cosmetic procedures, “essentially resembles her 2002 self” — a sentiment echoed by many online commenters.

But are we truly experiencing a groundbreaking, “undetectable” phase? Not entirely. Dermatologists indicate that we have been in this situation for some time; the sole difference is that everyday individuals, who usually lack insight into celebrity cosmetic enhancements, are starting to recognize it.

“It’s not solely undetectable; it’s also understated,” remarks Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and surgeon who co-hosts the podcast “Give Good Face: Clean Clinical Science.” “It’s very simple, yet effective, avoiding the exaggerated, conspicuous styles like overly filled cheeks and expressions that look frozen. It’s instead subtly enhanced. I genuinely admire it. New York seems to have embraced this for some time, and now other locations are catching up.”

Is the ‘undetectable era’ altering perceptions of plastic surgery?

Dermatologists are optimistic that the “undetectable era” will spark a positive change in how society perceives plastic surgery.

In seeking cosmetic adjustments, dermatologists observe two main groups: those desiring a natural appearance, as if they’ve undergone no procedures, and those looking for significant, clear transformations.

The latter group often pursues surgery for misguided motives. This could stem from body dysmorphia or other psychological struggles, or perhaps they view cosmetic surgery as a symbol of status. For these individuals, appearing to have undergone expensive work is often the goal.

Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a dermatologist, expresses her hope that the undetectable era encourages individuals to adopt a more natural, subtle approach—not only regarding treatments but also in their overall beauty practices.

“There was a time when people excessively chased a particular look,” she explains. “It almost functioned as a status symbol, indicating that those who looked a certain way could afford such treatments. However, I believe there’s a shift now towards preferring a more organic appearance.”

Dr. Jeffy emphasizes that achieving undetectable beauty isn’t solely reliant on surgical procedures; a healthy lifestyle plays a critical role as well.

“We’re also seeing an increased realization that you can’t just focus on facial adjustments,” she states. “Overall body care is crucial. The quality of nutrients you consume, along with habits like drinking alcohol or smoking, is important. Thus, I believe this indicates a positive shift towards holistic body care.”

In the ‘undetectable era,’ transparency is more vital than ever

A significant concern is transparency. Experts in mental health believe that when celebrities openly discuss the cosmetic procedures they’ve undergone, it greatly benefits their fans. This honesty helps individuals set healthy and realistic standards for beauty.

In this age where many cosmetic procedures can be virtually invisible, it raises questions about the transparency of celebrities’ appearances. This underlines the importance of not measuring oneself against the looks of famous individuals.

It’s crucial to remember that when it comes to the attractiveness of celebrities, there often exists unseen elements that we are not aware of.

According to psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis, “This can set a standard that is impossible to achieve, and I believe that as we become more accepting of ourselves, this concern diminishes.” She adds, “We tend to stop comparing ourselves to others when we feel positive about who we are.”

Dr. Rossi emphasizes that no form of cosmetic surgery, whether detectable or not, will elevate your self-esteem. True self-worth originates from within.

“I always encourage individuals to embrace self-love,” he states. “Cosmetic procedures can be wonderful, and I appreciate them. I perform them for my clients, but they won’t resolve your body image struggles entirely; that must come from your inner self.”