Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of the iconic Barbie has become the sensation of the summer, receiving critical acclaim for its themes of female empowerment and inclusivity. However, as the movie continues to break box office records, leading doctors are expressing concerns over the potential impact on body image and self-esteem.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Payman Danielpour has noticed a disturbing trend among his patients. After the release of the Barbie movie, many individuals have approached him requesting procedures to achieve Barbie’s impossibly proportioned figure, such as a smaller waist and larger breasts. Dr. Danielpour emphasizes the importance of understanding that these body modifications can come with serious health risks. For example, removing ribs to achieve a slimmer waist can interfere with the protection of vital organs.
Barbie has long been criticized for promoting an unrealistic view of beauty, with her exaggerated features, including her small waist, high arches, and perfectly white teeth. Over the years, fans of the doll have spent significant amounts of money on cosmetic surgeries in an attempt to emulate her appearance. The release of this new film has now brought Barbie to a wider audience, including young and impressionable viewers.
Facial plastic surgeon Dara Liotta raises concerns about the Barbie movie’s romanticization of anatomically unrealistic beauty ideals. She points out that Barbie’s proportions are so out of whack that she wouldn’t be able to stand in real life. Dr. Liotta worries that the strong feminist themes in the film may be lost on young girls who are fixated on Barbie’s appearance. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to comparing themselves to Barbie, which can contribute to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.
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Licensed psychologist Stephanie Wright highlights the power of images and encourages parents to engage in conversation with their children about the messages conveyed by the Barbie movie. By discussing the unrealistic beauty standards promoted by Barbie, parents can help cultivate critical thinking skills and promote self-acceptance based on qualities like confidence and kindness.
Rather than resorting to drastic measures like plastic surgery to resemble Barbie, Dr. Danielpour suggests focusing on aspects of Barbie’s appearance that can be emulated in a healthy way. For instance, Barbie is known for her flawless skin, so he recommends teaching kids about proper skincare and sun protection. This approach allows children to aspire to look like Barbie without resorting to extreme measures.
However, for those who do choose to explore cosmetic procedures, it is essential to exercise caution and undertake thorough research. Dr. Danielpour advises seeking multiple opinions from board-certified doctors, reviewing before and after photos, and understanding the healing process, emotional considerations, and associated costs and risks.
Dr. Matt Nejad, a cosmetic and biomimetic dentist, raises concerns about the impact of Barbie’s perfectly white, square-shaped, and straight teeth on the desire for the so-called “Hollywood Smile.” He explains that natural teeth are not a solid color and exhibit variations in color, translucency, as well as varying sizes and proportions. Dr. Nejad emphasizes the importance of creating a design blueprint and involving patients in the decision-making process to avoid surprises and ensure a satisfactory outcome. He also notes that while veneers can be costly, alternative options like 3D ceramic printing are becoming more affordable.
Dr. Liotta, who specializes in rhinoplasty, warns against the surge in demand for the extreme Barbie nose trend. She explains that Barbie’s nose shape can cause health issues, such as dryness, nose bleeds, and sinus problems. Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that involves a year-long healing process, and patients must carefully consider their motivations and readiness for such a commitment.
In conclusion, while the Barbie movie has been praised for its positive messaging around female empowerment and inclusivity, leading medical professionals are expressing concerns about its potential impact on body image and self-esteem. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations with children about the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed by Barbie and to promote self-acceptance based on qualities like confidence and kindness. For individuals considering cosmetic procedures, it is essential to approach them with caution, thoroughly research options, and prioritize natural-looking results that enhance one’s unique features.
