Pretty privilege, surgery stigma and the cosmetic procedure paradoxPretty privilege, surgery stigma and the cosmetic procedure paradox
All In The Mind
Cosmetic procedures aren't reserved for celebrities anymore - they're becoming more and more accessible for every day people. So if we're able to alter our looks or avoid the appearance of aging altogether, what impact does this have on our psychology? Today, we examine how changing our faces might change how we see each other. Please note, this episode includes some discussion of body image and mental health issues such as body dysmorphic disorder. Take care while listening. Guests: Professor Gemma Sharp Clinical psychologist and researcher Adelaide University Dr Sarah Bonell Research Fellow Bolton Clarke Research Institute Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More information: What's the connection between cosmetic procedures and mental health? Australian Women's Lived Experiences of Stigmatization After Cosmetic Surgery: A Qualitative Investigation The cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudes Under the knife: Unfavorable perceptions of women who seek plastic surgery New AHPRA Guidelines Require Psychological Screening for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Cheaper, easier and less taboo: Why more gen Zs are getting cosmetic injectables such as botox Body dysmorphic disorder Support: Butterfly foundation 1800 33 4673 You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.
29:35•25 Apr 2026
Pretty Privilege, Ageless Faces and the Cosmetic Procedure Paradox
Episode Overview
- Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are rapidly growing, fuelled by social media marketing and the normalisation of injectables.
- Motivations for cosmetic procedures vary, but often centre on specific body image concerns, self-confidence and perceived advantages in work or relationships.
- People with body dysmorphic disorder are far more common in cosmetic settings than in the general population, yet surgery may not resolve their distress.
- Research shows women described as seeking plastic surgery, especially those already seen as attractive, are rated as less warm, competent, moral and even less human.
- Rising use of cosmetic procedures blurs age differences and contributes to ageing being treated like a problem to fix, while also sparking pockets of resistance that celebrate natural ageing.
“Ageing is now almost seen as a medical condition in the sense that it's no longer, I guess, appropriate to look old.”
Curious about how others manage the pressure to look "perfect"? This episode of All In The Mind takes a sharp look at cosmetic procedures and what they do to our heads, not just our faces. Producer and reporter Rose Kerr chats with clinical psychologist Professor Gemma Sharp and research fellow Dr Sarah Bonell about the boom in injectables and surgery, from "Instagram face" to ageless celebrity skin.
You’ll hear how social media and a $4.1 billion injectables industry in Australia have made tweaks feel routine, even during tough times like the pandemic. Gemma breaks down why people go under the needle or knife, stressing that "no two people's stories are the same". Reasons range from focused worries about a single feature to hopes of boosting work prospects or relationships.
She also explains body dysmorphic disorder and why people with BDD are heavily represented in cosmetic clinics, asking the tough question of whether surgery ever truly helps. Rose and host Sana Kadar keep things relatable and funny, swapping stories about retinol, filters and feeling weird when your own face doesn’t match the polished feeds. At the same time, they tackle heavy themes like stigma, mental health and the way ageing is treated like a flaw to be medically fixed.
As Gemma puts it, "Ageing is now almost seen as a medical condition in the sense that it's no longer, I guess, appropriate to look old." Dr Bonell’s research on "pretty privilege" shows that women described as seeking plastic surgery are often seen as "less warm, competent, moral, and human"—especially if they already fit conventional beauty standards. It’s a confronting look at how society judges people for changing their faces, and also for not changing them.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a tweak would make you feel better, or just more judged, this conversation gives you plenty to think about before booking anything in.
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