Aesthetics, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health: Finding Balance in Beauty

Beauty Standards, Social Media, and the Dilemma of Perfection

Giovana addresses the responsibility of working in a market as controversial as aesthetics. She advocates for transparency and respect for individual choices. The pursuit of unrealistic perfection, often driven by social media, is a problem, but the most important thing is that a person looks at themselves and is happy with what they see. Aesthetic procedures, when done consciously, serve to boost self-esteem and acceptance, nurturing the inside as much as the outside.

Livia mentions the constant shifts in beauty standards over time – from gaunt to muscular – and how it's impossible to adapt to body types that aren't our own. This pursuit of fleeting trends can lead to permanent transformations, resulting in frustration and psychological problems.

Balance and Ethics in Aesthetic Procedures

The guest warns about the need for awareness when undergoing procedures: knowing what product is being used, its origin, and who the professional is. Drawing inspiration from public figures is healthy up to the point where one seeks the best version of oneself, not to transform into someone else. The danger arises when the pursuit of an external standard leads to indiscriminate choices, sometimes involving products of questionable origin or unethical professionals, resulting in deformities and health problems.

Giovana and Livia emphasize the crucial role of the healthcare professional: they must have a holistic view, understanding the patient's emotional needs and aligning expectations. A good professional will advise on limits and, if necessary, refuse a procedure they deem inappropriate or harmful, acting as a counselor. The practice of "before and after" photos serves as assurance for both parties, objectively demonstrating the result.

Aesthetic Procedures and Mental Health: A Deep Connection

The increasing use of fillers and easier access raise the issue of exaggeration and dysmorphia. Many people end up with the “same face” or distorted features. Giovana explains that body dysmorphia is a psychological issue where a person doesn't perceive their real image. In such cases, the professional must ethically refuse to yield to exaggerated demands, prioritizing the patient's health.

Livia shares her experience with aging. The pressure to stay young is real, but she questions the sanity of wanting to look like someone much younger, accepting that aging is normal. Giovana adds that while aging may not be “enjoyable,” it’s a part of life, and self-care should be practiced at all stages. Aesthetic medicine can be a tool in this process, but acceptance is fundamental. She also mentions how botulinum toxin and other treatments have medical applications, such as for bruxism, migraines, and post-stroke recovery, demonstrating a positive impact on physical health beyond aesthetics.

Youth and the Pressure for Aesthetics: The Importance of Education

A growing concern is the increasingly early initiation of aesthetic procedures among teenagers. Giovana warns that typical adolescent insecurities, amplified by social media consumption, lead young people to seek an unrealistic perfection. The foundation for combating this is education at home, with parents monitoring what their children consume digitally and teaching them to cope with frustrations. The focus should be on boosting the self-esteem and confidence of children and adolescents, preventing them from seeking solutions to psychological problems through procedures.

Instagram Without Filters: Impact on Beauty Perception

Regarding Instagram's decision to remove unofficial filters, Giovana sees it as a positive move. While she doesn't foresee a significant impact on the number of procedures, she believes it will change people's reasoning. Seeing more reality on social media can encourage greater self-acceptance, promoting genuine self-love and self-care. The distinction between what's real and what's fabricated online is crucial, especially for new generations.

Ultimately, Giovana emphasizes that true beauty comes from within: happiness, joy, and confidence emanate and make anyone beautiful, regardless of standards. She reinforces that life is unique and we should seek happiness in daily life, accepting problems as part of the journey and being grateful for every experience.

It's an invitation to conscious self-care, self-love, and the relentless pursuit of a lighter, happier life, without becoming a hostage to external standards.