Plastic Surgery in Miami: the Good, the Bad and the Just Plain Ugly

By Lizbeth Perez
Edited by Sarah Baker 

Plastic Surgery in Miami: 

The Good, the Bad, and the Just Plain Ugly

Recently the world was shocked by the discovery that Marilyn Monroe may not have been as “naturally beautiful” as we all thought. There is evidence that she could have had a cartilage chin implant and rhinoplasty. In Hollywood nowadays, this is the norm. Most people have had minor work done, such as Botox or hair extensions, while others elect to have major surgeries, such as breast augmentations and rhinoplasties. Because of this, plastic surgery may start in Hollywood, but is certainly doesn’t stay there. 

Marilyn Monroe Before and After Plastic Surgery 

X-Ray Showing Marilyn Monroe's Jaw Implant 

Plastic Surgery in Miami

Welcome to Miami, where aesthetic beauty surrounds us everywhere you look. This is reflected in architecture like Biscayne Bay skyline and art deco on South Beach, in nature like the abundant beaches and palm trees, and even in the plethora of fit people parading down the streets of South Beach. Some are dressed in itsy-bitsy bikinis or others in fitted tees outlining almost every muscle on their upper body.

Yes, this may sound surreal but this is everyday life in Miami. And yes, these people are real, at least somewhat. 

For every stunningly beautiful person you see on South Beach, it should come at no surprise that there was some sort of "upgrade" involved.  Some go with the “I didn’t have work done” look with hair extensions and Botox. Others go for the “look at me” extreme makeovers.

Driving on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, there are many strategically placed billboards that advertise plastic surgery.  Plastic surgeons even advertise their "specials." They place larger than life before and after pictures of patients who have undergone rhinoplasty, breast augmentations, and Bazillion Butt Lifts. Miami is a melting pot, we are a sexy city and its inhabitants have a reputation to maintain.

Now what exactly happens when you can’t afford plastic surgery? In Miami, you can either pay an absurdly high interest rate (and fall deep into debt); or you can travel to many nearby out of country destinations that offer incredibly low prices for plastic surgery procedures (which may not be as safe). The plain ugly are the botched jobs sometimes performed in a nightmare setting akin to a back alley by an unlicensed plastic surgeon. Hence, it is extremely important to triple check the accreditation of a plastic surgeon. Be very careful with plastic surgery as plastic surgery gone wrong is what you do not want to experience and very often what you cannot fix.

Stats on Plastic Surgery

For as many botched stories of plastic surgery that there are, there are that many success stories. Some plastic surgeries have been done so well that the outside world can barely notice. The patient looks naturally beautiful, and the tourists that visit Miami just assume that they are another example of the natural beauty that is abundant in Miami.

According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13,828,726 cosmetic procedures, including the minimally invasive as well as the surgical, were done in the U.S. last year. That's a 5% increase over 2012.

This increase comes with the help of four things: access, attitude, advancement, and acceptance. With easier access to research and consultations, the constant need to improve ourselves and our confidence, the advancements and accessibility of plastic surgery, and the acceptance of it not only from Hollywood but from people all around, more and more people are willing to go under the knife to achieve the “perfect body.” It makes us feel better knowing that the “perfection” we see in Hollywood can be achieved if we have enough money.

Why Go Under the Knife?

There are many questions to ask before you make the decision to have plastic surgery. Why do you want to change yourself? Is the surgery really for you or for someone else? Who is to say that the new you is the better version of you? According to your own standards or society’s? In order to figure out what is best for you, you should set up a consultation with a professional.

Thanks to more and more celebrities in Hollywood having plastic surgery and many of those not caring that we know that they had it, it is becoming increasingly popular to have plastic surgery, whether it be a major or minor surgery. With that, the trend is spreading quickly to Miami, where flawless bodies and near perfection are a staple. Before taking that step to a “flawless body,” remember that plastic may be good for Barbie but not for you!