‘This desire to change ourselves is disturbing’

Closer’s psychological therapist, Emma Kenny, says, “In the same way that people used to get into debt in order to buy a new car or go on a fancy holiday, surgery is now so common that it’s viewed as yet another luxury worth splashing out on. But this desire to change ourselves is disturbing.

“One of the reasons it’s so popular is because there’s been a huge shift in what ‘beauty’ means, and women like the Kardashians give the impression that surgery equates to success and happiness. These days, we live in a society where we’re taught, ‘If you don’t like yourself, change yourself’. Many women who have surgery are doing so in order to follow certain trends – such as fuller lips and curvy bums. It means we’re all starting to look the same. We’re losing our individuality and, often, the things that make us different are the things that make us most attractive.

“By offering surgery on credit, companies make procedures seem like a quick fix. But superficial changes will only make you feel good about yourself for a short time before you find something else that you want to change. Physically, surgery can be dangerous as anaesthetic is always a risk, and it puts great stress on the body.

“I’d advise anybody who is considering cosmetic work to think deeply about the reasons they want to change. While surgery is a short-term solution, working on yourself emotionally can last a lifetime.”