NHS Chief Hits Out at Explicit Love Island Cosmetic Surgery Ads

Love Island has become one of the most watched reality TV shows for millennials. However, experts are concerned the show is glamorising cosmetic surgery in young girls.

The NHS chief, Simon Stevens, has hit out at explicit cosmetic surgery advertising being shown during the popular program. Recommending procedures such as breast augmentation, Stevens claims these ads are contributing towards negative body-image perceptions. So, should these ads be banned from shows targeting young women?

Preying on young girls and encouraging insecurity

The explicit breast augmentation ads shown alongside shows like Love Island, are preying on young girls and encouraging insecurity, according to Stevens. He’s not the only one who holds this belief either. Top psychologists are also concerned about the level of pressure being placed onto young girls to undergo surgery.

Now, they are urging action be taken to eliminate this type of predatory cosmetic surgery advertising, especially on shows which are popular with younger viewers.

Social media also blamed for encouraging cosmetic surgery

Of course, it isn’t just television ads which are encouraging surgery. Social media has also played a huge role in how young girls view themselves. Ads are regularly targeted at young women, while the rise of the ‘selfie’ and popular Snapchat filters are also contributing to poor self-esteem.

However, social media platforms are starting to take action to eliminate these targeted ads, showing some progress is being made.

When is cosmetic surgery the right option?

Of course, cosmetic surgery can prove valuable in helping patients to feel better in their own skin. Provided it is carried out for the right reasons, it does have the potential to positively change lives.

The main thing to keep in mind when you’re considering surgery is why you want to have it done. While it can help to ease insecurity, if those insecurities are deeply ingrained and linked to the ‘perfect’ images presented on social media, then surgery may not be the best option.

Younger patients are always advised to wait until they are in their early twenties before undergoing a procedure. That way, they will have given themselves plenty of time to think it over and decide whether surgery really is the best way forward.

Overall, cosmetic surgery can be a great option for those who have taken the time to research the procedure and who aren’t doing it to conform to social pressure. More does need to be done to protect young women and prevent exploitative ads being shown to those who are vulnerable.