Opinion | Is Brazil Right to Consider Beauty as a Fundamental Right?

The current philosophy presented here has noteworthy disadvantages. In a resource-constrained public health system, it can be argued that this type of expenditure is misguided. The medical establishment often pathologizes natural variations in body types, thus limiting the definition of attractiveness. For instance, individuals with small breasts may be diagnosed with “hypotrophy of the mammary glands.” Additionally, as plastic surgeons gain experience at government hospitals, economically disadvantaged patients become essentially experimental subjects, according to Jarrín.

Despite its shortcomings, Brazil’s policy reflects an acceptance that beauty is a form of self-care and that desiring to meet society’s standards of appearance is nothing to be ashamed of, regardless of social class. It is undeniable that small changes to our physical appearances can have a profound impact on our overall quality of life, and beauty is often a means to acquire influence.

After returning to Virginia following my daughter’s accident, I couldn’t help but wonder about the treatment she would have received if it had occurred here. Most countries’ healthcare coverage only applies to reconstructive care, excluding aesthetic procedures. Brazil, however, stands out as an exception, blurring the boundaries between the two. As Alexander Edmonds, the author of “Pretty Modern: Beauty, Sex, and Plastic Surgery in Brazil,” suggests, this approach may serve their own agenda but also raises valid points.

In the United States, our system has transformed the type of hospital treatment my daughter received into a matter of privilege. Whether her procedure is deemed reconstructive or cosmetic, the opportunity to consult a plastic surgeon depends on the treatment facility. For example, hospitals serving patients on Medicaid are less likely to offer the option of a plastic surgeon, and Medicaid does not cover cosmetic surgery unless it is deemed medically necessary, which was not the case for my daughter.

Beauty standards continue to rise, yet access to cosmetic care remains exclusive and limited.

During my visit to my daughter’s pediatrician’s office to have her stitches removed, the nurse initially hesitated. She had never encountered stitches like my daughter’s, where the thread was only visible at the entry and exit points. She sought the advice of two doctors to ensure she was handling the situation correctly. While they couldn’t say for certain, pulling the thread from one end easily removed it. I inquired about the future care needed to minimize scarring, and they all recommended sunscreen.