Reflections On Body Image, Vanity, And The Power Of Plastic Surgery

By B. Aviva Preminger, MD, MPH, FACS

Recently, I returned to Cambridge for my 25th Harvard reunion. I rowed crew for the first time—proving that some dreams really do come true—and revisited old friends, old haunts, and a version of myself I hadn’t thought about in years. It was moving to reconnect, to laugh about the past, and to reflect on how far we’ve all come—not just professionally or personally, but in how we view ourselves and our bodies.

We’ve all changed, of course. The lines on our faces, the creaks in our knees, the softness in places that were once firm. But what struck me most was the shift in how many of us now carry ourselves—with more humility, more confidence, and, ironically, less pretense. Age, it seems, brings both wisdom and liberation.

As a plastic surgeon, I spend my days helping people navigate that very tension: between how they feel inside and how they appear to the world. The word “vanity” gets tossed around often, usually with judgment. But when a breast cancer survivor chooses reconstruction, or a young woman corrects a feature that’s brought her lifelong discomfort, is that vanity—or is it courage?

Plastic surgery, at its best, is about restoration. Not perfection. Not conformity. Just the deeply human desire to feel like ourselves again.

I think about this often as the mother of teenage daughters. They are growing up in a world obsessed with appearances—bombarded by filtered selfies, unrealistic standards, and constant comparison. It’s harder than ever to develop a healthy body image. As a mother, and as a woman who’s seen behind the scenes, I feel an even greater responsibility to model self-acceptance. To show them that their worth is not defined by size or symmetry. That it’s okay to want to feel good in your skin, but that true beauty comes from authenticity, confidence, and kindness.

In my practice, I’ve seen how powerful these transformations can be—both physically and emotionally. A rhinoplasty that quiets years of bullying. An abdominoplasty that restores dignity after childbirth. A blepharoplasty that lets someone look as awake as they feel. These are not acts of vanity; they are expressions of agency and self-respect.

Jewish tradition reminds us that we are all created b’tzelem Elokim—in the image of G-d. That truth doesn’t mean we must freeze ourselves in time. But it does call on us to treat our bodies with care, to respect both form and function, and to recognize beauty as a reflection of the Divine spark within.

So yes, I believe in plastic surgery. I believe in its power to restore confidence, to repair what time or trauma may have altered, and to allow people to move through the world with grace. I also believe in aging gracefully—not passively, but with intention. With gratitude for what our bodies have carried us through, and with the freedom to choose what helps us feel whole.

My hope for my daughters—and for all of us—is that we learn to see beauty not as a competition, but as a connection. Not as a fixed ideal, but as something deeply personal and dynamic. And maybe, just maybe, we can reclaim “vanity” as something sacred or, at least, try to see ourselves with compassion and understanding.

At Preminger Plastic Surgery, we are committed to educating our patients and providing personalized care tailored to their unique needs. For those considering plastic surgery, we offer guidance every step of the way to help you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals. Dr. Preminger is a board-certified plastic surgeon with degrees from Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit premingermd.com or call 212-706-1900. n

Dr. Aviva Preminger is an Ivy League-educated and trained plastic surgeon. She has earned respect and prestige in her field with her extensive credentials. She holds faculty appointments at Columbia University as well as several other fully accredited New York hospitals. Dr. Preminger has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has lectured and published extensively. She and her staff are committed to excellence. You can reach Dr. Preminger at 212-706-1900 or via her website at https://premingermd.com/contact/.