Today on The Stream: Cosmetic surgery and beauty tourism thrive in the age of social media, but the pursuit of perfection isn’t free.
Under the glow of filters and flawless selfies, a growing number of people are reshaping their bodies to match online beauty ideals. This episode looks at how platforms like Instagram and TikTok, along with celebrity influence, are fuelling a global surge in cosmetic procedures. Why are so many heading overseas for treatments? We expose the risks behind the glossy advertisements, from botched surgeries to lasting health fallout.
Presenter: Stefanie Dekker
Guests:
Dr Kelly Killeen – Plastic surgeon
Tatjana Freund – Beauty editor
Natasha Ibrahim – Travel and beauty content creator
Published On 29 Aug 2025