Plastic Surgery, Discrimination and HR?

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April 10, 2011

Watching the Today show this morning, there was a story about the increased number of men who are going under the knife.  Botox, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, and soft tissue filler are the top procedures men are now receiving.  Apparently, this trend is on the rise.  So, why would a man even consider plastic surgery?  Here are a few ideas:

  • To compete with other men
  • To get ahead in the workplace
  • To find, or keep, a woman
  • To try to make themselves feel younger by looking younger

Based on all the men I know, I find it hard to believe that a majority of them would even consider these procedures.  Well, maybe laser hair removal, but that would be it.  I don’t have a strong feeling either way when it comes to having plastic surgery.  If it makes a person feel better, do it.  If not, don’t.

What does this have to do with HR?

Apparently, one of the guests believes that HR discriminates against men who get these types of procedures.  WHAT? It’s true. His basic assumption was that HR professionals see these men who look too perfect and we don’t hire them.

Ok, I don’t know what this man’s qualifications are but I can assure you, if I’m interviewing someone, male or female, unless you look like Heidi Montag or the lady that made her face look like a cat, I will have no idea that you’ve had procedures done.  I’m just not that observant when it comes to deciphering whether or not someone has had Botox injections.  And, I venture to guess that most HR pros would say the same thing.

What do you think?  Do you even know when a “regular Joe” has had a procedure?  Do you even care? Let’s see what people say in the comments.

3 Comments

  • I have to say that in many cases, men look like cartoon characters after they get some work done. Look at Kenny Rogers- he looks like an LA aerobics instructor!!!!!

    A bit of botox never hurt anyone; hell- I had a bit once and didn’t like the fact I had no expression. I don’t care that my “elevens” show. Nobody really noticed it, and I was relieved…

    There is a double-standard when it comes to men trying to recapture youth- if a man has visibly grey hair and then suddenly gets it coloured- he is laughed at by his peers; however, if it was never noticeable that he has coloured his hair, nobody ever questions it.

    It is seen as a sign of weakness by both men and women when a man gets some work done. Women are almost expected to have work done. This is just my observation by listening to many people over the years and is not my personal opinion in particular.

  • I disagree that it’s seen as a sign of weakness if a man gets work done…as long as it’s not overdone (Bruce Jenner, Axl Rose, Mickey Rourke, Michael Jackson).

    But, there’s the same standard for women as well. A little botox here & there, chemical peels, laser hair removal, breast enhancement…typically considered no big deal. But overdoing your lips (Meg Ryan) or going totally insame with it (Joan Rivers, Heidi Montag, LaToya Jackson) is laughable.

    Ultimately, if it makes you happy, you should do it. But, be careful what you wish for because it may not turn out the way you expect.

    • @Stephanie- Great points! There are so many celebrity men who really over-do it now days. Like much in life, things in moderation are the best way to go. Too much, even of a good thing, can ultimately be harmful. So glad you commented. Thank you.

Comments are closed.

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About Trish

A former HR executive and HCM product leader with over 20 years of experience.

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