From Informed Consent To Filtered Illusions: Reimagining Cosmetic Surgery Regulation In A Global, Digital Marketplace
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Saba Mirza, Woxsen University
ABSTRACT
In this age of virtual appeal, looking via social media now shows more than just trends; it shows changes. There is a deeper truth behind every perfect selfie or cheap "makeover" offer: cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more common as a digital consumer item. In cities like Mumbai and Cairo, more and more people are drawn to algorithm-driven ideas of beauty, even though there isn't much medical openness or legal responsibility.
Even if these procedures are optional and not meant to treat a medical condition, the line between patient care and customer service is probably not very clear. These cosmetic operations are often done in professional settings that look like regular healthcare but are actually meant for profit. This article looks at how legal systems in India, the UK, Canada, South Africa, Egypt, and Japan are dealing with the ethical and regulatory challenges of this booming business. It does this by bringing together important legal ideas from these six countries.
There are two big holes in the rules: first, there is too much reliance on procedural informed consent, which ignores social and psychological vulnerabilities and relationship autonomy; second, there is no clear legal framework that holds franchised cosmetic chains, social media influencers, and digital consultation platforms responsible. This study also brings up topics that haven't been looked at enough, such as how the law treats AI- powered cosmetic previews, how digitally augmented ads can be coercive, and how race, gender, and class all affect patient risk and access.
The study suggests a mixed approach of regulation that combines health law, consumer protection, feminist bioethics, and corporate responsibility. It ends with a plan for a model cosmetic treatment code that focuses on reflective consent, professional transparency, and fair access. It also gives directions for empirical and comparative legal research that will help shape future policy changes.
Keywords: Cosmetic surgery, informed consent, relational autonomy, consumer protection, corporate accountability, comparative regulation.
