Yesterday, rumours surfaced on social media that dancehall queen Spice was in the Dominican Republic for plastic surgery but that she had post-surgery complications, and her life might have been in danger.

It was suggested that Spice had traveled to the Spanish-speaking nation, which is well-known for cosmetic surgery – particularly Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries – and that she had a procedure done. Allegedly, the Go Down Deh singer was in ill health.

An Instagram user claims that Spice had traveled to the DR for “a round two BBL”, and she was released to a recovery house. At the same time, another user claimed in a post that the artiste was in a coma and had been in a coma over 36 hours due to surgery complications.

Details have not been shared, and there is no official confirmation from Spice, but her booking agent has dismissed the claims that she was in a coma.

Cosmetic surgeries have become very popular in recent years, with both men and women gravitating towards these procedures to ‘enhance’ their appearance.

Taking a look at the entertainment industry, both in Jamaica and internationally, it is noticeable that several female artistes have ‘done’ their bodies.

Artistes are often heard referring to ‘the look’ one has to have and, in today’s society, ‘the look’ is a big butt, big boobs, and an itty bitty waist. Otherwise known as the hour-glass figure, some women naturally have this physical shape but, for those who don’t, well, let’s just say many believe there is nothing a little cosmetic surgery can’t fix.

Despite many warnings, individuals still opt to undergo these surgeries which can result in complications, sickness or even death.

A prime example is American singer K. Michelle who, in 2017, shared that her implants caused her to experience fatigue, migraines and even back and leg pain.

Further checks revealed that the silicone had spread over her body and damaged tissue.

Her doctor suggested she try liposuction to remove the silicone, but the procedure actually made the substance spread even further.

Eventually she was rushed to the emergency room where she had to undergo two blood transfusions. Her road to recovery was a very long one.

“Ladies I don’t care who’s telling you what DON’T PLAY AROUND WITH YOUR BODY,” Michelle said on Instagram earlier this year.

“Injections are illegal for a reason.”

She has been using her posts to dissuade other women from having the dangerous procedures done on their bodies.

Why is cosmetic surgery a big business?

Decrease in Stigma

One of the biggest reasons that plastic surgery is on the rise is that there has been a decrease in the stigma associated with it.

In previous generations, celebrities would not boast about having “work” done as is seen in today’s society. Instead, it was done behind closed doors and not directly discussed. People were simply left to speculate about what procedures a celebrity may have had.

With the rise of social media and constant selfies, most celebrities have not only admitted to having plastic surgery done, but promote the fact that they have had it done. Social media is the playground on which they show off their bodies.

All has shown that cosmetic surgery is a big business, especially among celebrities trying to achieve or maintain a certain appearance.

Increase in Types of Procedures

Another major reason for the boost in cosmetic surgery is that there are more procedures available than ever before.

Non-invasive procedures have especially entered the forefront, making cosmetic procedures accessible to almost anyone who can afford it.

There is a cosmetic surgery for just about anywhere on the body, from the eyes to the nose, the breast to the butt. You just name it, there is a surgery that can ‘fix it’.

Drive to Maintain Youth

Just as there have been more celebrities showing off their cosmetic surgery, social media has also created a greater desire to maintain a youthful appearance.

With all of the photo filters that are available on social media, with all the eyes of followers, and with the world watching, many celebrities feel the need to make their skin appear smoother and younger than it actually is.

As a result, many opt for cosmetic procedures to have that appearance all the time and remain forever young.

The reality is that there is a ‘need’ to look young all the time and that, even as one ages, they believe they should look young. That is a major factor that fuels cosmetic surgeries.

But, in a warning issued last November, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explained that injectable silicone can cause pain, infections, scarring, permanent disfigurement, blood vessel blockages, stroke, and even death. 

The question is, when will such warnings be heeded?