Social media has become a powerful tool for professionals across all fields, and plastic surgeons are no exception. Many practitioners use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to market their practices, educate the public, and share insights into their work. Recently, however, one plastic surgeon’s social media reel sparked controversy and an investigation by a professional society. The reel, intended as a joke, has been criticized as promoting violence, but this interpretation, I believe, fails to consider the broader context and intent behind the video.
The video in question featured overlaid audio that included the sound of someone being slapped. The surgeon used this audio to address a common scenario: husbands being critical of their wives’ decisions about their own bodies. The clip was designed to deliver a lighthearted yet important message—that women are in charge of their bodies, and no one else should have the right to dictate what they do with them. Critics have argued that the reel trivialized violence, but this critique overlooks the tone, purpose, and format of the content.
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It’s important to recognize that humor, when used appropriately, can be a powerful way to engage audiences and communicate messages. In this case, the surgeon leveraged a widely recognized comedic format to highlight an issue that resonates deeply with many women: the pressure to conform to others’ opinions about their appearances. This pressure often comes from spouses, partners, or family members, making the surgeon’s choice to target this behavior both relevant and empowering.
Of course, we must ask ourselves whether using humor in this way could inadvertently cross a line. Critics may argue that including the sound of a slap could be perceived as promoting violence, even if this was not the intent. However, the context is key here. The reel’s lighthearted tone and underlying message—a defense of women’s autonomy over their own bodies—suggest that the surgeon’s primary goal was empowerment, not harm.
The reel’s lighthearted tone and underlying message - a defense of women’s autonomy over their own bodies—suggest that the surgeon’s primary goal was empowerment, not harm.
Marketing for personal practice is another criticism frequently levied against social media-savvy professionals, and it’s true that this reel likely served to promote the surgeon’s work. However, it’s worth asking: does the existence of self-promotion necessarily diminish the value of a broader message? The answer is no. Professionals who use their platforms to advocate for social issues, in addition to promoting their services, can simultaneously support a cause and build their practice. After all, reaching a larger audience often amplifies the very message they aim to share.
Studies have shown the significant role of social media in spreading awareness and normalizing discussions about body image, beauty standards, and personal autonomy. For example, research published in the journal Social Media + Society highlights how platforms like Instagram can challenge traditional narratives about beauty by providing space for alternative voices to thrive (Sage Journals). By using his platform to support women’s autonomy, this plastic surgeon adds a critical voice to this ongoing cultural dialogue.
That said, the controversy surrounding this reel also serves as a reminder of the power—and risks—of social media as a communication tool. The immediacy and reach of these platforms mean that content can quickly be taken out of context or misinterpreted. Creators, particularly professionals, must remain mindful of how their messages might be received by diverse audiences, even when their intent is clear.
The immediacy and reach of these platforms mean that content can quickly be taken out of context or misinterpreted.
This surgeon’s reel, though controversial, underscores an essential message: women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, free from external judgment or criticism. While it is important to critique how messages are delivered, we should also take care not to dismiss content that serves to empower and support marginalized voices. Humor, when used thoughtfully, can challenge norms, start conversations, and inspire change. In this instance, the intent appears to be precisely that—to spark a dialogue and remind women of their autonomy.
Social media may be a platform for marketing, but it is also a tool for advocacy. This reel walks a fine line between the two, but the broader context suggests that its primary purpose was not to promote violence, but to champion self-determination and challenge the societal pressures placed on women. Rather than condemning this video outright, perhaps we should focus on its empowering message and use it as a springboard for further discussion about women’s rights, body autonomy, and the power of social media to amplify positive change.
