Body reconstruction and beauty salons in the postmodern age: The case of Trabzon province

Beauty is a concept that varies from person to person and is interpreted differently by everyone. When asked what beauty is, it would be wrong to give a scientific answer. Aesthetics, like the concept of beauty, is a frequently used concept, but it can be defined scientifically. Aesthetics is a phenomenon achieved as a result of surgical instruments and medical products fort he desired beauty. These two concepts frequently support and nourish each other today. The perception of beauty constantly changes from past to present. Every individual is now more open to aesthrtic interventions in order to approach this perception. The aim here is to adapt to the definition of beauty attributed by society, to see oneself in that beauty and to show this result to everyone. A person's primary goal is to ensure his own happiness by changing his appearance, and his next goal is to be admired by society. Nowadays, with the developing medical technology, it is now much easier to achieve this desired change. Alt hough the reason for aesthetic intervention it not only appearance, there are also individuals who have it done due to health problems. With the perception of beauty attributed in the media, people can easily resort to aesthetic intervention regargless of their gender, economic status, age group and education level. There are many individuals who go under the knife just to achieve this perception of beauty, even though they have no health problems. Every day, people's perspective towards aesthetic intervention is changing positively. In the past, aesthetic interventions were not widely accepted. However, today the number of people who have aesthetic interventions is increasing day by day increasing. This study was conducted to understand the perspectives of individuals living in Trabzon who have undergone aesthetics procedures regarding beauty, aesthetics and change. The study provides theoretical information related to the topic. It discusses the concepts of beauty and aesthetics, their historical development and the meaning and importance attributed to the body in the modern and postmodern eras. Within the framework of symbolic interactionism, the subject of the study is examined in depth through Charles Cooley's Looking-Glass Self Theory. This theory emphasizes that individuals are influenced by the thoughts and statements of others about them. One of the primary reasons for undergoing aesthetic procedures is the negative opinions others may have about individuals. Within the spoce of the study, questions were directed to participants selected through a purposive sampling method and their responses were analyzed using pescriptive analysis to reach conclusions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected participants. A total of twenty one participants were interviewed and nineteen pre-prepared questions were asked. The interviews were conducted in different locations and over varying durations. Theoretical knowledge and participants responses were integrated to draw conclusions regarding the research subject. In conclusion, aesthetics has become a phenomenon that evolves and transforms over time. People, regardless of age, gender, or economic status, now have the freedom to undergo aesthetic procedures and modify aspects of their bodies they are dissatisfied with.