Body Modification - Wa(h)re Schönheit kommt von außen.

The article examines diverse aspects of body modification - from dieting and fitness programs to minimally invasive rejuvenating procedures and cosmetic face and breast surgery, to tattoos, piercings, and the various forms of genital surgery. It explores reasons for contemporary body modification - adaptation to beauty standards, the influence of the social media and medially altered viewing habits. In addition, the article weighs the extent to which the freedom of self-structuring and the subjectively felt compulsion for self-optimization are implicated and how these are intertwined with identity-building needs. In conclusion, the article discusses the role of sex education in this regard and stresses the need to strengthen the self-esteem of teenagers so they gain independence from social pressures when making personal decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]