If you’re anything like most people, you’re probably familiar with the term “representation matters”. In the year 2022, this term couldn’t be more accurate. The statement is perfectly suitable for the times we are living in today, as we see more and more diversity represented in mainstream and social media.
Highly accredited plastic surgeon, Dr. Rukmini Rednam, advocates for diversity of all forms. At her practice in Houston, Texas, her team makes efforts to show why representation matters all across the board.
Representation could be defined as a positive portrayal or exposure of marginalized groups. It could also be defined as doing something favorable on behalf of others. Either way you look at it, it’s an important aspect of our everyday lives. And truth be told, we often overlook the importance of it. Representation plays a big role in our mental and physical wellness. For most of us, how we appear to others can affect how we see the world around us.
Everyone wants to look good. I totally get it. It can be a little discouraging when you don’t see “your image” exemplified on a daily basis. As a society, we’ve become adjusted to the beauty standards of others, which is overall hurtful to our physical and mental wellbeing. This is why Dr. Rednam enjoys complimenting and advocating for patients who may not see their own attractiveness. “It’s unfair because there are so many people who believe those standards, so they feel like they’re not beautiful if they don’t look a certain way.”, the surgeon told our sources during an interview earlier this month.
Her concept of beauty goes far beyond the average, and she’s able to bring out the best in her patients because of it—a reason she’s one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in the country. On Instagram, she’s well-known for posting ‘before and after’ stories of her patients—who range in size, age, ethnic background, and gender identity. Her dedication to representation makes her stand out amongst other social media influencers/doctors.
“If I only post the 20-year-olds with hard bodies, I’m not doing my job. Those men and women may already feel good about themselves.”
Whether she’s performing reconstructive, cosmetic, or transgender surgeries, Dr. Rukmini Rednam is fully committed to patient satisfaction. In doing so, representing an authentic view of beauty is important to her and her team.
People enjoy seeing themselves in others. It boosts confidence and creates a healthy mindset. Dr. Rednam’s social media accounts are dedicated to shedding light on diversity and marginalized groups—or “everyday people” as she likes to call them—for this very reason.
“I like to represent everybody on my social media platforms. It’s important to show women in their 30s and their 60s and it’s important to show weight-loss patients and busy professionals. I like to show real people. There are a lot more real people in the world than those with “perfect bodies”. It might sound cliché, but representation does matter.” Dr. Rednam concluded in our interview.
You can follow @dr.rednam on Instagram and TikTok, or follow her Facebook page, “Rukmini Rednam, M.D.” for all updates.
You can also visit Dr. Rednam’s official website at drrukminirednam.com.