“Surgery diaries”: digitalized bodies, subjectivities and intimities

Abstract

The so-called surgery diaries are a relatively recent type of content on the internet and social networks. These are videos in which Brazilian digital influencers narrate their experiences of undergoing cosmetic surgeries, such as the implantation of silicone prostheses in the breasts and liposuction. It is argued in this article that this material illustrates a particular type of digitization of life. The intimacy of the surgical process, as well as expectations, feelings and sensations are presented in an audiovisual format intended to be shared with a large number of “followers”. This phenomenon is analyzed considering the discussions about improvement, personal exposition, gender and corporal and subjective transformations.

Keywords:
cosmetic surgeries; gender; social networks; subjectivities