If done by a trained professional, it is alright to have cosmetic surgery to improve one's appearances. Agree or Disagree? Why or Why not? Base all responses on information from the Internet. If you're feeling especially creative, you can upload text and images.
To go under the knife or not to go under the knife....that is the question. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 10 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2008. The number of body enhancement procedures is expected to rise to over 55 million by 2015, according to the ASAPS. There are many reasons why Americans desire or seek the help from medical professionals for body alterations. While some plastic surgery procedures are deemed medically necessary (i.e. a breast reduction to relieve a woman's chronic back pain), others envision Pamela Anderson's altered physique.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, whenever the word "plastic surgery" comes in conversation, a question buzzes around peoples minds: If done by a trained professional, is it alright to have cosmetic surgery to improve one's appearance?
The following websites can give you the numbers behind the growing trend (as stated in the first paragraph) as well as the top cosmetic surgery procedures chosen by the patients.
http://www.livescience.com/health/080624-plastic-surgery.html
http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/16/popular-plastic-surgery-lifestyle-health-cosmetic-surgery.html
I look forward to hearing both sides of this argument from our panel of participants.
It's what's on the INSIDE...
ReplyDeleteAs a con man in this debate, I wanted to see what the plastic surgery proponents had to say about the "drawbacks" of surgery. As I perused the website:
http://www.plasticsurgeons.com/resources/plastic-surgery-overview/pros-and-cons-plastic-surgery.htm
I found it comforting, yet disturbing to read the "consideration" that states,
"Before plunging head-long into plastic surgery it’s incredibly important to consider your mental state, not simply what you see as your physical shortcomings. Sometimes, outer appearance can seem like the main problem, when in reality, it’s what’s inside that’s making you feel insecure."
How many patients read this, and actually think about their mental health? Is a person really going to have a 180 turn-around in the self-esteem category? Chances are things will not change...
The problem is that plastic surgery is not a one time wonder. So, what begins as one surgery, leads to another, to another, which has the potential to become an obsession. For example, Jenny, a 28 year old woman is "Obsessed with Perfection," as reported by Oprah. Go to the link,
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow1_ss_20050208
The story behind the obsession is sad. Look at Jenny...she looks terrible. What is she searching for? Is her mental health okay? When will her pursuit of happiness end? Its definitely not her appearance that is the issue. She did not read the warning about checking your mental health before plastic surgery...
HBO had a documentary on this issue, called "Youth Knows No Pain." Here is a brief YouTube "trailer" of the documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUiCU5xsvPU
Very interesting people...that all seem to be searching for something that is never fully realized. Will they ever find happiness in their appearance? Will they ever love themselves for who they ARE...not who they WANT to become?
Mr. Commeret,
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point that some people are looking for a "fix" to their low self-esteem issues. However, there are a number of plastic surgery patients who do not go overboard with their procedures. Some may be looking to just maintain their youthful vitality. For these individuals, there are a number of safe, relatively non-invasive procedures that can be done right in the doctor's office; some of these procedures include Botox injections, chemical peels, and collagen injections. In the case of collagen injections the doctor merely replenishes the body's natural supply of the collagen protein in a matter of minutes. Since these treatments involve naturally derived ingredients that the body would normally recognize, what is the harm?
Cosmetic surgery can also greatly improve one's quality of life. For example, individuals who suffer from painful varicose veins can have them treated. Also, rhinoplasty can be a good option for those who have an obstructed nasal airway. These patients are looking to fix a real problem with their body, not to cure a self-esteem issue.
Cosmetic surgeons are held to the same standards as other medical professionals and meet with their patients before a scheduled procedure to determine the best course of action. A cosmetic surgeon, then, can deny services to any patient he or she feels is getting a procedure for the wrong reasons.
www.cosmeticsurgery.com
www.cosmeticsurgery.org
www.aboardcertifiedplasticsurgeonresource.com
Erica,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there are indeed exceptions, especially in regards to medical issues. For example, a breast cancer survivor (who had a mastectomy) may seriously consider breast implants. These are certainly exceptions, and ones that I would agree with.
There are just a lot of "gray" areas. Where is the line drawn? Do people's self-perceptions get in the way of what is truly necessary?
What value are we putting in physical appearance? Yes, we are judged by how we look...but, like a "miracle" diet, are we replacing the concept of taking care of one's body with a quick fix?
In addition, more and more people are beginning to regret their decision:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,324267,00.html
http://www.theplasticsurgerychannel.com/celebrity-plastic-surgery/kathy-griffin-doesn’t-love-plastic-surgery.html
ps..I'm not sure why its posting as "Mr. Commeret"...but you can just call me Chuck.
Chuck and Erica~~
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments regarding this topic. Both of you bring up valid points about the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery.
You both have agreed that some cosmetic procedures are deemed medically necessary or improve the quality of one's life, but let's consider those procedures that are not medically necessary.
In previous generations, it was always "hush-hush" when a woman went under the knife for aesthetic purposes. According to Wellsphere, a website dedicated to making health knowledge more personal(http://stanford.wellsphere.com/skin-health-article/how-do-plastic-surgery-reality-television-shows-influence-patients/429804), it seems that cosmetic surgery is no longer taboo. In fact, a study of 42 cosmetic plastic surgery patients show that:
* Out of these patients, 57% were high-intensity viewers of plastic surgery shows.
* These patients were greatly influenced by television and the media to opt for cosmetic plastic surgery.
* They felt they knew more about general plastic surgery.
* They also believed that the reality shows on plastic surgery reflected real life situations.
* Four out of five participants said that the reality shows influenced their decision to go in for plastic surgery.
* One-third said that they were "very much" or "moderately" influenced.
Obviously, this is just one researchers point of view on cosmetic surgery. But, I'm curious if you think if shows like Dr. 90210, Nip/Tuck, MTV specials on cosmetic surgery (such as True Life) truly influence patients for these elective procedures? Do shows that focus on cosmetic surgery justify or make it more right to choose plastic surgery?
It is a good thing that I was asked to be a ‘CON” of plastic surgery. I honestly believe that cosmetic surgery is not a solution for a better quality of life. Cosmetic surgery should not be considered other than to restore deformations caused by a life threatening disease such as cancer or an injury resulting in defects such as a fire or an automobile accident.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chuck that it is more important of “what’s on the inside” that counts. A common reason people have cosmetic surgery is to improve self-esteem. Another reason, however, is to boost one’s career. I did not know that a common recent trend is for men and women to have cosmetic surgery to enhance their career. In researching reasons why not to have cosmetic surgery, I found an interesting article from US News and World Report at http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/05/12/why-people-are-investing-in-better-looks.html According to the article, “The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that, among last year's most prominent trends, about two thirds of its members reported seeing men and women who requested cosmetic surgery because they wanted to remain competitive in the workplace.”
To prove my point that cosmetic surgery does not always yield the desired outcome as well as has deadly risks and side effects, I used the website from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons to research the risks and deadly side effects of cosmetic surgery: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/. I also used the Oprah site at http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahradio/moz/moz_20070727 where Dr. Oz in the episode, Cosmetic Surgery 101 discusses the over inflation of cosmetic surgery in the public and the deadly risks of having cosmetic procedures. He states that the media coverage and television gives the public a perception that cosmetic surgery is safe, simple, and effective. This is not the case.
The dangers of cosmetic surgery outweigh the benefits. Side effects from cosmetic surgery include: infections, excessive bleeding, clot formation, heart and organ failure nerve damage, premature aging, scaring of tissue and skin, and skin discoloration.
In addition, some cosmetic surgeries are not even permanent and are very expensive. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “liposuction costs $2,049 per site and last only as long as the individual sticks to a healthy diet, breast augmentation (breasts implants) costs $3,043 and the risks are bleeding, infection, thick wide scars, capsular contracture, implant rupture, deflation, asymmetry and unevenly positioned nipples, and a facelift costs $5,070 and the risk are injury to nerves that control facial muscles or feeling, infection, bleeding, poor healing, excessive scarring, asymmetry or change in hairline and only last for 5 to 10 years.” The biggest waste on money is Botox. It costs $388 per site and only lasts 3-6 months and the risks are Allergic reaction, bruising, numbness, and swelling (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
I guess I just don't see a problem with cosmetic surgery that is not medically necessary. I have heard arguments about the fact that it can be addictive (so can alcohol, caffeine, pain killers, the internet, or cell phone use. Should we stop using all of those due to the CHANCE that excessive use can lead to addiction?). Yes, some people have problems, and some people regret getting cosmetic surgery. Ya know what, some people die in car crashes, so we should stop producing all cars, right? In the last few years, how many people have had homes foreclosed upon due to making a financial decision that they look back upon as a poor one? People make bad decisions, this is not something limited to cosmetic surgery.
ReplyDeleteDeb brought up the point that plastic surgery is no longer a taboo. Is that really any different than the direction that many social norms are heading nowadays? How much shorter are the skirts getting? How much profanity (ass, shit, hell, damn) are finding their way onto radio networks and television shows (and I'm not just talking cable TV). What kind of language to you hear from your students? I can bet it is things that you would not have heard 10 years ago. Controversial topics fade towards more relaxed as well. The idea of homosexuality, abortion, and gender equality are far more acceptable than they were 10, 20, or 40 years ago depending on the specific topic being discussed. Long story short, the way society feels about things is going to change. Sex sells and is being used more and more within advertising. Everywhere we look, we see someone with a nicer smile, clearer skin, fuller lips, bigger breasts, or no cellulitis.
People love to look good. So what is the problem? Women get their manicures and pedicures. I have had girlfriends get haircuts that cost $150+. Many people take some form of medication or cosmetic surgery to reduce acne or scars from it. Many men and women use Rogain to help out with hair loss. Man men use male enhancement pills or creams. How many people have you seen with braces on with the single goal of straightening ones teeth. Every single one of these changes is just altering the look of an individual to make them feel better about themselves. And most of these are quite costly as well. How is cosmetic surgery any different?
Ian B.
To piggyback off of Ian's comments, shouldn't the choice to have cosmetic surgery be up to each individual? If that individual wants to spend the money and endure the recovery period, so be it. The majority of the websites I looked at included both the risks and benefits of the procedures. La Jolla's site even included a specific disclaimer policy (http://www.ljcsc.come/terms_of_use.html). Each individual, then, has the capacity to make an informed decision that suits their needs and desires.
ReplyDeleteErica B.
well here is what I said a couple of days ago but some how it is not showing up that I made a comment. The grey area as CHUCK commented on is not he issue which is the constructive surgery its the elective surgery which we raise eyebrows to. Both elective and constructuve are done becasue of psychological needs. Which is the same reason we buy appealing clothing, new cars, and getiing all primped in the morning. When all said and done what is the difference between these and botox or a face lift? Hopefully this gets published this time. Adam
ReplyDelete