Health safety does not seem to have an impact on those desiring cosmetic surgery, nor does the comments of authority figures. In 1958 Pope Pins XII warned that operations for mere "vanity" or to enhance the "power of seduction, thus leading others more easily into sin," or "to hide a criminal from justice" were not in keeping with the church's teachings (Feldman 66). Some Christian and Jewish clergy agreed. However, not even the clergy could fight the studies saying that people with better looks had a greater chance for success (Feldman 66).

Last month, the FDA reneged on its earlier findings about breast augmentation; after a 14-year ban, it decided that silicone implants do not pose any serious health risks, but warned that breast implants will not last a lifetime: Within four years, about 20 to 25% of women who receive the implants for augmentation can expect to have additional surgeries due to hardening of the breasts, shifting of the implants, sagging, and less commonly, ruptures (Kotz). In addition, as much as 15% of women with either silicone or saline implants experience side effects such as breast pain, swelling, or capsular contracture, a hardening of the breast around the implant.

After the FDA announcement, feminist contingencies tried to tell fellow "sisters" that they should still stay away from the still-questionable silicone implants. Instead of agreement, a number of other women's groups told the feminists to cool it: Let women make a decision about their own bodies! As history has shown, individuals are not going to be persuaded to change their minds regarding a "beauty" treatment, regardless of continued warnings. Breast implants increased tenfold in frequency and about a third in size even after FDA commissioner David Kessler outlawed the silicone gel (Kotz).

If individuals, such as these women, want to weigh the risks against the gains, and make decisions about their bodies, can anything else be done to...

They analyzed the part that beauty plays in Western society and made some recommendations: One of these is to recognize how important appearance is and not to downplay its overall impact. Another suggestion is for mental health professionals to become more involved in the process of a person choosing cosmetic surgery. They recognize that many individuals are doing so, because of other factors such as low self-esteem or the desire to fulfill expectations. Research also shows that the correlation of women who have breast augmentation and suicide is much higher than the norm.
Advertisers and the media should also be encouraged to look at misleading marketing materials and the impact that these messages have -- especially on youth. In addition, more information has to be provided to individuals of all ages on the subject. In addition, organizations that aim to empower the public and to change the way society thinks about disfigurement should be encouraged.

Despite such sayings as, "Beauty is only skin deep," and "It is what's inside that counts," humans have always been concerned about how they look to others. This does not appear to be a trait that is going to disappear. If anything, cosmetic surgery will most likely become a societal norm -- as much as getting one's teeth cleaned. The concern is twofold: One, of course, that people care so much about their outward appearance and their intellect, personality and talents are secondary. Second, that people are making decisions about their personal health without having all the facts. The first concern is difficult to eradicate -- especially if there is an innate component. Something can be done about the second concern, however. Physicians, psychologists, educators, advertisers, media and companies need to provide consumers with objective information they can use to make…