Media pressures and cosmetic surgery in contemporary society

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Is Wrong

In the 21st century more and more people are dissatisfied with their appearance. Paralleling this trend, in an increasing number of individuals are resorting to cosmetic procedures. This is a result of society today who has brained washed so many individuals to believe that in order for a person to look beautiful they must look like the images seen on television, in movies, and on the cover of magazines. These images portray grotesquely thin women and muscular men with the infamous six pack-ads. These images are plastered all over billboards, televisions shows and commercials and magazine advertisements. As individuals generally seek cosmetic interventions to feel better about themselves, one would anticipate that cosmetically successful procedures would lead to enhanced self-esteem, mood, and social confidence.

Anecdote:

A woman came into my office last week to talk about her final. After we'd finished talking about her strategy for the exam, she said: "I hope you won't mind my saying so, but I notice you have a lot of wrinkles for your age. My Dad's a cosmetic surgeon, and he does great work, and we can get you a really good package. Your wife will love the change, though I'm sure she already loves how you look!"

Now, mind you, this was the second time this year someone had randomly suggested plastic surgery to me. But from a student in my office hours, it was a bit stunning. I thanked her politely, and told her that I loved each and every one of the well-earned, well-deserved lines that cross my face. She smiled and said, "Well, talk to your wife about it!" I assured her I would do so.

I suppose the little dear meant well. And I'll admit, it stung a bit. I've had a couple of moments recently where I've looked in the mirror and been taken aback -- just for a moment -- by how old I look. But that's more a reaction of surprise than of dejection; it's akin to being surprised that Christmas is upon us once again, and that it seems to come faster each year.

But barring -- God forbid -- some sort of horrific disfiguring accident, I'm not going to have any sort of work done to improve my appearance. I have no desire to appear one day younger than my forty years. But of course, I'm a man. Even here, in deliciously vapid Los Angeles, I know that my success as a teacher, mentor, blogger or public speaker has little to do with my perceived youth or looks. I understand that the pressures are much greater upon women, and so I am careful not to condemn those who do choose cosmetic surgery. What I don't do is give any credibility to the suggestion that the decision to go under the knife is inherently feminist, but that's a different discussion.

I notice that just this autumn, I've picked up some more wrinkles on my forehead and around the eyes. They make me look just a bit more like my father, and that makes me very happy indeed.

Researchers and clinicians have attempted over the years to evaluate whether improvement in psychosocial well-being following cosmetic enhancement can be objectively verified, but few methodologically robust studies have been conducted in this area.

Definition: reconstruction of cutaneous or underlying tissues, performed to improve and correct a structural defect or to remove a scar, birthmark, or normal evidence of aging.

History

Cosmetic surgery seems to be a modern invention for famous people, and millionaires, cosmetic surgery has a history that goes back more than 4,000 years. From early records out of India to today's technological advances cosmetic surgery has always been about improving the natural body or restoring a damaged or deformed body . Records show detailed steps of reconstructive surgery in documents from India dating from around 2, 000 BC and the medical techniques perfected there spread to the Middle East and across Europe . The Romans used simple cosmetic surgery to repair war wounds, such as damaged earlobes .

The field of cosmetic surgery by Harold Delf Gillies ( 1882-1960) was officially organized in the United States in 1931 with the formation of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He became the first physician to specialize in plastic surgery. Dr. Gillies once confessed, " Often while lifting a face I have a feeling of guilt that I am merely making money, adding, yet is it not justified if it bring even a little extra happiness to a soul who needs it?"

Modern cosmetic surgery became more commonplace in the early nineteenth century with better anesthesia and an understanding of sterile operating environments . Cosmetic surgeries still focused on reconstructive procedures, such as repairing cleft palates, skin grafts mastectomies and reconstructed noses and ears .

Psychological Aspect of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a risky business, and there are many psychological unsatisfactories that come with cosmetic surgery .Psychosocial issues permeate the field of cosmetic surgery ( Grossbart, & Sarwer, 138 ). Factors identified are being young, suffering from depression or anxiety, and having a personality disorder. According to Pruzinsky, & Edgerton, ( 223) has stated the nature and degree of surgical change is an important predictor outcome more extensive procedures are more likely to result in serious body image disturbance than " restorative" procedures. The extent of changes in sensation following the procedure (face lift, loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation) may also influence psychological outcomes, with greater degrees of sensory disturbance making adjustment to the procedure more difficult ( Grossbart & Sarwer, 172).

Middle East Hymen Repair

Cooks and Dickens state that the hymen may be ruptured by sexual intercourse and several other means . In cultures like France prizing unmarried women's virginity, premarital rupture may shame a woman, and her family. Women, including brides whose virginity is not proved at marriage, face humiliation, ostracism,, divorce, and violence -- at the extreme. Reconstructive surgeons and gynecologists may oppose hymen reconstruction on the grounds that is it deceptive, not medically necessary, or the requirement of evidence of virginity discriminates against women and the procedure supports holding them to higher standards of virtue than are required of men. Further, many adolescent females lose their virginity innocently, by rape, or coercion, and without hymen reconstruction, women may face violence and even death. The procedure is usually lawful, and distinguishable from female genital cutting or mutilation (Cook & Dickens, 268).

Panama ( The Black Market Surgery)

Dr. Alberto Kahn invented the ocular implants that can surgically change your eye color. This procedure was first designed for those who have no pigment ( such as oscular albrinism), or partical coloboma ( congenital irregular pigmentations), or the effects from deposits from medications, or trauma from injury or eye disease.

This procedure is performed under topical anesthesia . Fluid is removed from under the cornea. Liquid silicone is injected to keep a deep anterior chamber. The incision may need to be widened if this proved difficult. The liquid silicone is aspirate and the anterior chamber is then rinsed . The incision heals on its own with minimal scarring. The recovery time is 2 to 4 days with blurry vision. In order to have this procedure in Panama, you have to stay for one week to attend your post op appointment. Anti-inflammatory eye drops