Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Is Wrong

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).

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Eye-fold surgery is now the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure among Asian women; in an attempt to make themselves look more western like the actresses they see on television. This is a common procedure for teens in Asia, in order to prevent aging, and for the application of make-up to go on smoothly. However, this surgery is not without risks, and there is no proof that this procedure increases the teens psychosocial well-being. Song, and Song (174) double eyelid surgery in the Chinese population is a desirable physical feature, which is more popular and demands up-to-date aesthetic operations for its formation . While the results in many patients have been satisfactory, there are others with questionable results. Unsatisfactory results include a tendency on the surgeon to take the operations lightly, unfamiliarity with the anatomic relationships of the delicate structures inherent to the upper eyelid, improper case selections and limitation of the mode of operation to one method only. According to Lee, there are many risks involved with this cosmetic procedure: mature of the client, since this is a common procedure done in Asia, and bacterial infections in the eyes, taking to much skin or fat from the eyelid, to big incision to name a few. This is a risky cosmetic procedure, since you working with the eyelid ( Zane) .