We live in a world that obsessed of beauty. Many people have un-realistic body ideals, and they turn to cosmetic surgery to seek ‘perfection’. I wanted to research why so many women want to under go the knife, what dangers are involved, and why cosmetic surgery receives bad publicity. I also wanted to see weather cosmetic surgery is used for any other reasons than vanity. Above all I wanted to see if the negatives out weighed the positives and if cosmetic surgery should be banned or not. Why do so many women want cosmetic surgery?
According to Louisa Peacock, the author of the article, ‘The Pursuit of Beauty’ (www.telegraph. co. uk), they do it to impress themselves. She also wrote about Dr Bryen Mendelson explaining that 99% of his patients hide minor facial operations from their husband and families. According to Elizabeth Overberg, author of the article ‘Why Women Want Plastic Surgery’ (www. sciencenordic. com), states that women do not do this for themselves but for the men in their lives. Whatever the main motive is both websites agree that women want to boost their self esteem by having things like tummy tucks, liposuctions, breast implants and to beat the sign of ageing.
One website, (www. sciencedaily. com), had the article ‘Huge Numbers Want Cosmetic Surgery’ says women feel pressured because of society to be thin and beautiful – many willing to pay thousands of dollars to permanently change their bodies surgically. It is not a matter of doing it for them or to please their men, it is mainly society pressuring them. Your appearance is judged to who you are today. What are the dangers in cosmetic surgery? According to the website, (www. hqcc. qld. gov. au), the public sees cosmetic surgery as fast and reasonably pain less.
This could possibly be due to television programs in the past like extreme makeovers. However like any other operations, cosmetic surgery carries risks such as blood loss, infection, wound healing difficulties, scarring, even death. In some cases surgery not only improves the appearance but actually making it worst. Studies have shown 20% of patients are unhappy with their results. Katherine Griffths, sit founder of (www. adviser. com), wrote that she wants all misleading advertisements to be scrapped. She mentioned botched surgery can be both physically and mentally devastating.
She recommends people should carefully research to avoid costly and dangerous operations. Publicity is also a big factor to cosmetic surgery. I looked at the General Health News. Bidita Debnath wrote an article explaining majority of people who have had something sublet done; always have to go back for more. There are cases where surgeons have continued to operate on, especially celebrities, and they finish up looking worst. Michael Jackson and Jocelyn Wildenstein, also known as ‘Cat Woman’ are perfect examples.
Then there was the global health scare of faulty breast implants being sold, with an estimated 300,000 women in 65 countries affected. The company was using substandard silicone gel causing implants to rupture. I also read on (www. telegraph. co. uk), Louisa Peacock wrote a positive article about Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. Also, cosmetic surgery has a shelf life. On the website, (www. telegraph. co. uk), Rebecca Seal wrote an article explain, the NHS estimates that 30% of women who have had breast implants will need more surgery within 10 years.
Patients that have liposuction reported fatty deposits in their necks, shoulders; arm and back develop after surgery. As for facelifts, Nick Percival says, the day after you have had your lift, gravity is pushing you down to the ground and soft tissues will be vulnerable to that pressure. There are some patients coming back after seven years asking for a little tightening. I wanted to research and find out what the differences were between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. I looked at a website (www. guides. healthcare-e. org), wrote an article ‘Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Surgery’.
I found out that reconstructive differs from cosmetic surgery because it is often considered to be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery is used to treat specific conditions that cause abnormalities, whereas cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve someone’s appearance. Reconstructive repairs parts of the body that’s damaged. Birth defects like a deft palate, abnormal scarring caused by car accidents or been badly burnt, skin cancer, diseases, illnesses, or traumas. This surgery is necessary when a person cannot lead a normal life without the procedure.
Typically paid by insurance companies. Reconstructive surgery should not be banned but cosmetic surgery is a choice of vanity that cost a lot of money, and carries serious risks. My research showed the results of their surgery, one out of five people are unhappy with the results. They have un-realistic expectations and think if they are more attractive, it will solve their problems. Many people need to go back for further corrective surgery because their skin starts to sag. Most importantly, cosmetic surgery does not last long – you can not beat Mother Nature!