Plastic Surgery
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Plastic Surgery
As a child, Rose was not happy with her nose: a large hump defined it, and not to mention, a deviated septum restricted breathing from her left nostril. At the age of sixteen she had a cosmetic procedure known as a rhinoplasty, which gave her the opportunity to flatten her misshaped nose, and repair the defect that caused her difficulty breathing. Now approximately twelve years after her surgery she couldn’t be happier. She doesn’t regret her decision that she made as a kid and would still recommend this procedure to anyone considering surgery as an option. Procedures like this one in addition to multiple other operations are giving people confidence in themselves they’ve always aspired to have, and with the help of doctors everywhere these patients from all parts of the globe are accomplishing goals they never before fathomed (“Rhinoplasty par. 1-5).
The history of plastic surgery dates back about thousands of years; the first recorded account of plastic surgery can be found in ancient Indian text, where authors wrote about the reconstruction of the earlobes and noses using other skin parts from the face (Haiken 19). Progressing slowly through time, these procedures became essential during World War I, when physicians were burdened with an abundance of soldiers with face wounds and burns. This started the cycle that eventually would result in today’s modern procedures. The first major American surgeon was named Dr. John Peter Mettauer who performed the first cleft palate surgery in 1827 with tools he designed himself. From there the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons was started in 1931; shortened to ASPRS they created the first qualifying exam that tested a doctor’s knowledge of procedures required to perform surgery on a patient (“History of PlasticвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ par. 4). Now plastic surgery is more popular than ever with approximately 11.5 million cosmetic surgeries performed in 2006 alone (“History of PlasticвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ par. 2)
The claim that plastic surgery is a superficial way to enhance one’s personal image is false. Anyone who feels that they have room for improvement has every right to change him or herself, whatever that may entitle. Contrary to what one may think, numerous procedures are performed every year on people from every background in most places around the world. In 2006, people of color accounted for nearly twenty three percent of all cosmetic procedures performed in the United States (“History of PlasticвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ par. 5). Many of today’s articles are relating the sudden boom in the field of cosmetic surgery to the makeover shows; but it also has a lot to do with surgeon’s ability to deal with a patient’s pain and the modern usage of anesthesia (Monder 384-394). With the ever-increasing technology these procedures are becoming more safe and common than ever before. As early as the late 1800’s people were associating nose shape and size with social status; a symbol of strength or weakness of character. Today’s standards of what is “acceptable” are just as absurd, regardless; pressures are put on the average person everyday to feel like they need to fit into the “Hollywood mold.” Back then noses that were “too small” were seen as infelicitous (Monder 384-394). The fact of the matter is that plastic surgery is vital in our modern society and will continue to give average people the feeling of primacy in their everyday lives for years to come.
No one would argue that a reconstructive procedure such as a skin graft after a burn trauma is not necessary; the issue lies in the procedures that do not determine life, death, or physical abnormality. Some people who feel the need for these improvements find their everyday lives unbearable due to their appearance, and who’s to say that they shouldn’t be able to fix the little peeves they have about themselves in order to allow their social and professional lives to flourish. People that doubt these surgeries are not the ones who feel like their stature is in need of improvement, so why should they be critical of those who do feel that they need a change?
Skeptics feel that aesthetic surgery is an unhealthy idea due to the different addictions that can result after a patient sees the results they can achieve with little to no effort on their part. “According to a board certified New York plastic surgeon cosmetic surgery addiction can be caused by a medical condition known as body dismorphic disorder (Pruitt par. 2).” When a patient becomes addicted to surgery seeking further operations barely results successfully as fanatic of these surgical procedures will never be satisfied with themselves (Pruitt par. 3). However, there are ways to avoid this occurrence from happening; initially before surgery a patient would need to step back and take a look at realistic results. If they have reachable expectations, there will be no need for further surgery, however, if their expectancy is impractical a good doctor will advise them against the operation.
Another common “complaint” of these procedures is the risks associated with surgery. If everyone lived their life in fear of the possible, but not probable outcomes, we’d all be walking around in a bubble. The fact of the matter is that you will probably find a doctor that is not credible along the way that offers prices that seem to be an incredibly good deal; chances are it is too good to be true. The best way to avoid bad surgery is to do your homework: go to multiple doctors’ offices and don’t choose the one who is the cheapest, choose who is going to do the best job for you. They may appear to be the best short-term solution, but in the long run you may regret your decision.
Specific religions declare that there is a set plan for what will be our ultimate “fate.” This wouldn’t agree with people trying to alter “God’s intentions.” The explanation of that lies simply in the fact that if a religion’s god has a set plan for us and we have no control of our destiny, then the way we feel about ourselves, and the altercations we make to our bodies isn’t up to us. These theories alter differently from religion to religion, but regardless of the case whether you are for or against these surgeries, they exist, they benefit people all over the world every day, and they aren’t going away any time soon.
Doctors who perform cosmetic