Plastic Surgery: An Ugly Trend | Teen Ink

Plastic Surgery: An Ugly Trend MAG

By MelodyBee BRONZE, Tarrytown, New York
MelodyBee BRONZE, Tarrytown, New York
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Favorite Quote:
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
-Walt Disney


Society has always valued beauty. In literature, ­attractiveness often symbolizes an admirable protagonist, while ugliness indicates the abominable antagonist. As children we are taught, without even realizing it, to prize beauty. People of every race and culture have gone to extremes in the name of beauty – from foot-binding in China, to dangerously constricting corsets in Victorian times, to nose jobs in 800 B.C. India. While plastic surgery has been around since ancient times, it has only recently become accepted by the masses.

Television programs that promote plastic surgery – “I Want a Famous Face” on MTV, “The Swan” on Fox, “Extreme Makeover” on ABC, “Nip/ Tuck” on FX, and “Dr. 90210” on E – expose the public to a business once kept under wraps. Reality television embraces the topic due to its shock ­value – however, the public is becoming more and more accustomed to the idea of plastic surgery.

Not only have these programs created a generation that isn’t fazed by images of blood, Botox, or bandages. Sometime during the process of beautifying average humans, they have implanted something besides silicone: the belief that cosmetic surgery will improve lives. Now, not only do people accept plastic surgery, they embrace it as a solution to personal and professional problems. While appearance has always been important, mainstream acceptance of plastic surgery has created a society that values appearance over ability.

According to Drs. Iva Sorta-Bilajac and Amir Muzur, rhinoplasty developed in ancient India due to the practice of nose mutilation as a form of public punishment for immoral conduct. Therefore, the connection between an unattractive nose and an immoral being was deeply rooted in this society. While the nose is not a vital ­organ, it is exposed to everyone’s view and has ­become a symbol of integrity as well as an important ­aspect of ­human beauty.

Only a couple of decades ago it was considered taboo to admit having “work” done, and it was not ­unusual for patients to take extreme measures – sneaking into doctors’ offices through the back door, or using fake names – to hide the fact. As noted in the New York Times article “The Doctor Will See You, and Your Party, Now” by Anna Bahney, more patients became interested in procedures after seeing them on TV and researching them online. Currently, plastic ­surgery is so commonplace that instead of scheduling secretive meetings, ­patients often bring parents, siblings, spouses, or friends to consultations.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 11.5 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2005. On the website The Medical Tourism Guide, readers are told, “Plastic or cosmetic surgery can help to boost confidence and vitality. In the case of cosmetic surgery, think of this procedure as an overhaul, much like you’d add that new roof or coat of paint to a car.” Some of the appeal lies in the way it is promoted, like statements that market surgery as a confidence-booster.

Our reality television shows are modern fairy tales. They all use a common formula: take an average, unhappy individual, alter her appearance, and after a surgical transformation she is magically a success. While the message is the same, there is one difference: these aren’t fictional characters, they’re real people.

The confidence that comes from a new nose, fake breasts, or liposuction is only temporary – physically (many procedures are not permanent and need to be repeated) as well as emotionally. Often, patients’ insecurities about their appearance are symptoms of underlying psychological issues, such as depression, and may be temporarily alleviated by surgery. But this temporary confidence is nothing in comparison to the confidence one can obtain by excelling in sports, academics, or a hobby. Marketing cosmetic surgery as a confidence-booster increases profits, but it also gives people unrealistic expectations. They believe that their life will change and are disappointed when it doesn’t.

After undergoing plastic surgery, many people finally feel accepted. By transforming into an ideal beauty, they earn the approval of others and receive positive attention. Some people even have “coming-out parties.” But while plastic surgery may appear to increase confidence, it’s often an illusion –
even to the patients themselves, who might confuse real self-esteem with the joy of feeling as though others approve of their appearance.

Psychologist David Sarwer believes the acceptance of plastic surgery goes beyond vanity: “We’ve become ­increasingly accepting of ways of changing our bodies. We’re much more comfortable with our bodies as malleable.” People have always altered their bodies, mainly through diet or ­exercise, so it’s no surprise that many view themselves as changeable. But what causes someone to want to alter his or her body? We all seek approval – from parents, spouses, children, coworkers, and friends. Even if it’s a subconscious desire, everyone wants to be deemed acceptable. Plastic surgery can gain the approval of others, but why should you care about the opinion of people who don’t see you for who you are on the inside?

Parents often pressure their children to do well academically, but with plastic surgery becoming so accepted, some parents are pressuring their children to have cosmetic work. Children as young as six are undergoing minor procedures, and 13-year-olds are having nose jobs. Doctors and parents who support these surgeries claim that the child understands. However, it’s more probable that she realizes her parents want her to change, and is willing to comply.

Some people feel pressured by their spouse to remain youthful or become more ­attractive. According to Donna Henderson-King, author of “Acceptance of cosmetic surgery: scale development and validation,” many women “desire to meet social expectations of beauty. Women are socialized to see themselves as objects to be looked at, and consequently view themselves from the perspective of others.” In this study, King found that the more shame women felt about not having met socially defined standards of beauty, the more likely they were to accept cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgery constantly appears in pop culture. Many celebrities have had cosmetic surgery, and the American public is constantly exposed to images of these altered humans. In a Mike Williams cartoon, two women scrutinizing Rembrandt’s self portrait say, “You’d think that if he’d been that successful he would have had his nose fixed.” This is a perfect example of society’s belief that attractiveness is a necessary part of success. Rembrandt is a renowned artist, but the women in the cartoon are not discussing his artistic ability; they’re critiquing his appearance. Our society blatantly values appearance over ability.

This acceptance of plastic surgery, as well as the value of appearance over ability, affects youth. From a young age, children play with toys like Barbie dolls and burly action figures, with bodies that are physically impossible to achieve. Exposure to these “ideals” is damaging to the self-esteem of youths.

People have always wanted to look like society’s ideal. In the late 19th century, Irish immigrants in New York got “English” noses to transform themselves into Americans. The ideal ­appearance in society is always based on the appearance of the dominant group.

With so much importance placed on appearance, other attributes often come second. Young people are learning that they should aim to be beautiful instead of intelligent. It’s even a common practice for parents to reward high school graduates with nose jobs, breast ­implants, or liposuction. But is cos­metic surgery an appropriate reward for years of hard work and academic achievement?

In American culture, the mold of an “attractive” person is getting smaller and less forgiving of any differences. “The assembly-line look ultimately damages the notion of personal identity. We are in danger of doing something unthinkable, which is making beauty boring,” according to Dr. Nancy Etcoff. In a cartoon by Dave Carpenter, two men tell a stranger, “No, we’re not related. We just have the same plastic surgeon.” This pokes fun at the tendency for plastic surgery patients to appear generic afterward. However, there is some truth to this. On reality makeover shows, the subjects come out looking eerily alike.

Cosmetic surgery is no longer limited to the wealthy; banks offer loans for it. As plastic surgery becomes more mainstream, it’s interesting to ponder whether the value of beauty will ­decrease as it becomes something that anyone can buy.

Vanity in our culture has increased and become more acceptable. People are more open about their desire to be attractive, and plastic surgery no longer has a negative connotation. However, America is also the most medicated ­nation on earth. Ten percent of our population take antidepressants. It’s obvious that these surgeries are not ­really making us happier. Rather, they delay the process of some individuals seeking the necessary psychological help. Even the young aren’t immune to depression. More children than ever are developing eating disorders and poor self-esteem.

Happiness can be achieved, but not through surgery. People need to ­embrace their differences instead of trying to erase them. Only when we are at peace with ourselves will we be ­truly radiant.



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This article has 161 comments.


on Dec. 31 2011 at 10:58 am
BlueRain BRONZE, Clarkston, Michigan
2 articles 5 photos 254 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control."

I went into school one day and our student teacher was showing off his tie, which I guess because of the design was interesting. So I asked him what exactly was the point of ties, what do they do? And all he said was "If I were to walk into an interview with a tie, I would have a better chance of getting a job than a guy without a tie, even if he might have more skill that me." And so then I asked him why that was, what does a hanging piece of fabric tied around your neck actually do? "It's just a fashion thing."

on Dec. 31 2011 at 9:30 am
StarlitDream SILVER, Elkridge, Maryland
5 articles 0 photos 2 comments
I really like this article. It was very well done. :) My favorite paragraph is the last one. Have you ever read Uglies by Scott Westerfeld? It is a sci fi book showing what it would be like if everyone had plastic surgery. It is very interesting. His view on plastic surgery, from what I can tell, is much like yours.

on Dec. 31 2011 at 9:04 am
otherpoet SILVER, Wayland, Massachusetts
6 articles 9 photos 254 comments

Favorite Quote:
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

This is an excellent piece, it kept your reader intrigued while loading them with a ton of information! Keep writing!

WriterGeek<3 said...
on Dec. 9 2011 at 4:10 pm
Though a contreversial topic your article is clear, consise and wonderfully written. I'll be looking for you in the opinion section of The New York Times!

on Nov. 17 2011 at 5:07 pm
Imperfectlife SILVER, Rochester, New York
7 articles 0 photos 74 comments

I agree.

 


on Nov. 17 2011 at 5:06 pm
Imperfectlife SILVER, Rochester, New York
7 articles 0 photos 74 comments
well, that's not really true because, it will not eat your's subconcious. Just accept yourself and you'll achieve a great life. Many people all need to is accept themselves. I may be young but I would never retort to comestic surgey because I rather be different than achieve myself to their ideals. I don't want a body that isn't mine. What's important is loving things you do like your job, art, writing instead of your appearance. I love to read, I could read forever, if I were obessed with my appearance constantly doesn't that sprout depression? Doing comestic surgey and gaining a body of not yours, is going to plunge you into depression further. Unless we get rid of beauty ideals, we won't able to achieve our real dreams of this lifetime.

on Nov. 17 2011 at 7:23 am
Musicalartist, Xxxxx, Other
0 articles 0 photos 144 comments

people waste their money away on cutting up their faces......

everyone looks different, and they look beautiful as they are

Like Megan Fox.  She looked so pretty until she got surgery..

~Max <3


on Oct. 26 2011 at 6:08 pm
Express-- PLATINUM, River Vale, New Jersey
30 articles 0 photos 25 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"







-John Lennon

Amazing! I don't often see such well writeen, well researched and interesting articles. This one hit the jackpot!

on Oct. 3 2011 at 7:31 pm
This article while may be true for some is not true for all and desperately overreaching especially to those of us who have had plastic surgery be a life changing success. Self esteem is more than telling yourself that you look good "no matter what you look like" I find that mentality hard to understand. When you look in the mirror everyday and see a part of yourself you could change with a little money, most people would strive to do it. Enough of this "accept yourself as you are" because it will ALWAYS eat at your subconscience. I lived with a nearly flat chest until last year. Guess what? I can take my shirt off for my husband now. No he did not pressure me to do it, my insecurities did. I do not regret my decision for an augmentation, nor do I feel my happiness is "temporary". People, if you honestly are affected by something on your body such as breasts, do something about it! Come on, people. Plastic surgery is worth it and it is NOT about conforming to the portrayal of beauty, it is about conforming to YOUR standards for yourself.

on Sep. 12 2011 at 11:43 am
Rocinante SILVER, Wexford, Pennsylvania
7 articles 1 photo 386 comments
This is just...wow. That's all I can say! You're amazing! And man, I never thought that much about plastic surgery but...wow. It's so scary to think of people just "buying" false beauty. I mean, we're born with the bodies and faces we were meant to have. It's one thing to have a mole removed because it might cause cancer down the road but changing the basic makeup of your face... and the fat-removal treatments! We have so much in this country that we need to remove some and in most countries they don't have enought to live at all. Scary how that is. 

Lorelie said...
on Aug. 21 2011 at 8:16 am
This piece is one of the best pieces of Journalism I've read online.  Plastic people...that's what society is creating. This is great news for plastic surgeons...but what about people in general?  It's a scary trend...frightening....why are humans so insecure?  Why isn't uniqueness celebrated any more? 

on Jul. 22 2011 at 10:53 am
With-the-Wolves BRONZE, Waco, Texas
2 articles 0 photos 5 comments
This was a really good article. It's true that society decides what "real" beaty is. Has anyone ever read "The Clan of the Cave Bear"? A cro-magnon (modern) girl is found by a clan of neanderthals, and her fair skin and hair is considered ugly by them.

Halcyon said...
on Jul. 8 2011 at 10:59 am
BTW, does anyone else get mildly freaked out when they see makeup commercials with people with perfect faces and the skin that looks like it's definantly either airbrushed ro surgically altered?

Halcyon said...
on Jul. 8 2011 at 10:55 am
I think it's awful that people my age or even younger have plastic surgery. I mean, that's mindless conformation at its extreme. And about Barbie? Why can't they make a Barbie with freckles or a larger-than-average nose, or a non-skeletal figure? I agree with your article. You did a great job writing it!

on Jul. 4 2011 at 4:06 pm
CherryPies BRONZE, Birmingham, Other
4 articles 1 photo 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
''I'm going to bed before either of you come up with a plan that could get us killed - or worse, expelled''
- Hermione Granger

completely agree, really well written, where did you get your facts from?

on Jun. 16 2011 at 12:36 pm
Alex_Durham GOLD, Vineland, New Jersey
14 articles 1 photo 234 comments

Favorite Quote:
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Exactly what I think!

on Jun. 16 2011 at 12:04 pm
JoPepper PLATINUM, Annandale, Virginia
35 articles 0 photos 782 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Freedom is the ability to not care what the other person thinks."

"Not all those who wander are lost" --JRR Tolkien

"When you are listening to music it is better to cover your eyes than your ears." --Jose' Bergamin

Thank you for submitting this!!! :D

on Jun. 16 2011 at 2:41 am
mjwalker BRONZE, Novi, Michigan
4 articles 25 photos 5 comments
I also agree that plastic surgery is wrong for superficial reasons but we also have to remember that plastic surgery can also help people. Think of the kids with cleft palates or people with deformities or people who have had an accident (ex:burns), plastic surgery can give them a whole new life

on May. 25 2011 at 9:44 pm
writingmagic26 BRONZE, Eureka, Missouri
2 articles 0 photos 34 comments
This article is so well-researched!  I loved your last line, too.  And you know what?  I think beauty HAS become boring.  I think it is much more interessting to meet that girl who wears those nice sweaters and has that unique smile, rather than that girl with the perfect hair, crisp clothes, and beautiful face.  Personally, I think those  woman are rather intimidating, and give off a "snobby" vibe, even if they are anything but.

KellyKoones said...
on May. 9 2011 at 12:10 pm
I agry plastic surgery is bad! It shows that you don't care for your body.