Essay on "Cosmetic Surgery in Today's Contemporary Society"

Essay 4 pages (1333 words) Sources: 9 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Cosmetic Surgery

In today's contemporary society cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever. Studies including those by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggest an increasing number of teenagers and young adults are seeking cosmetic surgery to enhance or change their figure or parts of their body. Many are opposed to the concept, suggesting teenagers should not have the choice to utilize cosmetic surgery. This paper argues teenagers should have access to elective cosmetic surgery when they have their parents' permission, as parents are more likely to be able to understand the potential side effects of surgery and help the patient make a secure and well-thought out decision. Patients that do not have parental consent should not have the option of cosmetic surgery.

Undoubtedly cosmetic surgery may benefit patients' interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life. This is more so the case when the patient suffers from a birth defect or other abnormality that affects their appearance. However, cosmetic surgery is not something to be taken lightly, as for many it can prove very damaging and have long-lasting side effects. Adults undergoing surgery are more likely to make wise decisions because their brains are fully matured and because their bodies have stopped growing.

Opponents to teenage plastic surgery suggest it is not moral or ethical to conduct surgery on someone under age 25 whose brain and other vital organs have not fully matured (Blum, 2003). Opponents also note many teenagers are unable to articulate their exact needs, which can lead to "gross over or under correction and negligence" that permanently scars a patient for life (Blum, 35). There are stories of young women that visit with plastic surgeons who are grossly neglectful; they take a patient's money, perform one or more procedures, which may or may not leave the child disfigured; this forces the teen to seek help from another surgeon offering a "fix" for the wrongdoings, which ultimately ends up in more scarring (Blum 36). Opponents also note that teenagers often visit with cheaper plastic surgeons that may not uphold the highest standards of clinical care. Still others (Allen, 1997) note younger adults are more prone to ask a surgeon to perform complex procedures because they want to look like young "Hollywood" stars that are often brushed up and work with makeup artists to hide any perceived "flaws" the television might pick up. This gives young teenagers, women especially, poor body image that may result in their search for a plastic surgeon for a quick "fix" (Adams, 5). Nichols & Good (2004) note that the medial and those involved in capitalism often do not concern themselves with the plight of the individual; rather then focus more on the financial gain they might realize by targeting young consumers. It is no surprise the media is interested in targeting young people with the financial wherewithal to buy whatever they need, including a pretty "face" (Nichols & Good, 30).

It is important to note however, when handled appropriately, cosmetic surgery even on teenagers, can prove remarkable beneficial. Plastic surgeons do much more than breast augmentations and noses jobs after all. Many teenagers suffer from congenital problems that require correction; in such cases they should have the ability to seek quality care if they so desire, whether it is an elective procedure or not (Milner 42).

Young adults, especially teens, are often more vulnerable and suffer from the teasing and taunting of people they consider peers; as Milner (2004) notes, it is increasingly difficult for children to hang out with what many would refer to as the "Cool Kids" and much easier for teens to hang out among the "freaks and geeks" which may apply to a teen with any attitude, personality, feature, looks or other external factor (Milner 30). However, the reality exists that many teens are capable of making smart and independent decisions without the risk for cosmetic addiction. How can this come about? By implementation of a national… READ MORE

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