why is plastic surgery frowned upon?

[Lyudmilascience]

why is plastic surgery frowned upon in america?

I dont get it, I see nothing wrong with getting plastic surgery. if I wanted to get it and I'm happier from it shouldn't people be happy for me?

I see the risks in the actual surgery, the risk of death is 1 in 250,000 from cosmetic procedures and the risk of complications is also pretty low.

https://www.sharecare.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/what-risk-death-cosmetic-surgery

but even with that usually people know you got the surgery after it so therefore you didn't die. Do you find plastic surgery to be wrong? and if yes then why?

[John Cuthber]

"why is plastic surgery frowned upon?"

I wasn't aware that it was: but vanity is frowned on.

[Sirona]

It's not frowned upon because it's a high risk procedure but because of the image it portrays; others often view it as an indicator of insecurity or vanity. It depends on why one is opting to undergo plastic surgery primarily. I believe society doesn't frown upon reconstructive surgery and in come instances, it may be extremely beneficial to have surgery if you've been in an accident, such as a motor accident or in a fire. In this case, it can vastly improve self-esteem and help cope with the trauma of the event by eliminating the physical evidence the best you can. In instances where patients lose a great deal of weight, it may be psychologically beneficial to undergo body contouring to get rid of excess skin. It's an exaggeration to say cosmetic surgery is frowned upon in general, it largely depends on the reason and whether it's linked to vanity or insecurity. I do find it mildly concerning that I am seeing more cosmetic surgery advertising targeting insecurities, especially women after child birth. It's natural to have imperfections, especially as you age and unfortunately it creates a market because youthfulness and beauty is important to varying degrees for most people.

It's important to be content with yourself and focus on good health, both mental and physical rather than opting for something drastic which will most likely only be a temporary solution before you find something else to be insecure about. Confidence is what is attractive.

[Daecon]

I'd have thought it was unnecessary surgery that was frowned upon, not cosmetic surgery specifically. It may just be that there is a larger proportion of cosmetic surgery that is unnecessary compared to other types of surgery.

[StringJunky]

In addition to what to what Sirona says, the one thing you can't hide, when it is done in the name of vanity, is the effects of time. I think, to try to do so will only leave you with a bigger mess to deal with in the end plus the likely adverse psychological effects of eventually realising the sheer futility of executing such an exercise for that reason, after the fact. Enjoy what you have whilst you have it. As one quality fades others will have matured to take its place.

 

It's not frowned upon because it's a high risk procedure but because of the image it portrays; others often view it as an indicator of insecurity or vanity. It depends on why one is opting to undergo plastic surgery primarily. I believe society doesn't frown upon reconstructive surgery and in come instances, it may be extremely beneficial to have surgery if you've been in an accident, such as a motor accident or in a fire. In this case, it can vastly improve self-esteem and help cope with the trauma of the event by eliminating the physical evidence the best you can. In instances where patients lose a great deal of weight, it may be psychologically beneficial to undergo body contouring to get rid of excess skin. It's an exaggeration to say cosmetic surgery is frowned upon in general, it largely depends on the reason and whether it's linked to vanity or insecurity. I do find it mildly concerning that I am seeing more cosmetic surgery advertising targeting insecurities, especially women after child birth. It's natural to have imperfections, especially as you age and unfortunately it creates a market because youthfulness and beauty is important to varying degrees for most people.

It's important to be content with yourself and focus on good health, both mental and physical rather than opting for something drastic which will most likely only be a temporary solution before you find something else to be insecure about. Confidence is what is attractive.

Edited May 28, 2016 by StringJunky

[Sirona]

I'd have thought it was unnecessary surgery that was frowned upon, not cosmetic surgery specifically. It may just be that there is a larger proportion of cosmetic surgery that is unnecessary compared to other types of surgery.

 

Frauds and scams have existed in health and medicine for a long time. Markets for non-existent medical/health problems are created all the time and surgery is not exempt. Unfortunately in the last decade or so medical tourism has caused an increase in people undergoing plastic surgery because the cost factor becomes less of a limitation. This is particularly concerning because some surgeries, such as abdominoplasty (marketed at mothers and people who have lost large amounts of weight) is classified as a major surgery. I should think if you're opting for a major surgery, cost should be less of a deciding factor than the expertise of the surgeon and the operating facilities.

[Daecon]

Well that's always going to be an issue in places where medicine is treated as a profit-driven business instead of an essential service.

[Sensei]

Frauds and scams have existed in health and medicine for a long time.

Because people want to live forever/as long as they can, and be beautiful forever/as long as they can...

 

For the same reason the majority of priests exist: they will ensure you they have knowledge how to make you live forever. In afterlife.

[StringJunky]

Because people want to live forever/as long as they can, and be beautiful forever/as long as they can...

 

For the same reason the majority of priests exist: they will ensure you they have knowledge how to make you live forever. In afterlife.

Selling dreams is big business.

[Sensei]

Selling dreams is big business.

Your "business" means nothing to me..

 

I would say it's very weak business, ends up after at most 50-80 Earth's years (or less)...

 

The richest person of the world would swap everything for the poorest person of the world for a day of life more. The poorest person of the world would not swap it, other side with dead the richest person of the world, that died.

[Sirona]

Well that's always going to be an issue in places where medicine is treated as a profit-driven business instead of an essential service.

 

It happens everywhere though to varying degrees.

 

Because people want to live forever/as long as they can, and be beautiful forever/as long as they can...

 

For the same reason the majority of priests exist: they will ensure you they have knowledge how to make you live forever. In afterlife.

I understand the reason behind it, but healthcare professionals have an ethical responsibility too. I obviously agree that ultimately people should be free to make their own choices, even if they are motivated by insecurity and vanity, however, I believe counselling should be suggested, along with transparency. I understand that they do in most cases disclose the risks involved in surgery, however, they should also provide research on the effectiveness of plastic surgery, or at least discuss the possibility that is will not be an effective solution to self esteem. This is where counselling would be beneficial.

Edited May 28, 2016 by Sirona

[Daecon]

That's unfortunately true, even in places where there is free healthcare the surgeons, nurses, and doctors still need to eat and pay bills.

[Lyudmilascience]

ok then why is vanity frowned upon? most businesses want you to look good they want you to wear make up.

[Sirona]

There is a difference between wearing a bit of make up to look presentable and getting cosmetic surgery to improve your looks through. Obviously most people want to look presentable. Vanity is frowned upon because it reflects selfishness because one who is vain constantly thinks of themselves and others perceptions of them; it's viewed as being superficial and shallow. Most people would agree it's personality, attitude, intelligence, kindness, benevolence, etc that makes one attractive, rather than a made up exterior.

[StringJunky]

Most people would agree it's personality, attitude, intelligence, kindness, benevolence, etc that makes one attractive, rather than a made up exterior.

That's what people may say but you can't see those those attributes until you know the person. All you've got is what you actually see to make your initial judgement.

[Lyudmilascience]

I see thanks

[Sirona]

I see thanks

I'm not certain why you've asked this question and it's not my place to pry or attempt to influence others choices. Just please be well informed before you make such a big decision and remember, people can be attractive in many different ways and imperfections give you character and they're what make you unique. Be confident because that's what is really attractive; people will find any reason to bring you down if that's their intention. I'm not denying that people aren't shallow and judgemental but they are perceptive to your weaknesses, so don't make vanity and insecurity a weakness.

[StringJunky]

I see thanks

If it's some feature that you've been very unhappy about it to the point of making you frequently miserable for a very long time and people have ridiculed you over it, if the risk is low, do it. I can empathise, for example, if a woman has a flat chest (or too big) or a man or woman has a nose significantly out of proportion with their face or misshapen. It's hard to say where t6o draw the line between what is genuinely therapeutic psychologically and that which most people would say "His/her <insert feature> is OK".

Edited May 31, 2016 by StringJunky

[Lyudmilascience]

I'm not certain why you've asked this question and it's not my place to pry or attempt to influence others choices. Just please be well informed before you make such a big decision and remember, people can be attractive in many different ways and imperfections give you character and they're what make you unique. Be confident because that's what is really attractive; people will find any reason to bring you down if that's their intention. I'm not denying that people aren't shallow and judgemental but they are perceptive to your weaknesses, so don't make vanity and insecurity a weakness.

 

If it's some feature that you've been very unhappy about it to the point of making you frequently miserable for a very long time and people have ridiculed you over it, if the risk is low, do it. I can empathise, for example, if a woman has a flat chest (or too big) or a man or woman has a nose significantly out of proportion with their face or misshapen. It's hard to say where t6o draw the line between what is genuinely therapeutic psychologically and that which most people would say "His/her <insert feature> is OK".

I don't mind sharing, I am just saving money to get breast implants I have a very flat chest and I want bigger boobs. every time I work out to get abs my boobs get smaller faster then my stomach, now I have a relatively small stomach, not flat but better and no boobs. I also swim a lot.I want to be muscular. Its not that I have been ridiculed its more I had big boobs felt confident (size D34) and now I'm flat chested, i'm unhappy with how I look and I get turned down by many guys because I don't have their boob preference, they all go to big chested women.i have never had a boyfriend and I'm embarrassed being this age like this. regardless of how others may feel I really want to do this for myself. if you say that I shouldnt do this I should live with the body i have then how do I become happy about it?, telling myself I'm happy dosent make me happy. unfortunately Im a bit vain. I can't help what makes me happy. I do care about other people I'm only vain in terms of my looks,I have high standards about my looks. I do really care about other people. thanks

[Sirona]

This unhappiness and insecurity have nothing to do with your appearance; there is absolutely nothing wrong with small breasts. It's only a problem if you see it as one. What sort of men are going to be attracted to unnatural implants? Not the sort I'd personally be interested in. One day you'll have more to worry about other than a flat chest, such as greying hair and wrinkles. If it's not one thing, then it's just another so don't fall down this spiral about wanting to be perfect physically. As I said before, good physical and mental health is attractive and it is possible that men turning you down has more to do with low self esteem than small breasts. If you're looking for love, then you don't want your selection pool to consist of superficial men.

 

I used to be overweight as a teenager and lost a great deal of weight and even though I attract much more attention from now being fit, the quality of men I attracted when overweight was by far better. Although I lost weight in a healthy way and haven't considered surgery, I know what it's like to have low confidence and this attitude keeps creating more to be insecure about; you're never satisfied. Most men aren't looking for idealised beauty but it's our perception from the world around us (media mostly) that shape our opinions on how we want to look.

Edited June 1, 2016 by Sirona

[zapatos]

The only time I have seen plastic surgery frowned upon is when the person looks worse after surgery than prior to surgery. Then all of the internet trolls come out with their 20/20 vision ridiculing the person's 'vanity'.

 

I've known several women who have had breast implants. All have been very happy with themselves afterwards, and I never heard a single person say anything negative.

 

People wear braces on their teeth, have Lasik eye surgery, get tattoos, and stick pieces of metal in their ears, tongues, lips, and belly buttons. I believe that nowadays in America plastic surgery is not generally frowned upon.

 

There have been somewhere around 5 million cosmetic breast implant surgeries done in the US since 1997.

 

IMO you should do it if it is what you want. I know that I would have plastic surgery if it is what I wanted.

[Phi for All]

From a marketing standpoint, the whole discipline was branded incorrectly. Supposedly, the name came from the Greek "plasitkos", to mold or give form. But most people associate it now with "artificial" (possibly "superficial"), and plastic-looking. Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery are probably infinitely easier to sell as procedures.

 

Apparently, the idea of plastic as something malleable predates the use of the term for materials made from oil. I also think "plastic" has come to have other negative meanings, the way "natural" has come to mean "anything not sullied by humans".

[StringJunky]

 

I don't mind sharing, I am just saving money to get breast implants I have a very flat chest and I want bigger boobs. every time I work out to get abs my boobs get smaller faster then my stomach, now I have a relatively small stomach, not flat but better and no boobs. I also swim a lot.I want to be muscular. Its not that I have been ridiculed its more I had big boobs felt confident (size D34) and now I'm flat chested,if you say that I shouldnt do this I should live with the body i have then how do I become happy about it?, telling myself I'm happy dosent make me happy. unfortunately Im a bit vain. I can't help what makes me happy. I do care about other people I'm only vain in terms of my looks,I have high standards about my looks. I do really care about other people. thanks

I appreciate your openness. Kudos. I think fat tissue is a fair proportion of breast mass so working out that area will hit the size of them. When you stop training they'll likely resume to how they were. Being realistic, how many big-bosomed and muscular women do you see around; not surgically augmented? If you want the muscular physique I think it goes with the territory/activity that your boobs will get smaller; look at the Olympic swimmers and, in fact, any seriously competitive female athlete:

 

Swimmer Alicia Coutts is pretty typical

 

 

 

 

i'm unhappy with how I look and I get turned down by many guys because I don't have their boob preference, they all go to big chested women.i have never had a boyfriend and I'm embarrassed being this age like this. regardless of how others may feel I really want to do this for myself.

 

I honestly don't think, for the majority of guys that they are an arbiter of whether they fancy you or not; not ones worth knowing anyway. I think you may be experiencing confirmation bias.

 

In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors.

 

Example: you are likely thinking: "He likes her because she's got big boobs". I bet you are also subconsciously ignoring (confirmation bias) all the other guys with girls that have less there because you want to confirm what you think, that small-breasted women don't get the guys; making you feel inadequate. Fact: Not all men prefer big boobs; This is besides the fact that I don't think they rate terribly highly on any worthwhile-man's list of priorities.

 

I honestly think your current lack of self-confidence is just from a lack of experience dating. It doesn't matter how old you are it's a nerve-wracking exercise the first time. Take it one step at a time; just talk to the guys as people and don't look at them as potential partners. That way you aren't putting pressure on yourself and it will happen if you relax and just be yourself. In time, with practice just generally socialising, you'll eventually feel more confident to be assertive towards those you do want to home in on.

 

Back to your OP: given that you are naturally sufficiently endowed breast-wise normally, I would forget about any kind of enhancement because they will come back when you move on from your current lifestyle/activitity to a more sedate one.

 

Enjoy being as you are now; fitter and more athletic. The boobs can wait; you know they are already there.

 

You can't be all things to all people; stop trying and just focus on fitting into the social niche you feel comfortable in.

 

I hope this, and other contributions here, helps put things in a truer perspective for you.

Edited June 2, 2016 by StringJunky

[Lyudmilascience]

yea I agree I don't want shallow guys. but i want a guy. I just thought about everything I want to change is possible to change, my mom said do you like the way you look?, I'm like no, then she said why not change to the way you want to look ?whats stopping you?. and i thought about it, I decided nothing I dont want to go through life hating the way I look and after this there is nothing else I would want to change or thoes things are not possible to change. your right people cant be both muscular and have big boobs naturally. I dont know which one I would pick, probably still the boobs. maybey its because i know what its like to have big boobs, i got way more attention from guys then. honesty i think everyone looks for a partner at least at part based from looks, i just cant imagine a guy telling me im pretty and me responding well your not ugly.I might be wrong but i think guys also want you to think their hot in a relationship. but so many people now a days either have good genetics or get plastic surgery, my parents dont like the idea of plastic surgery but they dont know that I'm planning to get one. maybe I just have to learn how to get self esteem, but telling myself I'm pretty does not help, its like telling someone there is no such thing as earth, clearly there is i would just be lying to myself and not truly believe it. I do look for guys,I do start out being friends but hey kind of set themselves up for a friendship with me and dont want to date me. they look at me as workout buddies.or they have girlfriends.

thank you for all your responses.

[StringJunky]

Whatever decision you may make I hope you feel more informed.