What the experts say

Experts and authorities are very knowledgeable about the dangers of plastic surgery, as well as its "epidemic" status in modern culture. Doctors take caution and know the risks of undergoing surgery. They caution that not all procedures, even those that are minimally invasive, may work. Joseph O'Connell, a plastic surgeon based in Westport, Connecticut, says, "We're concerned about complications. [We're also] concerned about effectiveness, and we're not sure about the longevity of results." For some patients, the desire for more work done grows with each procedure. It doesn't take a trained eye to notice a person who has had too much work done. But where does one draw the line between simply having frozen features and the extent of obsession? Dr. Roxanne Guy, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, feels that there can be such a thing as too much plastic surgery. She say that too much is "when patients repeatedly turn to the scalpel to fill an emotional need." In some cases, where the patient is diagnosed with BDD, a debilitating preoccupation with small flaws, she feels that they "need to be referred for a psychological evaluation" rather than following through with their desired surgical enhancements. Dr. Rod Rohrich, a Dallas surgeon and president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons feels that there is a strong impact of Hollywood on the average person's perception of cosmetic surgery. He said that "the public is being lulled into the sense that there are no real risks or complications. We're already seeing the impact. I have patients saying they want all these things done in one operation, and you can't safely do it. It's not like buying groceries or shoes. You can take those back. You can't take your face back."

strongest point 1

My strongest argument is that plastic surgery is not always safe. It can be extremely dangerous and it carries many risks. In recent years, it has given the word “makeover” a whole new meaning. When undergoing procedures, there are many dangers that exist. Complications can occur which could result in hospitalization of the patient. Some risks include blood loss, anesthesia, and injury from injections or incisions. Even the finest facilities can run into troubles. As the number of those pursuing perfection has increased, so has the number of people injured and killed. Undergoing more than one procedure at a time can increase risks. It is generally not recommended. It prolongs recovery, and also increases the time a patient is anesthetized. Bad reactions to anesthesia are not uncommon. Sometimes a patient can seem to do everything right and prepare well and assess their decision carefully, but still end up paying the ultimate price. Another point about the dangers of cosmetic surgery has to do with the workplace. Patients often prefer a doctor’s office because it feels more personal and comfortable. Many doctors like it because they can implement total control over their surroundings and prices. However, sometimes these offices can be unsafe because some state and local governments do not monitor whether or not the offices sustain sufficient safety precautions. Another dangerous factor of cosmetic surgery that is often not exhibited to the public is that it is not necessary for a doctor to be trained as a plastic surgeon in order to practice plastic surgery. From a legal standpoint, all a person needs is a degree in medicine. Doctors can choose to become certified by the American Medical Association and recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To do that, they must go through seven years of training, including a three-year residency in general surgery and at least two additional years of a residency in plastic surgery. However, there are many doctors who don't bother with the special training and practice the surgery anyway, solely to supplement their incomes; plastic surgery is, after all, one of the very few medical specialties where the practitioners get paid in cash up front. Many different doctors are performing cosmetic procedures for one simple reason: money. Since doctors have the legal right to perform such operations, it is the job of the patient to do their homework and research the doctor beforehand, however, this still does not guarantee a successful result. Choosing a qualified surgeon is crucial, yet there are still people who make mistakes. From May 2003 to January 2004, there was an account of five people in Florida who had died following cosmetic surgery. Of those five, only two in these fatal cases were board-certified. One woman who died after undergoing a breast augmentation was operated on by a doctor who specialized in dentistry.

strongest argument 2

My second strongest argument is that television and the media have exploited cosmetic surgery. The resulting social pressure is also putting forth a bad influence. Such TV shows like MTV’s I Want a Famous Face (in which boys are reconstructed to look like handsome male celebrities so that they can get girls’ approvals) and Fox’s The Swan can be to blame. Many fear that these shows may be making people unrealistic both about what surgery can accomplish and also about the very real dangers of going under the knife. Many viewers are greatly misinformed, and do not have straight perceptions about the reality of cosmetic surgery. It is not nearly as glamorous as it is portrayed on television. The impact of Hollywood on society is great. Cosmetic surgery has become commonplace. In a world of tucking, lifting, and implanting, too many people feel the need to make themselves into human Barbie dolls. Especially in Hollywood and the posh Beverly Hills, there is a certain pressure to comply to undergoing cosmetic procedures- be it Botox or breast augmentations. 20 years ago, now plastic surgery addict Steve Erhardt took on a job with a celebrity stylist. He recalls seeing the cosmetic work “up close in [his] chair. Everyone was so beautiful. [He] wanted to be beautiful too." Since acquiring this job, he has endured 30 surgeries, and admits to going in to get more work done particularly when he is feeling down. Many people who are influenced by TV shows such as Extreme Makeover are not aware of the realities of plastic surgery, and may go into plastic surgery without a clear understanding of what it’s really about. Board-certified New York plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Bernard says, "People don't realize that those on the show are pre-selected, and in excellent health. They are analyzed by the best plastic surgeons in the country to ensure their transformation can look like a home run." Dr. Bernard also mentions how they work with dermatologists, cosmetic dentists, and hair stylists in addition to surgical procedures. Overall, the media has given many people unrealistic perceptions of cosmetic surgery, and combined with its resulting social pressures, it has greatly impacted today’s culture.

Choosing a side

After much researching as well as seeing the effects of plastic surgery in society, I have selected the position that plastic surgery is not worth the risks. I feel that it is very possible that more bad things can result from undergoing cosmetic procedures than good. Also, I feel that the desire to have plastic surgery would often come from a deeper emotional issue, and simply "getting work done" may not be enough to fix the true problem. In my opinion, having cosmetic surgery done often does not make a person look younger or more attractive, but simply makes that person look like they had plastic surgery. Another point is that plastic surgery is surgery regardless of anything; there are still major risks and it can be life-threatening. I also feel that true beauty can be found in imperfections, and that the ultimate effect of plastic surgery may be that patients end up looking like "cookie-cutter" people without any unique qualities; plastic surgery may start to give the impression that beauty can no longer be found in imperfections. By choosing this position, I think one of my strongest arguments will be that television has exploited cosmetic surgery, and viewers are misinformed. Another point is how even though cosmetic surgery is often not corrective, it can be extremely dangerous and carries many risks. I will also address the issue of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and how some patients that have this disorder may never be satisfied with procedures due to their obsession with their flaws. I will also explain how plastic surgery is often only a temporary solution, and is not always guaranteed to change the patient's look for the better. I intend on convincing my readers to agree with my position by using examples and eye opening, real-life situations. Since many people are misinformed about the actuality of plastic surgery, I will present information about the surprising dangers of it, and I will clear up the reality of what really goes on. My concerns about not being able to effectively argue my position are from some very strong pro-side points that I had obtained during research. This includes how plastic surgery is very popular, and does not seem to be going away any time soon, how many people benefit from undergoing procedures, and that it is ignorant to say appearance doesn't matter. I need to be able to contradict these points to prove my position, that plastic surgery is not worth the risks.

The negatives of cosmetic surgery

"Going under the knife" and getting cosmetic surgery is all the rage in Hollywood. Television has exploited it, and viewers are left with an unrealistic perception of it. Cosmetic surgery is not nearly as glamorous as it appears on TV, and there are great risks that go along with it. Plastic surgery is surgery, no matter how you look at it. There can be complications, and dangers such as excessive bleeding, infection, surgical complications, and scarring. Also, there is no guarantee that the procedure will be a success. Satisfaction is not certain. Even the most skillful surgery may not create the desired end result. In some situations, the patient could have BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), a dangerous preoccupation with slight or nonexistent flaws. This is found in up to 15% of plastic surgery patients, and when this situation presents itself, things can get dangerous. Some patients repeatedly return to the scalpel to fill an emotional need. Cosmetic surgeries only offer temporary fixes. Beneath the silicone and the face lifts may lie a fragile self-esteem. Often, people won't really look any younger from procedures, instead, they simply look like they've had plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgical procedures, although popular, carry great danger.

The "pro" views of cosmetic surgery

Many feel that cosmetic surgery has great benefits. It is the new, modern way to update your look and fix any flaws. There are generally positive improvements in how patients feel about themselves after surgery. Most patients will benefit psychologically, and as long as all goes well, it should make you feel good about your new look. "Having work done" is becoming much safer. It has modernized; improved surgical techniques and new social attitudes have heightened the appeal of plastic surgery. It is very popular, and does not look like it will be going away any time soon, but rather, improving and developing further. The future seems bright for cosmetic surgery. Though some argue that it is not necessary, evaluating realistically, appearance is important in everyday life. It is ignorant to say that appearance doesn't matter. Right now, this is all the rage in beauty enhancement. Its intention is to improve self-image and boost some confidence. And if it makes you happy, why not?

Is plastic surgery worth the risks?

Cosmetic surgery is everywhere. On television, in the movies, and on our favorite celebrities, seeing a nose job, tummy tuck, or face lift is no longer uncommon. This Hollywood craze is now sweeping into the mainstream, and people of all ages seem to be going "under the knife." Society puts a great emphasis on looking good as well as young. This can be very influential; there is a strong pressure to conform to society's ideal. Plastic surgery has evolved to cater to the needs of many, and is becoming more widely accepted. The nation is enthralled by it, and some feel it has become a sort of "epidemic." However, it is still a surgical procedure that carries great risks and dangers. With its growing popularity, plastic surgery has become controversial. Some feel that its purpose is to improve the self image and make you happy, while others view it as an unnecessary danger that changes the values of true, natural beauty and individuality. For better or worse, plastic surgery is a transforming experience, both physically and emotionally.