 Media Credit: Nathan Zilbert Going ‘under the knife’ is becoming more accepted by both men and women.
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Would you like a face, thigh or butt lift? How about a breast augmentation or reduction? Don't forget a neck-lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, nose surgery or calf implants while you're at it. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your physical appearance, technology is now here to rescue you from distress.
The number of plastic surgeries being performed has sky-rocketed in recent years. Millions of surgeries are being performed yearly in Canada, approximately triple the figure of a decade ago. But why would someone voluntarily choose to undergo such an expensive and physically painful procedure?
The word 'plastic' derives from the ancient Greek word
plastikos, which means to give form or to mold. The first plastic surgeries took place over 4,000 years ago for treatment of facial injuries. Progress in the field was at a standstill until the 19th century, when developments in plastic surgery proliferated due to advancements in the scientific field.
Originally, plastic surgery was conducted to repair injury. Nowadays, the surgery corrects more than just noticeable wounds. It is seen as a cure-all for deeper issues, namely lack of self-esteem. In a society that worships perfection and beauty, plastic surgery can be seen as a remedy for aesthetic woes.
"Looks are not the only factor in the development of self-esteem," according to Vicki Stark, a Montreal-based psychotherapist. "There is a lot of emphasis in today's culture on having perfect looks. In my opinion, it is a misconception when people relate physical perfection to happiness."
Yet, the popularity of plastic surgery has soared in recent years.
A wide cross-section of celebrities have confessed to altering some aspect of their appearance through cosmetic surgery. Cher has reportedly undergone breast enlargement, face-lift and liposuction surgeries. Her nose, stomach and posterior have also been surgically altered. Drew Barrymore, Courtney Cox, Madonna, Demi Moore and Michelle Pfeiffer, among a plethora of other celebrities, have also all corrected at least one undesirable feature.
Changing ideals of beauty
The average American woman is 5'4" and 142 pounds. On the other hand, models are usually about 5'9" and 110 pounds.
"The media portrays unrealistic ideals of perfection, which few women can obtain without resorting to surgery or starving themselves," observes Stark.
Throughout the centuries, various cultures have adopted diverse ideals of beauty. During the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe's curves were considered beautiful. Today, in North America, thin is in.
For hundreds of years, Chinese women bound their feet in order to stunt foot growth. This physically painful procedure was executed because small feet were considered beautiful. In Elizabethan times, women wore corsets which caused broken ribs and difficulties breathing, all for a desirable, curvy silhouette. They also plucked their hairline to create a fashionably high forehead. Presently, plastic surgery seems to be another cultural by-product that has emerged in order to shape appearances to conform to prevailing ideals of beauty.
"Advertising and the media glamourize looking beautiful as the paramount duty of people everywhere. From make-up to designer clothing to botox injections, people are becoming more and more obsessed with retaining a youthful physique through every means of deception possible," states David Shefner, a U2 Management student.
Under the knife
There exist two forms of plastic surgery. The first type is cosmetic surgery, which is carried out in order to improve aesthetic appearance.
"Among males aged 18 to 25, rhinoplasty (reshaping one's nose) followed by gynecomastia (removing excess male breast tissue) are the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery," affirms Dr. Hugh A. McLean, a plastic surgeon from Mississauga, Ontario. "On the other hand, females undergo liposuction, as well as breast reduction and augmentation most frequently."
The second type of surgery is reconstructive, which corrects disfigurements resulting from accidents, tumours or disease. Function and normal appearance can be restored to a damaged body part and can greatly increase self-confidence.
A magical cure-all?
There are a multitude of reasons to seek both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Professor Donald Taylor, of McGill's psychology department, explains the varying motivations.
"Functional reasons might include better movement and agility. Models and actors desire increased aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, psychological reasons might be an impetus in the hopes of curing other ills, such as low self-esteem, or in order to render a better quality of life," he explains. "People believe it will bolster self-esteem and attractiveness."
Physical shortcomings can also be eradicated through surgery.
People are motivated to seek out plastic surgery if they are troubled by a defect that they believe others will notice, adds McLean.
"As a result, perceived level of attractiveness may decline," McLean explains. "In addition, surgery may correct a functional problem. For example, large breasts may aggravate neck, shoulder and back pain and cause shoulder grooving from bra straps. Surgery will alleviate these issues."
But buyers beware. Most patients feel a form of depression after surgery. Usually this relatively minor unhappiness dissipates quickly. But for a select few, depression lingers. During the few days following surgery, the patient is usually bruised and swollen, which may lead to low self-worth and feelings of unattractiveness. With adequate support, the unhappiness lifts and the person is able to enjoy their new look. And enjoy they have, as the industry boasts a repeat customer rate of 33 per cent.
Patients who are in crisis may resort to plastic surgery in attempts to resolve their problems. Major upheavals and tumult, such as death, divorce or lifestyle change, can fuel much insecurity.
"These patients are seeking a solution which cannot be satisfied by altering one's appearance. Counselling is the necessary course of action," asserts Stark. "However, plastic surgery is an optimal idea for kids who have been bullied or ridiculed by a salient imperfection. But, for those who see a minor flaw as a disaster which needs repair are headed for trouble."
Into the future
Historically, cosmetic surgery was viewed solely as a woman's domain. Nevertheless, men now constitute 14 per cent of all cosmetic surgery patients, opting for pectoral muscle implants and calf implants among a host of other requests, such as tummy tucks and face-lifts.
"There is a tendency to view plastic surgery as a women's field," confirms Taylor. "Today, with women's changing roles in society and females entering traditionally male-dominated fields, there is an upsurge in the number of men who seek the surgery for aesthetic reasons."
Plastic surgery, however, does not cater to the throngs of physically unsatisfied individuals in diverse social classes. Due to the hefty price tag, the procedure is reserved for the elite.
"The price of the various surgeries ranges from $2000 upwards to $6500," asserts Dr. Jorge Schwarz, a Montreal plastic surgeon. Breast reduction is covered under health insurance in Canada, however, if the problem hinders normal functioning and produces discomfort.
Plastic surgery is coming out of the closet and standing proud. Celebrities are no longer ashamed of having succumbed to the allure of surgically altering one's guise.
"Currently, plastic surgery is more of an option for people," says Stark. "Actors and models freely discuss their surgeries and boast of the benefits. The surgery has thus become more acceptable."
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there exist two categories of candidates for plastic surgery. The first batch includes those who exhibit a strong, vibrant self-concept but who are troubled by a physical characteristic. The second group consists of those whose self-esteem has dwindled because of a physical defect or cosmetic flaw. The latter's self-worth will take time to rebuild after surgery as one adjusts to the changes, the Society notes.
In Western culture, where youth and beauty are increasingly valued commodities, the lengths to which certain members of the public are willing to resort are gradually becoming more drastic. Plastic surgery is useful in curing mild insecurity and in ceasing ridicule about an undesirable physical feature. Stark warns consumers about entering such procedures with false hopes of emotional salvation.
"Cosmetic surgery is not a magical answer to life's dilemmas and will not always result in huge increments in self-esteem," declares Stark.
