Women, Religion and Cosmetic Surgery
Several days ago, a Vatican group issued a report condemning cosmetic surgery for women. Among other assertions, Women’s Cultures: Equality and Difference stated that plastic surgery that’s not medically indicated can be seen as “aggressive toward the feminine identity” and as a way women reject their bodies and the aging process.
Including the especially provocative statement made by one woman that “plastic surgery is like a burqa made of flesh,” the report touched off a storm of articles in the blogosphere. Christian writers, in particular, have been exploring whether cosmetic surgery is ok, sometimes acceptable or generally a sin.
Let’s step back and give this topic some rational thought for a moment.
People who are knowledgeable about cosmetic surgery—including plastic surgeons themselves—will tell you one of the most critical prerequisites a patient must have is the right motivation. Ethical surgeons spend time with their patients to ensure each one has expectations that make sense and an accurate vision of the kind of changes a procedure can and can’t bring about. Most plastic surgeons have met people whose lives are not likely to be improved by cosmetic surgery and turn these prospective patients away.
With this bottom line in mind, here are some additional thoughts in response to a piece by one Christian advice columnist. The writer was attempting to explain to a reader why she should reject cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate her appearance with these points:
• When women have cosmetic surgery, it means they do not accept themselves as they are; they need to make changes to feel beautiful and worthwhile.
Following this line of reasoning, women would not color their hair, get contact lenses, or whiten their teeth. In fact, it is human nature to want to look your best, and to a degree, to look similar to others in your peer group. We’re programmed this way for our safety, reproductive success and so on.
In our practice, we work with patients who feel good about themselves and have a healthy outlook. They tell us they’re interested in cosmetic surgery to enjoy their lives to the fullest—to go from feeling good to feeling great.
• Women who alter their appearance through cosmetic surgery make it difficult for those who don’t to age gracefully and naturally.
There’s a logical flaw in this argument too. Should people deny themselves key opportunities simply to ensure others don’t feel bad? Would you advise someone not to go back to school to finish their college degree because others are not able to do the same?
The advice columnist seems to feel there’s a “sisterhood” of women aging without cosmetic surgery to which all females should belong. But most of us can agree on this: people are happiest when they make decisions in line with their own convictions and strive for goals that are important to them as individuals, not because someone else suggests they should do something (or NOT do it).
• Plastic surgery is risky and should be reserved to treat functional issues.
Risk is inherent with any kind of surgery, but plastic surgery is generally very safe. Professional organizations estimate that the mortality rate associated with cosmetic procedures is less than one in every 50,000 operations.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, you and your surgeon should take every precaution. Your doctor will evaluate your physical and psychological status, talk with you about any health considerations you may have and send you for tests. You can research your procedure, choose an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon and follow instructions to the letter.
In today’s society, examples of ideal beauty are seemingly everywhere. You can certainly argue that this is not necessarily a good thing, as it may influence some people to value the superficial over more meaningful aspects of life. Given the pervasiveness of the media, consumerism and communications technology today, frequent re-examinations of personal priorities are a good idea.
Cosmetic surgery is definitely not for everyone. But who is to say whether it’s the right choice for anyone? Should organized religions or any other group make such calls for people?
We would argue that informed individuals should make these decisions for themselves.
