I was recently struck by an article in Marie Claire magazine about fraudulent doctors performing botched cosmetic surgeries. Many women were killed – and are still being killed – by these criminals.
The majority of victims in this scandal live in coastal areas such as Miami and California. They are duped by men who come here from other countries (sometimes on work Visas, sometimes not), who mutilate them (for a low, low fee) and then take their money and flee the country.
Reading the story, I could almost predict what I would find in the Comments section. “They must have been really stupid. Stupid women always deserve what they get.” “You’d have to be really vain to risk your life for plastic surgery. Vain women really need to be taught a lesson anyway.” “It’s an elective surgery. No one made them do it, so why should we feel sorry for them?”
Would we say the same things if we were dealing with a cologne manufacturer? How about a virus that attacked only high-end business cell phones or PDAs?
The majority of American women do not elect to undergo cosmetic surgery, or even receive fillers such as Restylane and Botox. But the fact that these practices are increasing so dramatically is drawing a lot of attention from women’s magazines and media outlets.
I’ve never undergone any type of medicinal cosmetic procedure. I don’t presume to know the thoughts and feelings of women who have elected to alter their appearance in this way. For this reason, I want to hear from YOU, the readers. Tell me about your experience!
* How many cosmetic procedures have you had? If the answer is more than one, feel free to respond with separate answers to each of these questions.
* Why did you choose this procedure?
* When was it done?
* What was your experience like?
* Was your doctor male or female?
* Have any of your friends undergone cosmetic procedures?
* Do you think other women should try it?
* How did your friends and family members react before AND after the procedure?
* Do you feel different now that you’ve undergone the procedure?
* Do you have any plans for future procedures?
Please send your responses to my message box on EmpowHer. If you haven’t experienced a cosmetic procedure, feel free to simply send me your thoughts on the issue or tell me about the experiences of friends or relatives.
All information will remain completely confidential. Responses will be posted in a future article with no identifying details included. Thank you for your thoughts!
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Shaina Gaul is a feminist and freelance writer living in Iowa. View more of her writing at http://www.couchSpud.net.