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Cathy Enns: Should You Have Plastic Surgery?

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You suspect it would surprise your friends to find out. Maybe it even surprises you: you’re thinking about looking into plastic surgery.

It’s not like you obsess about your appearance. You’ve never been a fashion diva; you don’t spend a big chunk of your budget on beauty products. But the thought of how you’d look and feel with a smoother face, perkier breasts or a flatter tummy just won’t go away.

Is it sheer vanity? Are you selling out to media hype? Or is plastic surgery something reasonable people consider?

Only you can decide what’s right for you. One thing you can be sure about, though, is the popularity of plastic surgery continues to rise. In 2007, with the U.S. economy heading for trouble, cosmetic surgery spending increased 9 percent to $12.4 billion, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And the patient population is becoming more diverse, with the number of men seeking surgery growing as well the number of non-Caucasian patients.

Not only that, but surgical results are generally more natural than ever. Thankfully, the days of two-rubber-balls-on-a-board “boob jobs” are largely over. And there’s no need to worry you’ll end up looking like those Michael Jackson pictures that are, frankly, pretty scary, if you choose your surgeon carefully and have realistic goals.

The main key to satisfaction is just that: realistic goals. Ask yourself honestly what you’re looking to achieve. The simpler the answer, the better. If you can sincerely say you’re hoping to look rejuvenated, or improve your figure’s proportions, or look better in clothes, great. If your answer involves more complex objectives such as boosting relationships or career opportunities, beware. Plastic surgery can impact your physical appearance and sometimes your health for the better, but its power stops there. More profound life changes are up to you.

Do your research, talk to your loved ones and examine your goals honestly. You’ll make the right choices.

Add a Comment2 Comments

Cathy Enns

Thank you for the comments! Only you know what's right for you--try not to worry about what others may think.

Make sure to do your homework and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who really enjoys breast augmentation surgery and does it often.

Best of luck to you!

April 18, 2010 - 11:08am

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s_mollie35

Thank you for this article. It was very informative and right on the money. I personally have always wanted to get a boob job and I still very much intend to once I have saved the money to do so. I have very small boobs. 34 A to be exact and it has always felt like a blow to my self esteem. I see 16 year old girls everyday with bigger boobs then me. So I can honestly say that my desire for a boob job is totally and completely just to make me feel better in my own skin. Make me feel sexy and confident. I dont want to feel bad for this decision or have people make me feel like its superficial. Its something I need to do for me and I dont care what any one else thinks about it. Thank you for your article on this subject.

April 16, 2010 - 10:22am

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Cathy Enns
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.