I think plastic surgery- like a lot of things- is neither good nor bad by itself.   It can be taken to extremes.  I think that says a lot about the person's mental health.  People can get to the point where it's addictive... where they never look good enough.  That's when it becomes worrisome.  Is it worth having ribs removed just to be a few inches thinner?

Ohhh, I love extreme make-over. I usually end up crying!

I wouldn't mind a breast lift and some liposuction. I guess it's to each his own. Definitely if you have problems in life or have a deformity you should be able to get it. Some people go overboard.

My little tiny cousin now has the same breast size as me because of operation. Then she complained that men looked at them all time. go figure!!

"Hey! Stop looking at my expensive neon sign that reads: LOOK AT ME"

im going to be getting surgery.. and NO IT IS NOT DISCUSTING, but mines to edit my eyes, and its classified as cosmetic. Yeah i understand those who go over board that seems alitlte OFF, but those who are doing it for the reasons that hnkmouse said. Those reasons i understand. because i am one of them, so to me it isnt discusting, but those who are too lazy to work out and get rid of fat... and use lipo.. bothers me.. when you can go it on your own i kinda dont agree with it, but those who "need" it..
Peace

Nope, haven't had any...

I tend to agree with what appears to be the consensus... whether or not a person has had some reconstructive surgery is his or her choice and I respect their right to make it. While I don't think appearance is particularly important, I understand and accept others who do.

Tess's example/comparison helps make the point that it's how we act that affects others the most.

I watch Extreme Makeover and the work they do is amazing and more so is what it does for these people that have truly suffered their whole lives. In this case plastic surgery is a huge blessing.

I have also seen a cable show where a pretty girl wants to look just like Britney Spears and goes through horrible pain with surgery to achieve some look she thinks she wants. I find this foolish and dangerous.

But, whatever it is I say if that person wants to then go for. As a woman approaching her 40's you can bet I would have a couple of things lifted if I could afford it.

Agreed... to a stronger point: Who are any of us to decide what "necessary" is...?

Where is the exact line of distinction?

- A burn victim that needs reconstructive surgery
- Someone born w/ a cleft lip
- A person with overtly mis-shapen nose bridge
- A person whose eyelid sags on one side
- A woman who feels her flat chest could become a b or c cup
- A man that gets liposuction performed
- Another woman that wants to go from a b-cup to a d-cup

The end result of all of those is the recipient feeling BETTER about themselves. It is a means to gain confidence, regardless of the motive. Why is it okay for a woman who receives a one-sided mastectomy to feel better about her looks so SHE can feel better, as opposed to someone who feels their chest is too small for their body and want to get theirs enlarged to feel better about themselves..?

In most cases... regardless of reality... the recipient is under the impression that the body part in-question is in need of augmentation to meet their satisfaction.

For every example anyone can give... a parallel can be drawn to a similar instance where the SAME surgery would be considered justified. It's all perspective.

Do I personally think augmentation is unnecessary...? Well... for Me, yes. But if it makes THEM feel better... more power to 'em. I like all-natural. Flaws & all. But I don't condemn those that DO want it done.

Tell us how you really feel!! I have not and feel no need. But be certain that you differentiate before you tell someone how strongly you feel. Single side mastectomy patients generally find it a godsend. Women with overly large inner lips sometimes cannot enjoy sex - or even sitting. Some people's noses or lips or eyelids really are unattractive. I have known women to really blossom after breast implants that I would not have considered for myself.

OK, some people who spend thousands for a rebuild may qualify for criticism but there are times when a little help is significant in quality of life.