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COSMETIC SURGERY - A REALITY
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980 University of the Philippines Manila
AB Political Science
Cosmetic Surgery, per se, is not new to us since this method was already practiced even before the time of
Christ, wherein the Hindu physicians perform surgical reconstruction of the nose. The modern techniques of
Cosmetic surgery also originated in the post-World War I years by surgeons repairing... the wounds and
disfigurements of combat veterans and gave hope to young soldiers (who had treatment and reconstruction of
war injuries). Cosmetic surgery is a surgical specialty which is not only concerned with the disfigurement, but
also with the restoration of impaired and improvement of physical appearance. It is largely concerned with the
bodily surface and with the reconstructive work of the face and exposed parts.
In the not so distant past, Cosmetic surgery was confined only to surgery which was absolutely necessary to the
health and well-being of a patient – for instance, skin-grafting for serious burns, reconstructing a dislodge eye,
repairing a broken nose or jaw, or treating an unseemly birthmark across the face. Fifty years ago, when the
rich and famous began opting for elective cosmetic surgery; the subject was whispered about and considered
taboo. Since the 1950’s, because of the growing popularity of Cosmetic surgery, it has become misidentified
with “beauty surgery”. In fact, only a small percentage of Cosmetic surgeons have practices limited to cosmetic
operations. Today, cosmetic surgery is often done also for cosmetic reasons, to remove blemishes or to change
contours. Actually, there are a lot of celebrities even the elite circles including prominent persons who would
disappear for a while and then emerge after a secret cosmetic surgery looking younger, prettier or thinner.
Then, the fact remains that cosmetic surgery is not only a science to increase the beauty of a person but it is
also to enhance the appearance of the individual that is done by altering the parts of the body. As the saying
goes “Vanity, thy woman’s name,” will not only be true for women alone but it will also hold true for men.
There are a number of different cosmetic surgery options, wherein the most common cosmetic surgical
procedures involve redefining some aspects of the body, while others involve enhancing the skin through a
variety of measures (Susan Gail 2000). Liposuction is a very popular cosmetic surgery option. While there are a
variety of cosmetic surgery options which are available today correcting almost any skin or body problem, it is
also important for patients to have realistic expectations. Although these procedures are available, anyone
interested in cosmetic surgery should consider the risks and remember that it is, ultimately, surgery. Not all
procedures come out exactly the way doctor and patients foresee it and that recovery is just like any other
surgery, complete with pain and the possibility of infection. Therefore, patients should also choose doctors
wisely, obtain several references and keep realistic expectations. So, for those who are bent to have one, the
major thing to do is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Cosmetic surgery. The persons undergoing
these procedures should consider the physical and health risks which are associated with Cosmetic surgery.
Questions for discussion:
1. Can an injured person spare to undergo a Cosmetic surgery?
2. Is Cosmetic surgery the only way to enhance an individual’s appearance?
3. What are the constraints of this procedure?
4. Is it worth it to have Cosmetic surgery?
5. Are you willing to risk your physical and health welfare just to have a Cosmetic surgery?