What do Britney Spears, David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson all have in common? No, it’s not a special episode of “Baywatch” or a charity concert. It is performed by a doctor, it takes lots of money and it changes your physical appearance. That’s right: cosmetic surgery.
In this day and age, it is not uncommon for the average person, as well as celebrities, to get some sort of procedure done to enhance physical appearance. But the question is: What is the right age to do such a thing and is it even necessary?
This week’s Ted on the Street will surgically cut through the surface to reveal the psychological mindset of those who choose to get cosmetic surgery and whether or not students should partake in this seemingly fashionable social trend.
The Skinny
The top cosmetic procedure for Americans both male and female in 2006 was Botox. Over three million people had the procedure last year, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Web site.
In the year 2005 alone, Americans spent $12.4 billion on cosmetic procedures.
Dale Jorgenson, a psychology professor at Cal State Long Beach, said he thinks people have always been concerned with looks and manipulating their bodies for that reason.
“People have been manipulating their bodies as far back as we can know,” Jorgenson said. “One clear motivation is that I would guess a very large percentage of surgeries done are to maintain a youthful appearance. Today, we have the capacity to live a life into our 80s and 90s.”
Jorgenson also said that people’s motivations for getting surgery vary from their profession to simply wanting to look as youthful as possible. This desire can be influenced by the media, and youth in particular can be influenced by what is considered beautiful, he said.
“People are motivated by a desire to feel good about themselves,” Jorgenson said.””We’re all somewhat vulnerable to messages in the media. It’s pretty hard to resist the siren call.”
Consulting a professional about surgery is the best thing to do, Jorgenson said. “Anybody should really ask themselves why they want to do it and make sure they’re really prepared.”
The Street
With cosmetic surgery becoming more accessible and acceptable in society, the
opportunity is available for students to get Botox injections or breast implants to improve their physical appearance and possibly their self-esteem. Various students across campus gave their opinion on this.
“I think it’s dumb,” said Brittney Seanez, a sophomore liberal studies major. “You should just be happy with who you are. It’s very vain and childish. The way we age is just proof of the experiences of life.”
Sophomore liberal studies major Michelle Altura said, “I don’t really agree with it. I know it sounds cheesy, but what counts is what’s inside, not out.”
Oswaldo Jimenez, a junior graphic design major, had a different opinion. He said people are free to do what they want if they think it will help them.
“If they have a good reason to do it, then they should do it,” Jimenez said. “I think society is a victim of the media. How they portray beauty is false. You can find beauty in everything.”
“I did not support plastic surgery at all,” said senior sociology major Gabriela Vasquez, “but since I moved to L.A., it’s much more common – like buying a Gucci bag.”
Ted Concludes
Materialism and vanity seem to have become a part of everyday life in California. Mainly due to Hollywood and the celebrity image, people everywhere think that putting on fake boobs and enhancing your lips to look more like Angelina Jolie is normal.
The verdict? Getting cosmetic surgery: Unless you are like David Hasselhoff’s character in “Knight Rider” and need complete facial reconstructive surgery due to a horrific accident, I’d suggest staying away. It’s one thing to get this done out of necessity, but if you don’t need it, why get it? Money is better off spent on everyday things like food and dating.
Self-esteem surgery: If you really believe that getting surgery might make you feel better, then go for it, but most likely what you need is a big hug. Just remember, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be a good person.
