Cosmetic Surgery
- The facts
- What is cosmetic surgery?
- I don't want to be wildly beautiful - I just want to be normal
- Feeling good about yourself - action plan
- Lorraine's story
- Sarah's story
The facts
It might. Or it might make very little difference because cosmetic surgery can't change your personality. You might think that your life would be transformed if your breasts were larger, your nose smaller or your ears didn't stick out. But it's unlikely that having a 'boob job' or any other 'job' will solve all your problems overnight. You have to convince yourself that you're as good as everyone else - the cosmetic surgeon can't do that for you.
What is cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is surgery to improve your appearance. In some circumstances and for some types of cosmetic surgery the NHS will pay for the treatment, but in most cases it is offered in private hospitals and clinics. It is unlikely that cosmetic surgery will be covered by private medical insurance.
Most people consider cosmetic surgery because they're unhappy about the way they look, sometimes even when the problem isn't obvious to anyone else. There are many procedures designed to help people alter their appearance:
- ears can be pinned so that they don't stick out
- noses can be reshaped or narrowed
- breasts can be made smaller (reduction) or larger (implants)
- lips can be made fuller (but only temporarily, the treatment needs repeating about every six months)
- freckles can be removed by laser surgery
- liposuction removes excess fat from your thighs, stomach, buttocks, hips, knees or ankles
Things to consider.
- Cosmetic surgery is not a quick fix; it is likely to bring about a permanent change and so involves a strong commitment.
- Cosmetic surgery can be costly (about £3,000 for a boob job).
- You generally can't get it on the NHS.
- It isn't risk-free - you can have problems with infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and scarring. The scarring may be permanent.
- It can be painful.
- A recent report on small clinics specialising in cosmetic surgery found that standards were very low so choose where you have it done with care.
- Some people feel they look worse than they did before, but it's only fair to say that others feel really good about the improvement it brings.
- Some procedures such as breast enlargement with implants will need to be redone again at some point in the future.
It's really important to seek medical advice if you're considering surgery. Ask your doctor about the local cosmetic surgeons and how good they are. Some surgeons will want a letter (referral) from your GP. You can legally give your consent for cosmetic surgery if you're 16, and even if you're under 16 provided that the surgeon thinks that you know what you're doing. However, if you're under 16 your body may still be growing or undergoing changes due to adolescence and many surgeons won't operate on a young person under 18.
I don't want to be wildly beautiful - I just want to be normal!
It's fairly easy to decide what's definitely not normal for human beings; only a very few unlucky people really do have serious abnormalities of their face or body. Everyone else falls within the huge range of "normal". Everyone is different because everyone's genes are different. So you're almost certainly normal, but you may still feel different from your friends and that can affect your self-confidence.
Teenagers' bodies are changing so fast that it's understandable that they're concerned with the way they look. And friends can be unkind or spiteful about your appearance. Sometimes people get bullied because of the way they look. Own-clothes days at school and going out can be a nightmare if you can't wear the clothes everyone else is wearing, or you feel you just don't look good in them.
Feeling good about yourself - action plan
- First, do something about the things you can do something about. For example, if you're overweight, eat fewer packaged snacks and sweet foods and eat more fruit and vegetables. Also try to cut down the time you spend watching television or at the computer and get more active.
- If you don't like your nose or some other facial feature, talk to a beautician about how you can use make-up or glasses to disguise it.
- If your boobs are too big, try a minimiser - ask for advice from staff at a specialist shop or department store. If your breasts are too small, try a padded bra (again, take some advice).
- If you're being bullied, please talk to someone. Life doesn't have to be like that.
Lorraine's story
Lorraine wanted to be a model. Her friends said that her chest was too small. Boys seemed much more interested in girls who had larger breasts than Lorraine, even though she was very pretty. "When I was 16, I just wanted to be a C or a D cup and be like my friend. I was really miserable. My mum said she couldn't afford a boob job and I'd just have to put up with it. I'm 18 now and still thinking about implants, but I'm not desperate any more. I'm moving in with my boyfriend soon and I think I'd rather spend the money on a deposit for a flat!"
Sarah's story
Sarah had very big breasts. She had to wear a bra all the time and really envied her friends who could wear skimpy tops. Quite often, she overheard unkind comments from college friends about the size of her bust, and she was fed up. She wasn't short of self-confidence, but felt that her life could be a lot better. Her doctor recommended a cosmetic surgeon and she had a breast reduction. Her bust size was reduced from a DD cup to a C. She felt happier about herself, more relaxed with the guys, and confident to get on with her life.