Commentary

During recent years, we see a sharp increase in the number of people going under the knife to improve their physical appearance due to the advancements in technology and the fact that such treatments are much cheaper. Previously, botox treatments or liposuctions were only meant for the wealthy celebrities. However, there has been a shift, and such treatments (even the more complicated areas such as a nose job) are now commonplace and even teenagers as young as thirteen are going under the knife.

From a personal point of view, I cannot help but feel sad that plastic surgery has regressed from a state of restoration of disfigurement/dismemberment to a tool to attain ‘beauty’ in one’s own definition in any sense.

Resorting to plastic surgery is an unhealthy option as it may cause one to become permanently attached to such procedures as they go for more and more surgeries just to satisfy their desire of attaining ‘perfect beauty’ by their own definition. However, this only means that they will never be satisfied, as how does one really put a definition to ‘perfection’. It is also unhealthy in the aspect that it imparts the wrong values. For teenagers, it only encourages them to pay too much attention to their physical appearance as they become obsessed with finding faults and then going for plastic surgery to correct these flaws. Situations of which teenagers comparing their physical appearance would arise and the ‘ugly people’ (as defined by the good-looking ones) would be further ostracised, which could be detrimental in their psychological and emotional development.

Furthermore, this also tells the young that physical appearances are extremely important and that they should go for plastic surgery if they have average looks or do not have double eyelids, too big a nose and too thin lips. We are inculcating the wrong morals if we promote the usage of plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery though cheaper, it can still cost several thousand if one was to look for a reputable doctor. Hence, only the well-to-do families are able to afford, leaving the less privileged families out of the race for perfection. This only widens the rich-poor gap as the rest will be labelled as ‘average lookers’. Based on a United States Federal Research study, beautiful people command higher wages and if this was true, those ‘average lookers’ would have to contend with being at a losing end if they were also not as well-educated. Would it even result in some form of discrimination?

If almost everyone sports model good looks on the streets or even a famous celebrity look-alike, it would be disappointing that we have lost our uniqueness. Imagine a country with most people looking as good, how then we can differentiate one from another. Moreover, having a pretty face will not mean anything if one has bad attitude and personality. He/she will still not be attractive to others.

We are certainly downplaying the role of inner beauty and the importance of personality if we were to emphasize so much on physical appearance. Although there is no doubt that physical appearance is important, I believe that what matters most is our inner beauty, our character and personality that will ultimately shine through and make us attractive. There is no need to chase the never achievable sense of ‘perfection’ as men are generally insatiable.

31 March 2008
Today Newspaper

“Aesthetic medicine: How youth face up to the question”
YouthInk writers debate whether cosmetic surgery is really necessary

We all lie for vanity's sake
THE next time you judge someone going for a cosmetic procedure, consider this: everybody lies. Heels make us look taller; make-up hides blemishes; contact lenses give the impression of perfect vision.
We mislead, misrepresent, conceal. There is no denying we do a lot for vanity's sake. But there are others who have pragmatic reasons for wanting to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
A United States Federal Reserve study in 2005 suggested that beautiful people command higher wages. There was a similar study reported last year in The Independent, a British newspaper.
Cosmetic procedures provide a quick, long-lasting, and effective means of correcting physical flaws.
It is no surprise, then, that time-starved and impatient Singaporeans are flocking to have these procedures done.

Andre Oei, 21, is a final-year government and economics student at the London School of Economics

Minor procedures okay
THE question at hand is not whether cosmetic procedures are taboo. We live in an age of self-expression, and are big advocates of free will on many fronts.
Why be ashamed if you have a prettier - albeit artificial - nose than someone else?
Why should lines be drawn to say how much one can, or cannot, change their physical appearance?
It's all up to the individual.
Personally, I would seriously consider the costs involved, be it monetary or in terms of physical pain. If both aren't excessive, I would consider undergoing minor procedures such as for collagen fillers.
However, major surgeries like tummy tucks are a no-go; I believe in improving appearances, but not in re-making a body.

Danielle Hong, 20 is a recent Communications and Mass Management graduate from Temasek Polytechnic

Consult the professionals
THE idea of improving one's looks has tempted many.
Advancements in medicine have allowed people to choose from an array of procedures, ranging from botox injections to liposuction.
Some Singaporean general practitioners (GPs) have turned to the lucrative, but risky business of cosmetic procedures.
The convenience and cheaper fees, compared to what specialists may charge, has led many Singaporeans to seek cosmetic treatment from neighbourhood GPs.
But some may not be adequately qualified to perform these procedures. Complications in cosmetic surgery could be irreversible.
Consult the professionals. Do not be penny wise, pound foolish.

Tabitha Mok, 21, is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Western Australia

Beauty needs personality
I SEE no real need for aesthetic procedures, because looks don't matter.
Sure, everyone cares about how they appear to friends and strangers, but is it worth spending thousands of dollars just to make that nose sharper or that chin more angular?
I have a beauty alternative which is free.
Open up to others, smile more and laugh out loud.
Cosmetic procedures enhance one's powers of attraction, but that attraction stays only if one has the dynamic personality to boot.

Eisen Teo, 23, is a third-year history student

Natural beauty is better
MUCH as I have to admit that I am tempted to sharpen my jaw line, I will never resort to plastic surgery.
There are various reasons for this - money, courage and 'face'.
As a student, I lack the financial means to approach a reputable doctor in aesthetic medicine. I do not trust GPs, who may charge less, but are not specialists.
I also lack the courage. If I like the 'new' me, great. But what if I don't?
I would never forgive myself for turning my 'average' face into a semblance of Frankenstein.
I would rather remain a natural beauty than be labelled an artificial one.

Stephanie Song, 21, is a third-year psychology student at NUS