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