Georgia Jagger; Victoria Beckham
I’m certain that those of us who are mentally and physically capable of observing our appearance have at some point in time not liked what we’ve seen. Beauty has always been (in my mind) culturally determined, and the likelihood of fitting completely into these ideals in slim to none. That’s not always easy to deal with, especially for girls and women who are convinced that their looks are their most important quality (side note: have you noticed the way females tend to put other females down usually focuses on their looks or sexuality?). More than ever girls are turning to cosmetic surgery to “fix” problem areas: noses that are too big, tummies that are too wide, breasts that are too small, lips that are too thin, etc. My question for everyone today is this: when do you think cosmetic surgery is permissible?
When a single adjustment is needed to make you feel better?
Ashlee Simpson. Photo credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty; Dan Herrick-KPA/ZUMA
When a whole transformation allows you to feel perfect?
Heidi Montag. Photo credit: Glenn Harris; Mixitupmagazine
Or perhaps it’s only acceptable to fix health issues or physical deformities?
I want to hear your opinion on this subject. (Note: I’m talking about full-blown surgery, not alterations like coloring your hair, braces, etc. Also, I in no way judge people who have had procedures done, it’s a personal choice).
I know personally I grew up feeling self conscious about my wide nose, my crooked teeth, and my large fivehead. I’d been saving my money for rhinoplasty as a graduation gift to myself every since a “friend” of mine made a not so nice comment. What ultimately changed my mind was this verse: Psalm 139:13-14 says “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” For me, my decision was that I was made to be the way I am; I’m content in knowing that everyone is created uniquely and with love. It’s changed the way I see other people too, in all honesty. I can’t say it doesn’t still go through my mind (especially when I constantly am taking pictures of myself for my blog, hello! lol), but I’ve found a peace about it for myself. Now don’t be shy, let us know your honest opinion about cosmetic surgery.
Bonus: Do you think there is a difference in the view on perfection when it comes to the fashion world versus entertainment? While the fashion industry clearly tells us that tall, thin girls are ideal, I do think it tends to embrace “abnormal” imperfections more, as seen with Lara Stone, Georgia Jagger, etc..
gorgeousglam
1 year ago
Hi doll,
Living in L.A. I can definitely comment on this topic! Where beautiful women are a dime a dozen here. I think the competition to be flawless has gone way out of balance. Heidi Montag for instance, in my opinion was way more beautiful to me than after all her surgeries. But if you have that lack in confidence in an area of your body it can be crippling. I used to hate my nose growing up too! I grew out of that hate though. I used to want bigger tatas, but then I met my husband who loves me just as I am. I think about if I were single, would I still go thru with it? Maybe. But that safety of love erases all my doubts about myself. And you’re right that fashion embraces more uniqueness than hollywood does. A gap in the teeth, lots of freckles, flat chested. In hollywood, they want perfection! Hopefully women who are in hollywood with smaller chests or with the not so perfect nose will be embraced by us the viewer more. In general, women need to be more supportive and loving towards each other. Then maybe we won’t try to look so perfect for men, a job, or anyone else, but just be the best “us” we can be. xoxo
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Thank you for your answer. I agree that having someone who loves you the way you are really really helps (my husband has always been such a huge booster:)). What a bunch of great points!
Natasha
1 year ago
As far as cosmetic surgery goes specifically, I fail to understand the desire to completely alter one’s appearance. If you broke your nose when you were little and decide when you are older that you want to have it fixed, I don’t see anything really wrong with that, but Heidi Montag’s complete overhaul of her appearance is disturbing, especially because she looked fine to begin with. It sets a really sad and poor example to girls struggling with insecurities about their own appearance.
I live in Dallas, which may not quite be LA but can be rather pretentious, materialistic, and vain. There are little things about myself that bother me and that I’m insecure about, and I’ve at times wished that I could fix this or that about myself. Perfection is unattainable though, depending on your definition of perfection that is. I wish my boobs were bigger and my butt was smaller and my nose less pointy, but I don’t hate myself for those things. And in fact my boyfriend would say that my small boobs, big butt, and pointy nose are perfect. Having supportive people in your life who care about and love you for you is important. Though other people can’t replace having confidence in yourself, it can certainly make it easier. I agree with gorgeousglam that if this sentiment of loving people as they are and seeing beauty in what makes us different from each other would help efface the insecurity and the desire for perfection that pervades our society.
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I love that you both bring up having supportive people around – it makes you wonder if a different home environment or friends could may all the difference (I’m sure Heidi’s relationship to what’s his face was a major factor in her decisions). Thank you for your opinion!
makay
1 year ago
plastic surgery is ridiculous. Heidi looks like a barbie (bad), but Ashlee actually looks better. I AGREE THOUGH! That was Ashlee’s nose. it was cute. it was her. that is the way God made her. She should have embraced it.
Only one thing though. I think when you have a medical issue like me look on my other blog (makaysjawjourney.blogspot.com) then it is acceptable. I can’t help that my jaw grew out of wack and now i can’t chew. It just happened. So in order to cure migranes and other complications it needs to be fixed.
And yes… society forces us to conformity…. beauty is more than what meets the eye. It is who the person is inside. cliche, but so true.
-makay
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
If you hadn’t mentioned anything I would never have known about your jaw! When will you be getting surgery? I’ll be praying for you! And I agree, if there is a medical condition that needs to be adjusted, that’s totally different.
meredith
1 year ago
First off, im so glad u became comfortable with your look, Because you are sooo ADORABLE!!!
With that said I think most reasons people get plastic surgery bc they never become comfortable in there own skin, or rely on media as there basis of feedback on beauty.
I believe its a personal issue and if its something that will make the person happier, then why not. I think its an issue if the Dr’s let them completely change their look, then the Dr has the obsession and that i do not agree with at all.
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Thank you Meredith! That’s such a good point about the surgeons who perform these procedures. There is something about how they almost pressure you into getting a few more “upgrades” – Have you ever seen plastic surgery documentaries where a woman goes in to get a tummy tuck, and the doctor proceeds in asking her if she would like to get her breasts done as well, because that would just complete the package? It’s horrible.
Laura
1 year ago
While I believe in personal acceptance, a nip here and a tuck there are okay if it makes you feel better. Heidi Montag’s overhaul, though, goes too far and is completely disturbing. I think she’s lost herself and will never have inner peace.
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thank you for your opinion! Somethings I think that if a small procedure is all it takes for someone to feel 100% better about themselves, then go ahead (just not for myself). It’s when people get addicted that really worries me.
christi
1 year ago
good topic! and you make some wonderful points. my mother just got some work done on her eyelids (she doesn’t even wear makeup or dye her grey hair.) and she was so ashamed of it she almost didn’t tell me… but her reasoning had everything to do with HER looking at herself in the mirror, and nothing to do with how others perceived her. thats probably whats the most important. when it comes down to it, i think plastic surgery should be entirely about personal happiness. if i could get foot surgery to make my feet narrower to fit into adorable shoes, i would. so who am i to judge those who were not blessed with the perfect waistline and want to do something about it?
and i think people judge others as a way of making it OK to make the same judgment calls about themselves. you’re friend probably told you things about your nose because she says things like that to herself all the time, and assumed you did the same. she didnt realize she was just further drilling in these western ideals of “beauty” into our society.
BUT i dont think celebrities can be held responsible for not being good role models for young girls. mostly because i dont think celebrities should be role models for young girls! as for the fashion industry, unusual is absolutely a positive in our world (which i LOVE! georgia jagger’s teeth rock. and there are more than a few bumpy noses to make me smile). when the unusual makes the clothes fit differently is when they turn their noses up.
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I definitely see your point (your mother sounds so sweet). Unfortunately it was my gay male friend who made the comment, which made it feel worse hahaha! But I agree, I’m sure he was saying it out of his own insecurities. I agree that celebrities shouldn’t be role models, but I think anyone who is influential and a “part” of our lives unfortunately have a lot of power over how we perceive things.
Janine
1 year ago
Hollywood versus fashion is WAY different. I prefer fashion. I liked the Barbie look as a teen but come on, it’s so boring, and I prefer edgy. What the fashion industry considers beautiful would never fly in Hollywood, not to mention high school.
I always wanted my lips filled but that’s pretty minor.
admin Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I agree! I think places like Portland and Seattle are pretty good at being trendy over “pretty” if that makes sense at all. I prefer it as well.
Gracie
1 year ago
I, too, thought about rhinoplasty because I have a less than perfect nose (translation: huge bump right smack in the middle!). But, ultimately decided that I have to be happy with me – the real version of me. I LOVE the verse you quoted! It is so true! That’s not to say that I look down or judge others who do it, but for me, I just can’t bring myself to do it. There are bigger issues in the world and other things that I’d much rather spend my money on than a perfect nose
xo,
Gracie
admin Reply:
April 15th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
<3 Agreed. I admit when I'm an old lady I may consider my options, but I rather invest in more important things right now :)
Nichole Medrano
1 year ago
Well this is a Hot Topic for sure! I have to take a stance based on the word of God as a Christian rather than my emotions and what society dictates. See the bible says “we were made in the image of God” so if that is true then I was made perfect the way He created me to be. Its so sad that here in the “western” culture we compare ourselves weather its our noses, breast, stomachs, lips etc. I love that we all look different some people with flat noses some with squishy some people with big booty’s (me) some with none at all some people with naturally curly hair some with straight….being different is what makes us a beautiful creation, who wants to be a clone? I sure don’t! Now don’t get me wrong when there is something life threatening and it requires some cutting and nipping then by all means do it but if its just to please societys standards I’m not a fan! Embrace You is what I have to say about this topic because “you” were made in His image
admin Reply:
April 17th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Preach it girlfriend!