Having talked about how physical health problems have contributed to globalization in my previous posts, I shall introduce the significance of psychological problems in this post. The scope of this post will be tilted towards plastic surgery, a resort untaken by many individuals due to appearance fetishism.

Many of us must have watched the popular variety show, "Extreme Makeover" on Channel 5. This show follows the stories of the lucky individuals who are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be given a truly "Cinderella-like" experience. The advantages and importance of physical appearances are amplified in this show, where "Extreme Makeover" is projected as as a real life fairy tale in which the lucky individuals' wishes come true, not just by changing their looks but their lives and destinies. The following are photos of individuals chosen to undergo plastic surgery:


BEFORE

(Source: http://abc.go.com/primetime/extrememakeover/gallery/115680.html?photo=1)


AFTER
( Source: http://abc.go.com/primetime/extrememakeover/gallery/115680.html?photo=2 )

We see from the above photos the large disparity between the before and after facial appearances. Kerra (the woman above), who was bitten by a poisonous spider used to have a face which bears the deep facial facial scars of war. Evidently, her parched complexion has improved tremendously and rebuilt both her confidence and relationships with her family members. The positive views of plastic surgery is featured in the above show. However, is plastic surgery totally marvellous and without flaws? (Source: http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg19225745.200-cosmetic-surgery-special-when-looks-can-kill.html ) Last year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that Americans underwent at least 10.2 million cosmetic surgery procedures last year. The growing appeals for better physical appearances caused cosmetic surgery to go mainstream, venturing into becoming a commodity among the masses. Plastic surgery poses heavy risks to the individuals' healths and there is mounting evidence that those who go under the knife are more likely to commit suicide. Plastic surgery acts as a resource for individuals with suicidal intentions to change their destinies and life from the very moment they leave the operation table. But its aftereffects, especially due to the high possiblity of failed surgies, provided a much devasting truth to these individuals. We often view the growing quest for attractive bodies or faces as a potential benefit but what isn't known is just how much people's mental health is being placed at risk by the burgeoning nip and tuck culture. The role of media in advocating bigger breasts or flatter stomachs is indubitable. The impact and power of appearance fetishism does not only apply to America but all countries, where plastic surgery has ve tured into being a common topic amongst many. Plastic surgery may bring about temporary benefits but prolonged disadvantages, such as higher risks for cancers and dysmorphic disorder, should not be ignored too. The elevating desires for appearance perfection have veiled the negative impacts of plastic surgery, collecting a huge population of individuals with much higher health risks. Psychological problems associated with patients who fail to understand and recognise themselves after the operation are very popular illnesses. Imagine you, whom once was an ugly duckling with a big nose, freckled-filled cheeks and daunting body size, have changed into a beautiful swan overnight, one who draws the overwhelming attention of all; will you still recognise yourself when you look at the mirror? Can you withstand both the physical and psychological tortures that attribute to a beautify face? Plastic surgery has created an immense psychological issue and threatens global healthcare. In order to deter young teenagers from attempting plastic surgery, I suggest all to appreciate themselves and be more confident. Physical beauty is but temporary; inner beauty is what that lies deep in others' minds. The following photos show some failed attempts of plastic surgery:

( Source: http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f153/Curmudgette/brazil.jpg )

( Source: http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/images/mjackson.jpg )

Done By: Sharon (Environmental and Health Expert)

Labels: Environmental and Health Expert