Monday, September 20, 2004

plastic surgery reconsidered

Plastic surgery is often touted as a safe and harmless (as well as glamorous) method to "correct" or "enhance" percieved imperfections or flaws in one's appearance. To some, it is the ultimate luxury item: conspicuous consumption and a status symbol that accents the Cadillac nicely. To others, it is the fulfillment of a lifetime's dream: correcting the flaws and the imperfections that have annoyed and frustrated, sometimes to tears.

Unfortunately, like any surgical procedure there are hidden costs, risks and possible complications:

1. encapsulation: the body can produce scar tissue which surrounds foreign material. These scars (aka encapsulations) can distort one's visage in unexpected ways.

2. infection: like any surgery, elective plastic surgery entails the risk of infection. Five weeks of Cipro, accompanied with foul sanguineous discharge is not a pleasant prospect.

3. pain: if you enjoy sleeping in odd positions and popping Vicadin, elective plastic surgery might be for you.

4. financial cost: well, you know this one: $$$

5. emotional cost: pain, suffering, frustration, self-doubt...and, hopefully in the end, if everything goes as planned, satisfaction.

Many who have been under the knife would caution those contemplating elective plastic surgery: heed this warning.

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