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Caitlyn Massey
Professor Collins
ENGL 1301
31 October 2016
Cosmetic Surgery: Alterations of a Body and a Life
Cosmetic surgery is the process of reshaping and altering a specific body part. Individuals
undergo the procedure in a pursuit of happiness and beauty. The trend and popularity of cosmetic
surgery can be seen clearly throughout the media and Hollywood. In the Contemporary Cosmetic
Surgery review that was submitted to the Journal of Clinical Nursing, Jo Gilmartin explains that
the reason for these procedures is to improve the self esteem and confidence of individuals.
These alterations have become popular due to beauty ideals seen in todays society. Many men
and women are pressured to meet these standards which increase the number of procedures. This
process is hugely influenced by innovative technologies for body improvement and
beautification (Gilmartin). Cosmetic surgery has become a valuable debate recently because
the idea of freedom of expression versus natural born beauty are both valid viewpoints that exist
and have avid supporters.
Undergoing cosmetic surgery can provide a strong sense of confidence in an individual
and reduce their insecurities. In the article, Cosmetic Surgery: A Phenomenon of Empowerment
Not Insecurity, PR Newswire discusses the reason for having these procedures. Newswire states
that several patients purchase cosmetic surgery to adjust body parts that cause them
dissatisfaction, but overall patients undergo this surgery to enhance what they already have.
According to Newswires report, most people who seek plastic surgery exhibit self-esteem at
normal to above average levels. (A Phenomenon). PR uses this quote to show that cosmetic

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surgery patients go through this procedure to increase their already adequate confidence levels
and express their right to have freedom of expression. The article proves that these patients feel
empowered to be the best versions of themselves they can be and cosmetic surgery allows for
this transformation. Newswire shows that these individuals exhibit quality mental health for
desiring a change within themselves and having the drive to go through with the procedure.
Cosmetic surgery benefits the health and self-confidence of its patients.
Along with improving confidence levels, cosmetic surgery can benefit a patients overall
quality of life. In the article, Cosmetic Surgery Benefits More than Just Appearance, Martin Kohl
discusses the positive changes patients can experience after having a procedure. Doctor Borah
studies showed that even after 6 months, the positive change in quality of life was highly
significant as was a reduction in depressed feelings among the patients. Borah states that most
people presume that people undergo cosmetic surgery to feel better about their body, but the
procedure also improves patients view on how their life is going (Cosmetic surgery). The article
shows that reconstruction procedures can cure some negative aspects of the patients lives.
Borahs studies prove that cosmetic surgery helps individuals physically and emotionally. He
believes these procedures can make a person feel comfortable in their own skin and acquire a
blissful outlook on life that stays with them.
Cosmetic surgery can have horrible symptoms post operation. In the article,
Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery: The Potential Risks and Relevance for Practice, Jo Gilmartin
researched and recorded the different symptoms and issues that can occur after surgery.
Gilmartin discussed the increase of mortality and cancer rates after certain procedures or
situations post procedure. For example, Gilmartin correlates breast implant surgeries with a rise
in suicide rates and cancer of the immune system. The article introduces body dysmorphic

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disorder which is a condition that causes people to have a distorted view of their body. Many
individuals diagnosed with this disorder undergo many cosmetic procedures with no satisfaction.
This lack of satisfaction from the surgery can result in an increase of suicide and potential harm
to the surgeon by the angered patient. Gilmartin proposes a reduction to these issues by screening
patients for body dysmorphic disorder before undergoing cosmetic surgery (Contemporary
cosmetic). Gilmartin infers from his article that an individual can completely lose their identity
through an obsession of cosmetic surgery. He shows that a patient can become majorly obsessed
with change and forget who they were. His article allows potential patients to be well-informed
about what is to come with a procedure. Gilmartins findings allow people to deeply consider
their decision about cosmetic surgery. Due to all the risks and extreme costs involved, Gilmartin
opposes the procedures and industry of cosmetic surgery. The article shows that an individual
could pay more for their symptoms post surgery than paid for the procedure itself. Gilmartin
believes the alterations to an indivduals body are not worth the severe symptoms that can alter
the patients life.
Cosmetic surgery needs to begin screening patients before procedures to reduce
complications. In the article, Complications in Cosmetic Surgery: A Time to Reflect and Review
and Not Sweep Them Under the Carpet, Khunger discusses the importance of patient selection.
The article states that chronic smokers, immunocompromised patients, and patients with
cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases have an increased chance of complications compared
to other patients. Khunger explains how complications increase when the procedures occur in
spas, salons or by untrained individuals (Complications in). The article shows the importance of
review within the industry of cosmetic surgery. Khunger infers that the smallest procedures can
still result in complication and all precautions need to be taken. Due to the high risks, Khunger

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concludes that proper screening needs to be completed on people performing cosmetic surgery
and patients receiving the procedure.
Cosmetic surgery holds many positive and negative aspects. The procedure allows for
freedom of expression and individuality, but also brings dreadful symptoms and complications.
Due to the popularity of this procedure from the media and beauty ideals, the debate on this
physical alteration continues today.

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Works Cited
Gilmartin, Jo. "Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery: The Potential Risks and Relevance for
Practice." Journal of Clinical Nursing 20.13/14 (2011): 1801-809. Academic Search
Complete. Access. 13 Oct. 2016.
Khunger, Niti. "Complications in Cosmetic Surgery: A Time to Reflect and Review and Not
Sweep Them Under the Carpet." Journal Of Cutaneous And Aesthetic Surgery 8.4 (2015):
189-90. MEDLINE. Access. 20 Oct. 2016.
Kohl, Martin. "Cosmetic Surgery Benefits More than Just Appearance." Ophthalmology
Times 25.9 (2000): 70. MasterFILE Premier. Access. 20 Oct. 2016.
Newswire, Pr. "Cosmetic Surgery: A Phenomenon of Empowerment Not Insecurity." PR
Newswire US. N.p.: Y, 2015. N. pag. Regional Business News. Access. 13 Oct. 2016.