Currently viewing the category: "breast enlargement"
A little common sense coming out of Germany this week (leave it to the Germans), as they call for a ban on cosmetic surgery for minors (under 18-years-old). The bid is coming from a number of political groups that argue, “Even with a proper explanation, it is not guaranteed that the young person is aware of the full implication of the decision” to undergo plastic surgery.The move was pushed by groups dealing with health matters, including Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, and was welcomed by medical associations.

They want the ban to be wrapped into new patient-protection legislation, preventing youngsters from getting popular breast enlargements and nose jobs. This a little more than a year following the death of a German adult film star on the operating table during her sixth breast augmentation (as reported on this blog).

But The German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRAC) warns that the “sweeping ban” might prevent some young people from getting a necessary intervention. Despite their concern, the DGPRAC basically supports the ban.

Hey, and who wouldn’t? Except for a few brain dead parents that gift their children liposuction and boob-jobs for their sixteenth birthday. Although I am certain that banning plastic surgery for minors will only delay the inevitable for those with low self-esteem, I just don’t believe that kids should have access to these procedures while they are still developing (which incidentally continues until about twenty-five years old).

I know some people think cosmetic surgery for kids is no different than getting them braces, but I disagree. How cutting into and out of people’s bodies is anything like structurally modifying with a brace is ludicrous, and I believe that very soon American Medical authorities will get some sense and ban the butchery for babes. So you might be entitled to your opinion, parents for plastic surgery, but at least in Germany, your kid ain’t gettin’ a boob job until she’s eighteen (and I know even more importantly it will prevent children from getting surgical work done without their parents’ consent).

What’s more in demand today than plastic surgery?  Cheap plastic surgery!  Don’t act surprised…who doesn’t love a deal?  And when it come to slicing and dicing your morphology, at rock bottom prices, no place beats Morocco.  Ah yes, Moroccan rhinoplasty–best in the world for under five grand.

According to a recent report, people are flocking to Morocco and its neighboring Tunisia for plastic surgery.  Clinics are plentiful in Rabat and Casablanca, where tourist can get procedures for less than half the cost of European clinics.

Morocco has a history of plastic surgery dating back to the 1950s.  When sex-change operations were banned in Europe, Morocco was a hub.

“The demand for cosmetic surgery in Morocco is actually growing steadily.  There are about 1,000 to 1,200 cosmetic surgeries per month in Morocco, and 10-15% of patients came from abroad,” said Salaheddine Slaoui, a specialist in cosmetic and reparative surgery, adding that the number of plastic surgeries had also doubled in the last decade.

The two most popular procedures are breast enlargement and liposuction.  You don’t say?  And the enhancement of choice for men?  Why, that would be penoplasty, or a good ol’ fashioned penis enlargement.  Yes sir!  In Morocco…sky’s the limit.

Says Sloui again, “Compared with last year, the number of consultations for penoplasty has practically multiplied by five!”

Hey you want it all, and who blames you?  New teats, improved package, cheap price…sounds like Morocco’s the place for you.  And since practically any doctor can practice cosmetic surgery in the western world (at least the U.S.) without special credentials (re: Jan Adams), then why should you worry about a third-world tummy tuck?  You shouldn’t!  Here’s looking at you, kid.

Stop the presses: German porn star “Sexy Cora” died last week after undergoing her sixth breast augmentation.  The porn actress, real name Carolin Berger, went into a coma on January 11, 2011 following the breast enlargement surgery.  Apparently she suffered two heart attacks during the procedure; she was 23 years old.

The BBC reports that Berger was increasing her silicone implants from 18 oz. to 28 oz.  The two surgeons who performed the operation are being charged with negligent manslaughter related to her death, according to prosecutors.  The Hamburg clinic where she underwent the procedure has released a statement saying the doctors deeply regret Berger’s passing and are saddened by her death.

“Sexy Cora” was also known for being a contestant on the German version of “Big Brother” in 2009.

I’m not reporting this story simply because I’m obsessed with breasts; instead I see it’s relevance in the face of an inordinate increase in the number of breast augmentation surgeries performed every year (for kids, too).  Although we tend to think of these operations as “routine”–or in other words, harmless–I think it’s important to make note that any invasive procedure comes with risks.  Yes, 23-year-olds can have complications related to surgery.  That’s why the doctor’s office has you fill out the forms that say, “I understand I might die.”  OK, just as long as you understand.

Yes, yes, yes…relative to the number of breast augmentation surgeries performed every year, the risks are very low.  I know, I get it.  And of course, that was her SIXTH such surgery!  Which is another point I think is relevant: Just like tattoos, breast enlargements can be addictive.  Nevertheless, these are points to consider if you are thinking about getting a boob job.

Listen, I’m no morality pusher…do whatever the hell you please.  But consider this: Trying to “improve” yourself surgically is a perception issue.  Feeling less attractive, low self-esteem, or the unable to wear the clothes you’d like, or whatever other reason women have for changing their chest sizes, won’t go away just because you increase your breast size.  You might escape your self-criticism briefly, but eventually, if the mental component isn’t addressed, you’ll be back to square one.

Nothing else explains six breast augementations by the same person.  And frankly, doctors performing more than three breast augmentation surgeries (I want a boob job; I want to go back to natural; No, I really liked my boob job–I want another) probably should be responsible if something goes wrong; otherwise, who is going to be the level-headed one?

Don’t expect the porn star to play that role, doc.  RIP “Sexy Cora”.

We now have concrete proof that the grass is not always greener in other pastures. In a recent study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, researchers found that women who have breast implants are three times more likely to commit suicide than other women. These findings should act as an alert to plastic surgeons to screen for heightened suicide risk among their clients.

This comes as no surprise to me. At the risk of offending every active member of the Silicon Sisters Society, I would assume that a significant percentage of women who seek out breast augmentation have serious self esteem issues.* Just so everybody knows that I am not pointing the finger here, we all do to one degree or another. I mean, everybody I have ever met has at least one physical characteristic they would like to change if they could – it’s part of the human mind game. However, altering your body to fit within the illusion that you’ll be more attractive and more desirable as a result of breast enlargement is just plain crazy. Big breasts don’t make a woman’s life any better than a bigger wallet does a man’s, although many are convinced that both of these things are necessary to attract the opposite sex. Uh, no, sorry.
According to the study, “The increased risk of suicide was not apparent until 10 years after implantation.” Also no surprises here. It likely takes this amount of time to realize that bigger breasts do not make life easier, happier, or more fulfilling. Big boobied birdies have just as many ups and downs as their smaller sisters do. And a lift here, a tuck there, doesn’t remove the challenges we all must face in our lives.
But before you think my assessment is presumptive, please make note that the study also showed that women who opt for breast enlargement are three times as likely to die from drug and alcohol related deaths too, further pointing to self-esteem or body image problems. If you are contemplating having plastic surgery to improve your life, please give it a second thought. You’re not going to suddenly find happiness in a bigger bra size.
*Please note: This study does not lead to the conclusion that all women who have breast augmentation have poor self esteem. Actually, it is more likely that women who have pathologically poor self esteem will look to external factors, like drugs, alcohol, and plastic surgery to boost their feelings of self worth.
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