Pursuing perfection with plastic surgery

Grainne Coyne takes a look at the darker side of the cosmetic surgery industry.

It’s unlikely that many students will be thinking about undergoing plastic surgery during these recessionary times considering our already limited budgets. However it’s hard to deny that plastic surgery seems to be everywhere these days. In the last few years plastic surgery has become more acceptable among the Irish public. No longer seen as only for the rich and famous the increase in demand for cosmetic procedures has led to plastic surgery clinics popping up across Ireland with one even opening in Galway last year.

It is not surprising that plastic surgery has become the norm these days considering how obsessed society, and in particular the media, has become with celebrities and the neverending search for the perfect body. Images of thin, tanned and toned gods and goddesses gaze back accusingly at us from our TV screens, newspapers and magazines seeming to ask ‘Are you really happy with how you look?”

Further proof that plastic surgery has become the only solution to every imperfection found on our bodies can be seen on TV3’s The Cosmetic Surgery Show. The Cosmetic Surgery Show which aims to “take an in depth look at cosmetic surgery in Ireland” is hosted by ex Off the Rails presenter Caroline Morahan and the star of Dr 90210, Dr Robert Rey. Each week viewers get to see the pros and cons of different plastic surgery procedures, from tummy tucks to breast enhancements, by following an Irish person who has chosen to undergo it. This programme tries to promote plastic surgery in a professional way. In reality however it gives the audience the impression that if they are unhappy with the way they look surgery is the only answer.

As well as the usual physical risks that come with any surgical procedure, plastic surgery can also have a psychological impact on patients such as an addiction to surgery. Those who choose to have surgery are clearly already insecure with themselves. Even after surgery many are still unhappy with the way they look and think more surgery will help, which it rarely does. A recent high profile example of addiction to plastic surgery is D list reality star Heidi Montag from The Hills. Having previously undergone a number of procedures including a breast enhancement, Montag recently had ten plastic surgeries in one day; she says, “I’m beyond obsessed.” Most people agree that the previously fresh-faced 23-year-old looked far better before she had any work done.

Everyone has some insecurity about their own body and under the right circumstances there is nothing wrong with going for a little tune-up if it makes you feel more comfortable with yourself. On the other hand it should also be ok if your nose is a little big or your boobs are a little droopy. Sadly with the influence of the media and shows like The Cosmetic Surgery Show being given a prime time slot it is hardly surprising that even without the Celtic Tiger the number of people choosing to have plastic surgery is still on the rise. People are obsessed with the pursuit of the perfect body even if in reality, it doesn’t exist.

By Grainne Coyne