Breast Augmentation & Self-image: Beyond The Politics

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed on American women today

. While there are a variety of reasons women seek out the surgery, from the purely cosmetic to the need for reconstruction after a mastectomy, the result is almost always the same. The procedure helps women feel more positively about themselves, more comfortable in their own skin, and more able to overcome the feelings of insecurity or inadequacy that plague many women.

While in an ideal world, all women would feel beautiful without cosmetic enhancement, the truth is that over 85% of American women claim to hate something about their appearance. In a society that is extremely image conscious and routinely flaunts unrealistic ideals of physical attractiveness for both men and women, more and more Americans are learning from birth to have reasons to dislike their bodies. Cosmetic surgery certainly isn't a quick solution for those lacking in self-esteem, and it won't fix the attitudes prevalent in today's culture that allow so many Americans to develop body image issues. It is, however, a way to allow an ordinary person to make a small change that can affect how that person sees herself and how she presents herself to the world.

Without a doubt, American culture is highly focused on sexuality, and the evidence is everywhere. Images of shapely women in bikinis and elegant ladies in low-cut black dresses are used to market products to both men and women alike, adding the allure of sexuality to products ranging from beer to diamond jewelry to deodorant. A large number of women begin to feel insecurity about their chest size during the teenage years, and that feeling of inadequacy often persists through adulthood. This insecurity not only causes body image issues, it affects a woman's ability to have a positive, healthy sex life. It may even inhibit her ability to have relationships.

Women who experience the loss of breast tissue as a result of illness or accident, or who notice a natural breast reduction as a result of significant weight loss or exercise, are also likely to suffer a tremendous loss of self-esteem and decreased interest in sexual intimacy due to the changes in the body. Along with counseling, breast augmentation surgery can help women regain a sense of self-confidence and sexual identity. Before deciding to undergo surgery, a woman is able to meet with her doctor and choose both the type and size of the implant that will give her the look she wants. Many women find the process empowering, and the procedure can be one step toward a greater sense of happiness and self-acceptance.

Cosmetic surgery, and breast augmentation in particular, has gotten a bad reputation over the past two decades as something reserved for narcissistic celebrities and bored housewives, all looking to spend excessive amounts of money to fix what isn't broken. The reality is that cosmetic procedures, when performed in moderation and for the correct reasons, can improve the quality of a person's life by changing how she feels about herself. That self-confidence, in turn, inspires a more positive response from the world and gives a person that little extra boost needed to face challenges and to enjoy life to the fullest.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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