Electing to undergo breast enlargement surgery is by no means a straightforward or easy decision. While thought should be given to the physical effects of the procedure, prospective patients must also consider the emotional, psychological and social consequences of elective breast augmentation.
Despite its seemingly universal acceptance, breast enlargement surgery continues to evoke conflicting opinions and emotions among people. As with all issues pertaining to cosmetic surgery, it is necessary to exercise caution when discussing breast augmentation; a procedure that is often associated with glamour and sexual attraction.
In truth, a considerable proportion of all breast enlargement surgeries are carried out for purely cosmetic reasons. There is little doubt that many women undergo elective breast surgery to enlarge the size and shape of their breasts in order to appear more attractive to others. While some people may find it necessary to condemn such grounds for the decision as vain and misguided, others realise that the presiding incentive to enlarge breasts is far less shallow than it may at first seem.
Ultimately, women who choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery for purely cosmetic reasons do so with the aim of increasing their self-confidence. Few negatives can be drawn from this point, as self-confidence is a key driver in allowing an individual to better themselves. Breast enlargement surgery is no longer the preserve of adult entertainment performers, so why should society denounce those who wish to alter their appearance?
The social or moral argument against breast enlargement surgery usually hinges on the point that it promotes the sexual objectification of women. This, it is argued, is counterproductive to the general progression of society. Of course, such a simplistic argument fails to address the wider concerns in society. Breast enlargement surgery does not denigrate the values of women, nor does it erode femininity or encourage salacity. On the contrary, promiscuous behaviour is arguably championed by those whose confidence is at rock bottom. In short, breast enlargement surgery tends to increase an individual’s self-confidence, thereby making her a stronger, more assertive person; one who is equipped to deal with the harsh realities of life.
In parallel, many women elect to undergo breast enlargement surgery on largely medical grounds. Women whose breasts are exceptionally small, dimpled or uneven in size or shape can rely upon breast augmentation surgery to redress the balance. The lack of confidence arising from breasts that are deemed abnormal can prove considerable, so surgical intervention is sometimes necessary. Likewise, women who have endured a mastectomy can restore their former size and shape through cosmetic surgery.
While few people are likely to berate an individual for choosing breast augmentation surgery after suffering cancer, the criticism heaped upon women who undergo the procedure for purely cosmetic reasons often fails to take into account that both types of patient share the same goal: to restore or enhance self-confidence. That one type of patient pursues this by choice is by no means a reason to criticise.
This article was written on behalf of The Hospital Group, who provide, amongst other cosmetics surgery procedures, Gastric Band Operations.
