The definition of beauty is different for each individual. Each person’s definition of beauty is shaped by that person’s surroundings and culture and can even change throughout their life. Despite the billions of different ideas surrounding what a beautiful person is, everyone wants to make themselves into their definition of beauty. Throughout the course of history, many different cultures have resorted to numerous methods of beauty enhancement. Some of these modifications included tooth blackening, tattooing, lip plates, scarring, razor sharp teeth, lengthened necks, and binding of women’s feet to make them smaller (Lusted 9-10). These methods have evolved to become plastic, also known as cosmetic, surgery. Advances in the plastic surgery world were heavily affected by the World War I. This war took place between 1914 and 1918 and war doctors made tremendous progress in this field. The deep and uneven wounds that these surgeons and doctors were treating forced them to adapt their techniques to repair the damage. These surgeries took place during a time that doctors did not have a strong understanding of sterilization and the use of disinfectants resulting in a lot of infection. They also lacked anesthetics and pain medication, making surgery extremely painful. With more and more practice, the doctors in the war hospitals were able to revolutionize surgery. The processes used to repair war injuries aided in the process of making plastic surgery a “standard profession” (Lusted 18-20). Around the globe, millions of people, male and female, submit to cosmetic surgery each year. In today’s world, plastic surgeons can alter almost any part of physical appearance, from the features of someone’s face, to the shape of their body (http://www.livestrong.com/article/71935-pros-cons-cosmetic-surgery/ 1). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that over eleven and a half million cosmetic surgeries were performed in the United States alone in the year 2007. Surprisingly, cosmetic surgeries, especially facial changes or nose jobs, are most common for teens under the age of 18. In spite of common misconceptions about cosmetic surgeries being intended for women, men accounted for almost ten percent of all plastic surgeries in the year 2007 (Lusted 7). While most procedures are voluntary, such as breast augmentations or a nose job, there are a considerable amount of these surgeries that are conducted for medical purposes. …show more content…
Reconstructive plastic surgeons preform surgeries on accident victims, burn victims, people born with birth defects, cancer patients, and numerous other cases. There are countless positive aspects to the availability of plastic surgical procedures. The capability to erase birth defects and injuries helps to improve a person’s self-image and overall quality of life. Young children who may have been turned away because of the way they look can now have corrective surgery to make them look and feel more normal (Lusted 21). Plastic surgery can also improve a person’s health. A surgery as simple as a nose job can cure sinus infections and a simple breast reduction can lower a women’s risk of cancer and fix back problems (http://www.livestrong.com/article/71935-pros-cons-cosmetic-surgery/ 1). For some, having a cosmetic surgery may just boost their confidence levels and self-image, pulling them out of a depression. A cosmetic surgery is performed to improve one’s appearance by enhancing their physical attributes. Therefore, a successful completion of a plastic surgical procedure, resulting in the outcomes desired by the patients, can actually work wonders on one’s self-esteem and boost one’s self confidence to a great extent (http://www.onlymyhealth.com/pros-cons-plastic-surgery-1301554299 2). In the year 1923, a Jewish comedian and actress named Fanny Brice had the procedure commonly known as a nose job to make her nose appear to be smaller. During that time period, cosmetic procedures were considered embarrassing and kept a secret. Brice had brought her cosmetic surgery out in the open, shocking many people, but launching a new era in how cosmetic procedures were perceived. Fanny Brice used this “scandal” not only to improve her looks, but to improve her career. By admitting to the surgery in a public way, Fanny removed the taboos about “beauty surgery.” Brice was one of the first celebrities to publicly admit to cosmetic surgery and to be proud of it. She claimed that she had this surgery so that