Resolution Analysis
Background of Controversy: Cosmetic surgery has become very popular especially among the rising stars, celebrities and models who want to enhance their looks in order to appease the audience. The frequency of cosmetic surgeries done in the US increased by 44% between 2003 to 2004, as reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2005. “Approximately 11.9 million procedures were carried out in 2004” (Dittman, 3). This shows the rising popularity of plastic surgery. However, there have been several claims and complaints by some individuals who have undergone the procedure. These propelled further researches in the field and the results, as discussed below, seem to support this proposition;
Proposition value: Cosmetic surgery is detrimental to the society.
Definition: the definition given below is borrowed from the Medical News Today (1) which splits plastic surgery into two; cosmetic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. The cosmetic surgery branch, which is our major focus, is concerned with the improvement of the aesthetic appearance of an individual. It has no medical cause. It has several procedures that can be carried out. These include: abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, a procedure in which the muscles and fascia of the abdomen are tightened so as to shape the tummy as desired and also make it firm. Eyelid surgery, otherwise called blepharoplasty involves reshaping the eyelids or applying a permanent eye liner. Mammoplasty can also be done which majors with breast enlargement or breast reduction for those who feel over-endowed. Gynecomastia can also be done for male breast reduction. Lastly, mastopexy or breast lift can be done to curb the breast sagging problem which results from the skin’s loss of elasticity (Medical News Today, 7-12).
Value object: Cosmetic plastic surgery
Value: societal health
Claim A: increased health risks indicate that cosmetic plastic surgery causes more harm than good.
Grounds A1: Campbell (1) observes that notes that many people have suffered serious harm after undergoing cosmetic surgery sessions. He cites examples of people such as Denise Hendry, the wife of Colin Hendry who almost died in 2002 after undergoing a liposuction procedure at Broughton Park Hospital. However, Miss Argentina Solange Magnano was not as lucky. The 38 years old mother of two passed away in 2002 at Buenos Aires after undergoing a legal procedure to give her more firm buttocks. These are just but examples of situations where plastic surgery can be really destructive. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there are inherent risks associated with cosmetic plastic surgery. Such is a condition called haematoma which can result from undergoing a facelift. According to The Guardian last updated on 9th February 2011, hematoma leads to a clot under the skin which can be potentially dangerous to 2-3% of patients if untreated. “There is also the risk of blood clotting in the leg which can be elevated to about 10% if a tummy tuck is done in South Africa or the Far East, then followed by a long flight home” (Campbell, 9-10).
Grounds A2: Pakhree (9-14), further explains the risks associated with the procedure. He notes that there can be excessive bleeding. This is common in prolonged surgeries and can lead to complications such as suppressed blood clotting function. Secondary line infections can also result from infections on the open wound. He also notes that in operations involved tissue removal, there can be a condition called seromas which is characterized by accumulation of fluid. Its symptoms include weight gain, enlargement and sloshing of fluids. Pakhree (8) also explains that there can be scarring. This is the most common risk which people should be aware of. It arises during the healing process where the skin thickens at the edge, forming a granular tissue. Necrosis also arises from the inadequate supply of blood t the operated area. As a result, there is death of the skin. Nerve damage can also arise from the surgery and this can persist for up to a year. “Paralysis or weakness of some of the body muscles can be experienced in situations where a nerve related to the muscle movement is affected by the surgery” (Pakhree, 10). Lastly, he notes that some people some people can suffer from detrimental reactions to anesthesia. This can be characterized by sore throat and nausea. However, this complicating is not very common.
Grounds A3: Smart Plastic Surgery (1) notes that there are complications that can arise from cosmetic surgery. These include airway obstruction caused by anesthetic irritation of the air passages, blood clots, heart attack, death, brain damage, stroke, nerve damage, malignant hyperthermia and temporary paralysis. These conditions are also common in any other form of surgery. However, the risks are acceptable if done to correct a more serious health condition as opposed to cosmetic plastic surgery, which is done just for aesthetic purposes. There are other factors that are specific to cosmetic plastic surgery. These include necrosis, asymmetry, numbness or tingling and seroma. Slow healing can also result from failure to comply with the doctor’s instructions, age and skin type. Dimples, puckers, irregularities and divots can result from healing irregularities, body make up or surgeon error.
Warrant 1: There are numerous health risks associated with cosmetic plastic surgery.
Claim B: Dissatisfaction with the results of plastic surgery dispute the need for the procedure.
Grounds B1: Dittmann (10) observes that quite a good number of those who undertake the procedure; about 87 percent do register satisfaction immediately after the procedure. They appreciate the improvements in their body image and the body features. Most of all, they boast of significant reduction in negative perceptions on their bodies in the public. However, an analysis of the long term effect of the procedure shows otherwise. From the studies done, there was evidence of a strong correlation between plastic surgery and negative post-surgery results. The American Psychological Association notes that “This is further aggravated in patients with personality disorders or those who had unrealistic expectations about the procedure”. Such was well demonstrated in the case of the late pop icon Michael Jackson. Dittmann (11) further observes that dissatisfaction registered from plastic surgery could be attributed to suicide.
Grounds B2: The National Cancer Institute reported in 2001 that women with breast implants were likely to be four times suicidal after surgery than women of the same age who had no implants. “Most people opt for the procedure in order to enhance their looks and appear normal.” Therefore, any dissatisfaction with the procedure could lead to serious psychological problems.
Warrant 2: these observations indicate that cases of dissatisfaction with the cosmetic surgery procedure are common and have worse repercussions.
Conclusion
Cosmetic plastic surgery popularity may be rising by the day and many people may opt for it to enhance their looks. However, the health risks associated with it and the possible negative repercussions arising from dissatisfaction with the procedure prove that it is not worth going for the procedure.
Works Cited
Campbell, Denis. The Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery. 2011. The Guardian. Web, 6th Nov. 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/09/dangers-cosmetic-surgery
Dittmann, Melissa. Plastic Surgery: Beauty or Beast? 2005. American Psychological Association, vol. 36 (8). Web, 6th Nov. 2011, http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep05/surgery.aspx
Medical News Today. What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What Is Plastic Surgery? 2009. Web, 6th Nov. 2011 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155757.php
Pakhare, Jayashree. Risks and Dangers of Plastic Surgery. 2011. Web, 6th Nov. 2011, http://www.buzzle.com/articles/risks-dangers-plastic-surgery.html
Smart Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Basics: Risks. 2011. Web, 6th Nov. 2011, http://www.smartplasticsurgery.com/surgery/risks.html
