Plastic Surgery Addictions
Too Much Of A Good Thing?!
We have been in the digital age for quite some time now. Mostly, its effects have been positive. Instant access to news, the ability to research almost any subject, and easy communications have made life easier. Unfortunately, television, movies, magazines and the Internet have all contributed to a need for perfection. Images of reed thin women and perfectly toned men have changed the way people view beauty.
In a drive towards obtaining that perfect look, many have turned to plastic surgery. Some have taken it too far and have become addicted. Plastic surgery was once considered a way to overcome a difficult condition or unsightly feature. Breast augmentations were mainly performed on women after they lost one or both breasts to a mastectomy. Nose jobs were for people who had suffered a injury which hadn't healed correctly or had a large, ungainly nose. Today, plastic surgery has become a way to loose weight, improve a normal body and to "look beautiful."
While it is true there are people who turn to plastic surgery once or twice to correct a feature they are unhappy with, there is a growing problem. Some people are repeatedly returning to their cosmetic surgeon. People who suffer from plastic surgery addiction sometimes return again and again to have the same feature worked on. Others have one feature after the next augmented. Some of the common procedures requested by plastic surgery addicts include face lifts, tummy tucks, calf implants, butt implants, breast augmentations, nose jobs, lip jobs and even cheek implants. People who suffer from plastic surgery addictions often have all of these procedures done, one after another.
It is often difficult to determine if someone has a plastic surgery addiction. In many cases, people are visiting a cosmetic surgery for legitimate reasons. The first line of defense is the cosmetic surgeon. While they are not trained as psychologists, they are trained to look for the warning signs that a clients body image has become self-destructive. They may refuse to perform more procedures. Those with true addictions will simply turn to other surgeons or travel out of the country to have more work done.
The family and friends of a plastic surgeon addict can often shine a light on the problem and encourage the addict to get the help they so desperately need. This help typically comes in the form of regular visits with a qualified mental health professional. Together, they can work to improve the body image of the patient and help them understand that the perfection they seek is simply unobtainable. In severe cases, a stay at an addiction center may be required. A good option is a center specializing in body image addictions such as eating disorders. Like any addiction, the goal is to uncover the underlying problem and to develop tools with which to deal with it.
Plastic surgery can be an excellent option for people looking to improve a feature, but it can be terribly self-destructive if taken too far. Don't be afraid to confront a loved one you believe has a problem with plastic surgery, there is help available.
