Teens Are Being Manipulated!
How Media Influences Teens To Get Plastic Surgery
Introduction
Claim
Concessions
Teens are often bullied in school because they don't have certain looks. For instance, they may be flat chested or have a big nose or pointy ears. (Lusted 43) So to improve their appearance and boost their self esteem they reach for cosmetic surgery.
"There are two types of plastic surgery; reconstructive and cosmetic." Plastic surgery for correcting disfiguration from an accident or illness is reconstructive. (Libal 103)
Rebuttals
There are many negative aspects to having plastic surgery on a teens body. To begin with, doctors suggest that adolescents should avoid plastic surgery during their time of physical and mental development because during this time of growth their physical features will likely change. For instance, in a year, the changes they may have made with surgery may not look the same on their further developed body. ("Teens Under the Knife") This would not only be a waste of money but also a disappointment to the teenager. Additionally, there are many risks that come with such changes. They include permanent disfigurement, breathing or heart problems due to allergic reactions to anesthesia, heavy bleeding, infection, and even death. (Lusted 13,48,49) With so many drawbacks, it is questionable as to why so many people continue to turn to cosmetic surgery. The decision of having it done may be regretted in the future.
For teens, their looks may become an obsession. Some may resort to plastic surgery for any kind of discomfort they have with their appearance because it may not be considered attractive in society today, or just to stay up with the latest trends. Unfortunately, the results may not be what they expected. The image doctors show you of how you will look after having the surgery is only speculative. (Libal 110) This means it is possible that they will be disappointed with their physical appearance even after they have had surgery or regret ever making the choice of having it done. And, since they are still mentally developing, they may not be mature enough to handle it. But these are not the only possible cons of plastic surgery. For not having certain features that the media describes as what a beautiful person should have, teens may be bullied. Furthermore, due to this bullying, teenagers may blindly have plastic surgery just to have their peers admire them. ("Teens Under the Knife") However, there lives may still be the same even after, so they will only be left with dissatisfaction. Thus, doctors advise teenagers to carefully think about it before deciding to go through with the process. Teens must realize the limitations of plastic surgery and with that, they may also be able to find a better and less risky alternative for their concern.
Conclusion
Works Cited
Achtenberg Macalester College, 2006. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
"Teens Under the Knife." Sirs Discover. Current Events (Vol. 108, No. 1), Web. 8 Sep. 2008. 6
Feb. 2015.
Libal, Autumn. Can I Change The Way I Look?. Philadelphia: Mason Crest Publishers, 2005.
Print.
Lusted, Marcia A., Cosmetic Surgery. Edina: ABDO Publishing Company, 2010. Print.