Cosmetic Surgery Project
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Marianne
Sex: Female
Age: 25-34
Occupation: Self-employed & always a
student
1) Have you had cosmetic surgery? Please give details
of procedures.
My first procedure was a Transumbilical Breast Augmentation. In this procedure,
480cc
implants were inserted through my navel and placed endoscopically under the breast tissue.
They were then filled to 510cc in the right breast and 485cc in the left due to a slight
asymmetry. I only have a scar in my navel to show for it plus the sought after results, of
course. I went up from a saggy 32C to a 32DD-DDD. Procedure price: $6,000 USD
Second was my full Rhinoplasty. I previously had a photographer tell me I had a
"ball-peen hammer nose". Since then, I was about 17-18 years old, I have had a
complex about my nose as it became apparent to me that I had no nasal definition and a
"hanging columella" and the tip of my nose resembled that of a ball). I finally
had my rhinoplasty, where they completely broke my nose and reset it to be of thinner bone
structure. Also, excess cartilage was taken out of the tip of my nose for a slimmer, more
defined appearance. Procedure price: $5,500 US
Third was a Lip Augmentation with Gore-Tex Implants. For a year I had wasted my money on
collagen injections. The collagen proved to be painful, expensive and VERY temporary. So I
chose a "permanent" procedure. The implant used is GORE S.A.M. (Gore
Subcutaneous Augmentation Material) is made from a material called (ePTFE) "expanded
polytetrafluoro-ethylene". It is a white flat type of 'rubbery' material. It is a
non-reactive, nontoxic polymer that has been used in medical implants throughout the body
without ill-effects. They basically made a small incision on the inside of each lip toward
its corner - 4 incisions. A cavity large enough to house the implants were made within the
lip. The lips were skewered with a metal rod and a piece of implant was attached to the
rod. The rod was then pulled through the lip forcing the material into the lip. The
implant was cut at each end and rounded and then the incision sites were then sutured up.
I had my lips redone due to an infection of the lower lip, the implant was removed (very
painful!!! The nerve block hurt! This is where they inject lidocaine, a painkiller, into
the nerve cluster under the chin) I sincerely almost passed out and I have a very high
pain tolerance. I had the surgery redone and I have not had any problems. Although I am
looking forward to another advanced lip implant that is permanent, bigger and feels more
natural.
2) Why did you decide to have cosmetic surgery?
My breasts were 32DD at one point from medication about 6 years ago. I had since lost breast
tissue and in conjunction with not having the correct sized bra (I was mistakenly told in
bra boutiques that I was a 34 DD or 36 DD). My breasts started to sag because of
this and I was self conscious about it. Plus in comparison with my hips, I thought I had a
pear shape. With my breast augmentation , it balanced my body out and gave me more of an
hourglass shape.
I had always hated my nose after losing a modeling job with a well-known photographer. After that I
developed a major complex.
The lips, well big lips are sexy and all the media coverage and big lipped models make us
women want bigger lips as well. I want them bigger!!!
3) Was there some sort of turning point when you
decided you wanted to have cosmetic surgery?
Approaching 25. I used to say "Once you're 25, you're dead". Well, I am 27 and
my birthday is this month so I don't say that anymore - I'll just get plastic surgery. (I
was born in 1972). I had NO boobs - they had deflated after hormone
problems and I experienced premature involution. That was it.
4) At what age did you decide that you may want to have
cosmetic surgery?
About 22, I thought I could get round breasts like what I saw men liking in Playboy
magazine. I wanted that "look". I am not specifically sure I wanted
it because of what men preferred - but I did feel that they were more attractive
than "natural" breasts. Not just larger breasts, larger,
rounded - FAKE breasts.
5) At what age did you become aware of cosmetic
surgery?
About 21, but I was afraid of it and didn't know the extent I know now, besides technology
has taken cosmetic surgery to a higher level, just think what can be done by the time I
need a face lift, Injectable age-reversing hormones... I can't wait!
6) Did anyone try to dissuade you from having cosmetic
surgery?
My mom, my boyfriend's mom, a few of my family members and all of my friends. They said
'"you are so pretty, why would you take chances." Funny thing is, if they could
afford it they would do it.
7) Do people treat you differently now that you've had
cosmetic surgery? (E.g. friends, family, general
public)
Well, I have always had problems with women. But now, I think it is more so. Especially
the staring. They stare at my chest, now. Yes the women as well as the men. Men are more
rude now. More apt to say something lewd. but, now I handle it better. I get a lot of
"I'll bet those are silicone", now. I just smile and say, "actually they're
saline", and laugh at their insecurity. Just because they don't agree with my
surgeries is no reason to make rude remarks. That is just downright nasty.
8) How has it changed you life? (E.g. self-esteem,
confidence)
I actually slump over more when I meet people so my breasts don't stick out so much. Other
women take my implants as such a threat as compared to before my rhino - maybe the
combination of the two makes them angry in some sort of twisted way. I think my face is
softer now and my lips are not as big as I would like them to be. But to answer your
question it has increased my self esteem a ton!
9) Now that you've had cosmetic surgery, have any of
your friends or family members decided to have it done?
Yes, I have friends who want breast implants now or a nose job. It is addictive and
contagious. They aren't as afraid of cosmetic surgery especially since I have gone under
the knife 4 times and no major complications. Everyone is different though.
10) Do you believe that physical appearance is
important in today's society? If so, why?
Yes, it is. I mean it is a sad fact, but even before I was comfortable with what I looked
like I noticed a difference. Women who are more heavy set are not looked upon as
beautiful. Even though they may be symmetrical and attractive the added weight puts a
damper on that attractiveness. Men simply have too high of a standard for women. I mean
sure they say they they are attracted to their wives and that they like the way that their
girlfriends look more than some pin-up girl. They are lying. Many of these men are closet
porn lovers. It's like they can't help it or something. My male counterpart likes
this ideal type of women, he is attracted to it, how can I not want to look like
those other women?"
11) Do you believe that women are under pressure, more
so than men, to conform to society's notion of beauty?
YES! We are forced to live up to some overly skinny waif chic making millions a year to be
that thin. Always symmetrical and well dressed. Men are the ones that go out at 40 looking
for 18 year old women to have at their side. And the women at this young age love the
sports cars and money that is accumulated at this age by men, so they give in to it or
pursue it themselves. Of course when a women is older she is looked at as
"spent". I find this ridiculous. I hate that fact that an older women is frowned
upon while magazines filled with 15 years olds dressed up as women are thrust into our
very faces.
When in NY recently, back stage, I overheard that the producers and editors thought a 21
year old woman had too many wrinkles!!! When she was smiling!!! It happens, your face
crinkles. So a 13 year old was brought in to replace the 21 year old. Here I am 27 and
what about the other women who are older than me? This is a hard standard to live up to.
It forces many women to force themselves to vomit or starve themselves. Did you know even
the Universal pictures icon was 'slimmed down" in '99 to appease the eyes of the
masses? This sickens me.
12) How do you think these images of beauty are
produced? (E.g. films, T.V, magazines)
Well, I don't think that beauty images are produced through the media. Studies have
been done with infants and children and they have concluded that the infants stared upon
an attractive stranger's face longer, much longer in fact, than an average or unattractive face.
Also, that children were actually tended to far more often if they were attractive, the
other child was not neglected per se, just not showered with attention as much as the more attractive child.
Also, in the animal kingdom, the orange feathers that represent vitality in a baby bird
which species' name I have forgotten, were clipped. Although this baby bird was just as
healthy as its siblings the parent bird chose to feed this offspring last EVERY
time. The
baby bird appears sick to its parent and not as vibrant, and so the parent bird will not
spend as much time on a possibly dying offspring.
I do however believe that the media glorifies that of which is not the norm. Like overly
skinny models with very huge lips. Think of what was attractive many, many years ago. the
pudgy white and pasty look of the rich is now quite the opposite of what is considered
attractive today. Tan, skinny, muscled and tall. Only the peasants were tan and filled to
the brim with muscles. It was deemed very undesirable back then. The media does its
wonders with giving us terribly difficult standards to live up to.
In conclusion, appreciating beauty as a whole and what attracts us to a healthy vibrant
and fertile person with much to offer to possible offspring is instinct. Whereas what the
media feeds us can be pounded into our head and eyes until we lean towards that look. But
the love of Symmetry will always be within us.
*The above information about the animal kingdom and infants regarding
attraction was gathered and learned through a book called "Survival of
the Prettiest" by Nancy Etcoff.
13) What do you consider to be the effects of the
pressures placed on women to conform to the 'ideal
beauty standard'? (E.g. eating disorders)
Eating disorders, perfectly cute, turned up noses, small hips and small waists. Being tall
but voluptuous. And money. If you have money, especially the men. The women flock to them.
Although this is another sign of what they can offer as security for their offspring. It
all is very primal, really. The media, movies, etc ALL glorify money and beauty in the
same hand. Sad but true.
14) Have you ever experienced such pressure?
Yes, why do you think I had plastic surgery? Smaller defined nose, bigger, rounded and
firm breasts, pouty lips and I live my life always craving something. Even with
food...I NEVER really get to eat what I really want. I will have a dessert or two every 4
months but I can't eat the pasta I want nor the potato chips I would want. And I wish I
were taller, I would give anything to be taller and I am already 5' 6". I could never
be a runway model because I am not super waif thin and super tall, plus I have
"birthing hips". How would you like to be called that??
15) If so, do you believe that your decision to undergo
cosmetic surgery was influenced by the pressure you
faced?
Yes, but I am happier now with my self. I actually am less inclined to apply a full face
of make up or fix my hair. I think I have a more "natural beauty" look
post-operatively. I seem to draw a lot of attention when I do get all "dolled
up". Sometimes it makes me really uneasy. But of course when I am around a woman whom
I think is prettier than me I get protective of my boyfriend and wish I would have fixed
my hair. I immediately get insecure. I notice women will not flirt with him if I am
looking my best, as if they are intimidated by my presence. In a way it IS a form of
power. Because, if I am not looking my best they tend to try and flirt or make eye contact
with him more.
16) Cultural feminist Kathryn Morgan says that women
who undergo cosmetic surgery are 'cultural dopes'
because they are simply conforming to the norms of
femininity and beauty. Kathy Davis (another cultural
feminist) however, argues that cosmetic surgery
empowers women, as it allows them to take control of
their body.
Which argument do you agree with? Why?
I am conflicted (I am a Gemini, what can I say?). I mean I feel that it is sad that we
feel we must look our best to have and keep a "good" man. But it is also an
overwhelming sense of power to possess such attributes. Then again, a younger and better
model is always out there. No matter how long you cook and clean and care for their kids,
it seems they (the men) are always looking for something better.
17) Do you have an opinion about women who have
cosmetic surgery to enhance their career prospects?
I think that is fine. Men do the same thing. In today's business world the younger and
more active bird gets the worm. Companies choose those that they feel would represent
their company better. Now, even if a person is extremely smart and not so attractive they
can go get a procedure or two and have that "edge". Older persons, and I am only
talking mid thirties to mid forties here, have a procedure to lift the eyes to appear more
alert more friendly and inviting. Survival of the fittest, I suppose.
18) Why do you think cosmetic surgery is becoming more
accepted in today's society?
Yes, although not as much as will be in the future. In most areas it is looked down upon
still. I live in an upper middle-class society in California, USA so it is pretty much
second nature here. Everyone gets breast implants and rhinoplasties here. I am moving to
Las Vegas, NV USA soon and there are many women (showgirls) who have breast implants and
facial surgeries as well.
I walked around with my neon yellow nose cast and a face full of bruises and barely a
person looked twice.
19) Are you pleased with the results of your surgery?
Yes, very. Although, I would like to have bigger lips and want my breasts to appear very
fake. (I know this sounds odd) But I would like to have really round, really compact, firm
breasts that are high on my chest. I should be thankful because my Breast Augmentation
surgery came out very nice and natural and with the Trans-Umbilical technique I am graced
with no scarring.
20) Would you consider to have cosmetic surgery done
again?
Yes, absolutely. I am actually kind of having withdrawals. ha ha ha! I am craving another
procedure as it is quite a rush to see the results and knowing you are going to come out
prettier than when you went in!!!
PATEL N.
