www.freakyplasticsurgery.com

What do you think of my Plastic Surgery "bill"?

I would like to propose a bill that would put restrictions on who can an can't have plastic surgery. Here is my proposed "bill": Under 21: You may not have plastic surgery unless for medical reasons. The reason for this is to show teens that getting plastic surgery just for looks or to satisfy some need is VERY dangerous-especially since teens bodies are still growing and forming. Over 21: You may have plastic surgery, but there is a restriction on how many you can have. Also, prices of recieving plasic surgery should be raised to further imply that plastic surgery for non-medical reasons is dangerous and wrong. Prices for medical plastic surgery would not be raised. I think that if this was a law it would really help people understand the dangers of plasic surgery. I believe that it is wrong to go through all that work just for looks. And why would you want to pay thousands of dollars for breast implants? What is your opinion on my idea?

Public Comments

1. No, I like it as a personal rule or even as a rule to teach my children (when I have them!) But, laws should not take away from a person's right to choose. It would be like me telling somebody how many tattoos or how many piercings they should have. I can't tell a person what to wear based on what I think looks ugly on them-- even if their clothes cost thousands of dollars and they look hideous. Laws are there to protect a person and their freedom to do as they choose. I find plastic surgery ridiculous in most circumstances except the ones you stated, but I still think people have the right to choose, even if they are butchering themselves and making themselves look ugly.
2. I think it's a good idea, but it's never going to happen. America is all about looks, it's wrong, but thats sadly the way it is. We've been raised to believe that someone is ugly just because they have different features then everyone else. Like I said, I agree it's a good idea, however I doubt it would be possible to pass such a bill.
3. I think plastic surgery is not a good thing; but, if someone really needs it i think that there's no problem. Some plastic surgery can be over the top, like getting a new ass, or getting a sex change operation. people should stay the way they are unless it is necessary.
4. Ronald Regan once said the purpose of government is to protect us from each other, and it over-steps it's bounds when it tries to protect us from ourselves. It's not the government's job to make good decisions for people--that's what freedom and liberty are all about. What's next? A law about how many grams of fat you can eat each day? How much sleep you have to get every night? What kind of tattoos you can get? I agree with your sentiment that people get excessive plastic surgery and don't fully understand the risks, but legislation is not the way to address the problem. Good question!
5. First, define "medical reasons". What will be good enough? If we say you can't have a nose job just because you don't like your nose, what if you're in a car accident and have a broken nose that heals with a lump? Let's even assume it doesn't interfere with your breathing. Is this a medical reason? If so, why is that different from a lump that grew there naturally? Second, plastic surgery, like all surgery, has inherent risks, but not all of it is possible to put off until after one is through with their growth. It may not be medically necessary to fix a mild cleft lip on an infant or ears that stick straight out on a four-year-old or perform a breast reduction on a young teen, but the consequences of not doing the operation may be serious as well, either socially or psychologically or physically. Plastic surgery is definitely not all about nose jobs and breast enhancement. Third, plastic surgery is out-of-pocket if not done for reasonable medical necessity. It's pretty expensive already. But why higher prices would imply anything except that you need to be richer to afford it is beyond me. I would also hesitate to make such a sweeping statement as "plastic surgery for non-medical reasons is dangerous and wrong." That's very judgmental, and although I think you probably are trying to indicate that you disapprove more specifically of things like breast implants, such sweeping statements aren't a good idea. Do you disapprove of breast implants for women who have had to have mastectomies, if they want them? They're certainly not medically necessary. Finally, there's no way I would ever support a law that so broadly restricts individual freedoms, despite the fact that I certainly agree that it's not sensible or wise to have multiple unnecessary surgical procedures. Besides, who's going to keep track?
6. While you're at it, let's throw in body piercing, tattoos, and smoking cigarettes. The reality is that in this country, when you're 18, you're allowed to make decisions regarding your own body. Even if they're stupid decisions. I work with a plastic surgeon, and most of what we do is very reasonable surgery. True, there are patients that abuse it, but the vast majority of cosmetic procedures are not in that category. ALL patients are advised of the risks before surgery. Those millions of cases just don't make the news.
7. One can hope for a rush of common sense for those who seem to be addicted to "improving" the body that only they see as imperfect, but it isn't likely. Still, I would object to any law that took away my right to choose this option. The government doesn't have the right to exercise control that way..
8. What would our Politicians DO?