15.08.12
A slice of caution
It is pretty shocking that more people would consider cost as the primary factor when deciding to have cosmetic surgery than the qualifications of the person conducting the procedure.
Even the terminology surrounding this acts as a comforting buffer to reality; which is that you will be paying a person to cut you open, regardless of their ability and skill to do so safely.
Then again, modern acceptance of surgery for cosmetic reasons has increased significantly in recent years, and the development of ‘non-invasive’ procedures and the rise of Botox demonstrates society’s cavalier approach to changing their bodies.
It is high time the health service considered evidence – from both supporters and critics – on the safety and regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry.
Huge advances in medical technology have made many procedures first possible and now widely available to the public. The cost of intervention has also fallen dramatically, allowing more and more people to go under the knife or needle.
Whilst progress can bring wonderful benefits, it can also raise some disturbing consequences. Maybe the public could use a reminder that surgery for non-medical reasons carries non-financial costs, and be asked directly to consider whether it is worth paying this price.
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