Since the days of foot-binding in Asia - where little girls' feet were tightly bound in an attempt to create smaller more attractive feet - and the African tribal practice of neck stretching - in which rings are continuously added to young women's necklines in order to elongate their necks - it has been clear that physical appearance has always been an international obsession.
Even in the United States, tanning and dieting are methods by which people drive themselves to create more perfect versions of themselves.
This fixation with beauty can be gauged by the success of a number of plastic surgery shows that have sent American viewers flocking to their television sets.
ABC's "Extreme Makeover" follows participants as they undergo multiple cosmetic procedures. They are stashed away from their family and friends during the recovery period, treated to a full hair, makeup and wardrobe overhaul, and then revealed to their tearful loved ones weeks later.
MTV's "I Want a Famous Face" follows people seeking to recreate their bodies and faces through plastic surgery in order to look more like a favorite celebrity.
FOX's "The Swan" puts dozens of women through surgeries and makeovers, and then pits them against one another in a beauty pageant to see which of the ugly ducklings has most successfully left their dog days behind.
Dr. Samuel Shatkin, Jr., M.D., a certified plastic surgeon, is a clinical instructor at the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine. He thinks shows like this can be useful in spreading awareness about plastic surgery.
"I like the shows because they bring a wealth of information to the American people because cosmetic surgery should not be considered taboo," said Shatkin.
Dr. Shatkin said these shows are not representative of people's experiences locally, because the average person cannot hide out for two months to recover from major surgery just for beauty's sake.
"People want a quick recovery and I don't think it is very common here in Western New York for an individual to leave work and ignore their responsibilities to get a makeover like the people on the show," said Shatkin.
Post-surgery, patients must face more than just their new reflection in the mirror. As with any major procedure, there are several health risks involved, according to Shatkin.
Some of those risks include breathing problems, infection and pneumonia. The risks differ based on the age and health status of each patient.
"If you have a young, healthy individual, risks are minimal. But if the patient is a 60 or 70-year-old who wants a face lift, tummy tuck and liposuction, there are risks involved," Shatkin said. "I would prefer to split these procedures and do them at different times so the patient can be as healthy as possible."
The subjects of these shows often express extreme mental and emotional anguish tied to their looks. They often say the cosmetic procedures that will change their facade hold the key to inner peace. Others argue that a desire to change physical traits is a symptom of a much deeper problem within.
"I think that even if you change your physical appearance, there will still be personal insecurities to be dealt with," said Sophia King, a senior business student in the school of management. "I don't think I would go through with plastic surgery because I think there are alternatives to looking and feeling good."
Junior undecided major Katherine Agudo believes cosmetic surgery is more a sign of emotional pathology than most people realize. She said shows glamorizing outer reconstruction rather than internal reflection only fuel the fire.
"I think plastic surgery is very dangerous and these shows are pushing more and more younger people to do it. People are self-conscious as it is and these types of shows are pushing them to do as they see on television," Agudo said.
Shatkin said that, as a doctor, his first responsibility is to be sure his patients feel better and not just look better. He said not all his patients are motivated solely by vanity.
"One procedure that we do is a rhinoplasty for patients who have trouble breathing through their nose," he said.
Eden Fesehaye, a junior undecided major, believes people who are adamantly against plastic surgery now might change their minds down the road. Many who are satisfied with their bodies now may not be as happy once time and aging take their natural toll on the body.
"I don't want to say I'd never have plastic surgery done because I have thought about a breast lift when I get much older, after I have kids and stuff. I wouldn't do anything else though and definitely not now," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
