When I was about fourteen my best friend had plastic surgery. When she told me about it, I was pretty surprised and I didn’t hide that fact. She ended up being hurt.
Everyone has heard about women getting implants, but did you know you can get a breast reduction? I know, there are a number of women out there who would absolutely kill for a larger chest. They can’t imagine why any well-endowed woman would want to be smaller. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, isn’t it?
I just came away from reading about a high school student who is having reduction surgery. She is a 34DDD, and despite the fact that some women dream about being that big, she doesn’t like it much at all. Beyond the back strain and other physical issues I’m sure this young woman has to deal with, she’s got people oggling her wherever she goes. Complete strangers will walk up to her on the street and want to know “if they’re real.” That’s no life for any girl to live.
Being the Mom of three girls I’m concerned about the way women are portrayed, and the way that we are treated when we go outside our homes. Self-esteem and body image are intimately connected, whether we’d like them to be or not. It’s important for us to teach our girls that every body is different and beautiful, but when strangers think it’s OK to inquire after parts of your anatomy how do you have a positive self-image? What else do they assume about this girl, while they’re incorrectly thinking she must want all their attention and tactless questioning?
If questions of body image are beginning to arise in your household, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to talk with your girls (or boys.) When we were growing up things were tough, but I think they’re even tougher now. Taking the time to discuss the options may seem a bit extreme, but talk of plastic surgery is everywhere. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d rather look at things with my girls and try to have a balanced conversation about what they’ve seen instead of leaving it for them to explore unaided.
A web site like Breast Enlargement UK has information about the various types of cosmetic surgery available, along with news stories and some before and after photos for a number of surgeries (I didn’t see any actual photos of the surgeries themselves, but do be aware there are some before and after shots for augmentation, among others.)
It might be a useful tool for those who are prepared to have a frank discussion with their kids about body image. Especially if one of your kids feels there is something she or he really wants corrected. Looking at how procedures are done, cost involved, and other real world details may help to put everything into perspective. You’ll be able to guide your child in the decision making process, and perhaps it will be easier to distinguish between fix-all fantasies and the serious desires of a child who feels a real need for surgical assistance.
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I’ve received a very large amount of email lately, and I’ve had a few extra projects on the go. So I just wanted everyone to know, I am reading my mail! If you were expecting a reply please don’t think I’ve forgotten you. Yes, I’ve been slow in replying. I like to put a little thought into what I write to you, so I’m not one to dash off quick replies unless I really have to.
I don’t know maybe I’ve been doing too much social networking lately, but I’ve gotten into doing those quick & fun things to give my brain a bit of a break when I’ve been doing some serious work on the ‘puter. Just for the heck of it, I took one of those 
