Various forms of cosmetic surgery exist today. All have the aim of altering the physical appearance of an individual. An implicit – sometimes explicit – part of this alteration, change or transformation is the individual’s image of themselves as well; not only how they see themselves, but how they see themselves seen by the people around them. For this reason, there are two elements at stake in cosmetic surgery: the physical and the psychological.
Valid advertisements of cosmetic surgery do not represent themselves as the be all and end all. They allow the individual to understand that it’s a complex process with many factors to consider. Even a simple goal like having a smoother stomach, can become complicated by the various procedures available. Even then, the range of techniques. In the end, a consultation is always recommended, with a review of the various options available. As well, the attendant risks. What follows is an attempt to acquaint the reader with some of the issues regarding the procedures available. It does not explore what – if any – legal restrictions there may be depending upon where the procedure is done. For...