Cosmetic Surgery – can it really fix you?

  

It’s tough being a woman in today’s world. The media has such influence.

Making comparisons - and figuring the men in our lives do the same - our hearts sink when we see that we don’t measure up to the babes they feature on TV . . . never mind those on the net or in men’s magazines.

Disheartened, some will turn to cosmetic surgery as a solution for dealing with a shaky sense of self-worth. But is this the answer? Do women actually feel any better about themselves after having aesthetic work done? Do they ever reach the point when they can honestly say “Now I’m satisfied; now I think I’m okay?”

The answer in some cases is yes; usually when a woman wishes to deal with a specific flaw that she sees in herself, for instance a prominent mole, too small breasts or a too large nose. Because after this one flaw (which might be a flaw in only her eyes) has been dealt with, it’s highly possible that a certain type of woman will feel ‘released’ and better equipped to live a more confident and therefore happier life. In which case there’s no harm done, assuming the surgery is a success.

In other cases, the answer is no. Because for some there will be ‘just one more thing to fix’, then another and another. This is seen most obviously in situations where a woman thinks she will be happy if she becomes say a Pamela Anderson lookalike. But also in cases where a person has dysmorphia, or such a poor self image that she believes she will only be of any value or worth if she looks ‘’perfect”. This cannot work. It’s like panel-beating a car that has broken down. It has no effect on what’s gone wrong inside. Furthermore, the task of maintaining a state of physical perfection is going to be a lifelong curse.

Johanna Richmond, a Psychologist and Cognitive Behaviour Therapist in Dubai comments.  “Emotional stability and clarity lends itself to happiness and contentment. Healthy emotions are reasoned - not impulsive - and bring greater satisfaction to experiences.” 

“How we emotionally react to something – for instance feeling inferior when we watch the Miss World finals on TV with our husband - is guided by our perceptions and innermost thoughts.”  

“Irrational thinking and ‘guessing future outcomes’ are examples of disturbing elements in the consciousness.” (Again to use the Miss World analogy – “I bet if he had a chance he’d rather be with her than me” is an example of ‘guessing future outcomes.’)

Richmond continues “Fortunately, with guidance we can all disable unhealthy emotions thereby gaining self-confidence, serenity and happiness.”

The potential for contentment and happiness is dependant on how we perceive the ups and downs of Life’s rocky road, not the ups and downs themselves. In the case of not being physically ‘perfect’ we may see ourselves through lenses that only reflect other people’s opinions - not letting us see reality.

Why should we continue to see our reality through this false, fleeting projection of media demand? Every person has value and worth because of who they are and who they were created to be, not based on changeable outward appearance. Think about this before you subject yourself to the cosmetic surgeon’s knife!

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like to read Pornography – A woman’s perspective. Click here to follow the link

With thanks to –
1. Johanna Richmond Psy. Dip. Cert. Counselor. Social Psychologist, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Dubai. Tel: 050 345 8076   Email: johannarichmond@hotmail.com
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Although the philosophy of consciousness was written many centuries ago, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as an approach to ‘checking’ emotions is relatively new, circa ‘60s’, it is where the therapist helps to unravel distortions in thinking to enable healthier ways to ‘do life’.

 The cognitive approach brings the understanding and treatment of emotions closer to everyday experiences.  CBT ultimately stimulates confidence in dealing effectively with misconceptions that produce painful symptoms such as depression, anxiety etc. So instead of viewing oneself as a helpless creature, a victim or someone controlled by blind impulses, unhelpful thinking patterns can be unlearned and corrected, enabling a more self–fulfilling life. 

2. Angela Stevenson, for editing. Email: angela_s@eim.ae