Macy Peterson
Mr. Reuter
Economics
09/29/14
Own It
Author’s note:
Before reading this article, I have no legitimate stand on whether cosmetic surgery is good or bad overall; but I do believe that in some circumstances it could benefit the individual to repair whatever he or she may want to change for their state of satisfaction. Nevertheless, at times it could be deemed unnecessary for one to lift his or her forehead a few centimeters or have a fat transfer from one place to another. It just doesn’t make sense to spend thousands when owning the look is free and at times— powerful. Furthermore, I do not make fun of anyone in this article, but rather use them as an example.
“TV says, ‘Bigger is better.’”
After watching an episode of “Botched” I have been exposed to a few individuals who really made me think about some people living in the fierce and dazzling uproar of the west coast. Having alterations done and adjusted to sooner or later having a full metamorphosis for the “happy” do-over was done for just that reason— their happiness and satisfaction. For some, I’d agree after a threatening situation where an accident occurred or cancer took over to transfigure a person permanently, altering their appearance by choice is then understandable. However a full body do-over is a bit farfetched and isn’t the best trade-off to make when complications are bound to happen.
“In my skin I win”
An individual whose decision may be seen as a bit farfetched and have such potential complications is Justin Jedlica, as seen on the t.v. show “Botched”. Over the years, Jedlica has spent more than $100,000 dollars on a total of 132 cosmetic procedures and has received the name “The Human Ken Doll” by the public. Recently, he asked plastic surgeons Dr. Dubrow and Dr. Nassif for another body tune up on his calves, but the surgeons denied him, even with the amount of money he was willing to pay, because the procedure could harm him critically. Possibly overlooking self- interest than benefit analysis the surgeons had to make the decision for Jedlica. By adding more muscle mass and opening the area from a prior treatment could impact his legs to a point where it would just be too dangerous to perform the surgery. Furthermore, as recorded, Jedlica refers to the surgeons as “glorified tailors” almost insulting them as to what their job really is, which is to reconstruct areas of the body that need to be corrected.
“Vogue says, ‘Thinner is better.’”
As cosmetic surgeries become more popular in the US, questions of cost/ benefit analysis and opportunity cost come into play. When individuals aim to look bolder, bigger, skinnier, whatever it may be, the benefit analysis of losing one’s normal body portion and replacing it with an alteration may lead to an opportunity cost where do-overs and fix-ups usher in further enhancements of the enhancement. A never ending cycle of rejuvenating and repairing the individual’s alteration, when exercise and normal diets may just be the best and most bright solution. As it is seen by the rising charts of women wanting alterations “perfection is a disease of a nation” (Prof. Knowles) and it is also growing by the demand of plastic surgeons to perform such transformations.
A quick and positive example of a boy who people think may need a tune up or a “fix” would be Shaun Ross. Ross, a rising high fashion supermodel, recently started a group called “In My Skin I Win”, and is an iconic role model to younger generations who hopefully won’t see the need of such a trade off involving their bodies and baby skin in the future.
As generations become more comfortable with this idea of enhancement, the demand for plastic surgeons, as seen on t.v., is rising. Come to think of it, it’s kind of sad to think that a man or woman has spent eight years, more or less, studying how to enhance a person’s body. Studying hours on this current societal issue rather than, let’s say, making it more affordable to own electric cars, shooting machines further into space to discover beings amongst the dark mist, or even finding the mermaids here on Earth because yes they’re real. All in all, the opportunity cost for becoming a plastic surgeon may want to be looked over before getting paid around ninety dollars an hour doing something that’s not crucial to people’s lives if one’s goal is to have the firmest cheeks around— that’s really just silicone.
But beside the silicone and saline, the real victims of breast cancer and incidents of being trapped in a burning building can be seen as crucial for such alterations. After all if changing one’s appearance makes one happy, then it is true that some will go above and beyond to satisfy themselves to look so gleamy. Yet the cost/ benefit analysis should be checked once more before a solution becomes final.
Works Cited
This essay was very interesting to me, as it is on a topic that not many people think about often in today’s society. “Having work done” has become a social norm of sorts, especially in the media and in the Hollywood view of celebrities. It is no surprise that plastic surgery costs insane amounts of money, but it is, however, a surprise to see some of these plastic surgeries on the rise.
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a short documentary on plastic surgery, and it was mainly focused in South Korea (the plastic surgery capital of the world, surprisingly). It was so mainstream that in Gangnam, there were clinics on almost every corner, and no one thought anything was out of the ordinary. Overall, I think that the amount of people who want to change their appearance is both shocking and not, considering the amount of pressure that young girls and boys are put under due to the media.
It is surprising how many people don't realize health means more than just appearance and how great of lengths they are willing to take to fit in with the now. It is also surprising how much the surgeons themselves are paid and how many trade offs are taken and marginal cost versus benefit of the surgeries change person to person. My only question is at what point does it become to much? At what point of trying to be 'perfect' does one turn 'ugly'?
ReplyDeleteI like how you said :A never ending cycle of rejuvenating and repairing the individual’s alteration, when exercise and normal diets may just be the best and most bright solution." Boy are some people lazy. I can see how people getting in a bad accident would want to get themselves fixed, but spending thousands just to make your eyebrows a little higher. Doesn't make a single bit of sense to me. Not only that but most people in my opinion look worse after the surgery. Even Mickey Rourke used to be a nice looking guy, now look at him.
ReplyDeleteI liked the topic you chose and that it wasn't something often related to economics. I don't normally or ever really think about any of these fancy shmancy trends of getting faces fixed and tummies tucked, but it's good to every once and awhile. It seems that the alternative of just eating healthier and working out would be far cheaper than investing in an expensive surgery which could easily be undone by life choices that still haven't changed even though their bodies have. Yet due to our outward society and people's demand that is so in the moment they are resulting in these extremes. Personally if it is just for their own preference and such a trivial detail there is a major opportunity loss.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic to write about. Because we all hear that it is the inside that counts, but yet there are thousands and thousands of people who go get plastic surgery for the wrong reasons, such as making them look like a star. I believe like you said, that plastic surgery has been taken in the opposite direction that it was made for. It should be used for people in certain situations and injury's to make someone look like how they once were. Not for people to go up to a triple K bra size, or to make them be Ken.
ReplyDeleteHey Macy. Wow your idea is something I have never really considered. I had no idea that people would spend so much money on such a tiny detail that most people don’t even notice. I remember last year, learning about the spotlight effect in psychology class. The spotlight effect is where you think more people are watching you or paying attention to all the little details about you than really are. I think cosmetic surgery is just a result of spotlight effect and people’s overblown attempt to please the norms of society. I’m also curious to know how multiple surgeries impact health in the long term, if they put strain on other parts of the body or could result in illness or disability. Thanks for sharing this lovely post Macy!
ReplyDeleteI think that you chose a very interesting topic. Plastic surgery is very serious and requires a lot of consideration before making a decision. The opportunity cost and trade offs are huge, and should be taken into consideration before thousands of dollars are spent. I would have never thought about how plastic surgery relates to economics, but making that decision definitely requires thinking like an economist.
ReplyDeleteMacy, I do have to say that I am guilty of watching the show Botched as well. I still remember when there was that Dr. 90210 show about plastic surgery - where Dr. Nassif and Dr. Debrow starred in. I enjoyed reading this article due to the fact that it is such a controversial thing that exists in society today. To me, it’s not very shocking that plastic surgeries have been on the rise. With the ads and commercials of every person looking so perfect, even though it’s all enhanced with Photoshop, it rubs off onto the people watching and make them think “I need to look like that.” And they start criticizing themselves. And I do have to say I’m guilty of doing that too. But oh well. Lastly, I think this topic is so controversial because there are people that just want to fix themselves because they’re not happy with the way they look (although, I think if someone wakes up every morning and is bothered by something they see, then I think it’s their choice to fix it if that’s what will make them happy for themselves, not anyone else), and then there’s people who have had cancer or been in accidents that - if they want - can have those things fixed with plastic surgery. Alright, I could go on forever. Overall, I loved how you connected economics with plastic surgery and it was a great read :)
ReplyDeleteI truly love how you thought outside the box in terms of relating your article to economics, and as my sister is an avid watcher of the show "Botched" I myself have seen quite a few episodes of this television show. I believe that that field of surgery has gotten way out of hand, surgeons are looking the other way as far as possible harm for the patient just to make a couple extra dollars. While Dr. Nassif and Dr. Dubrow have denied multiple surgeries based on the harm, it could cost the patient there are plenty of doctors that would look the other way just for a quick buck. On the show these doctors often fix plastic surgeries where prior surgeons have caused physical or emotional harm to the patient. Is it really worth screwing up someones body just so you can make the extra dollar?
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post containing the truth and reality behind all of these "tune ups" and "fixes". Though every individual is responsible for every decision/trade-off that he/she makes, there's still some positive externalities to have. These cosmetic surgeons are at least making a profit as long as demand continues to be high, as for the individual, the individual can at least spend the next couple of years being happy that is until they must sacrifice more cash to update their image. Overall while there are some positives as mentioned I would still agree that this industry should be stopped for every surgery means losing benefits such as necessary scientific research for diseases and even making a tremendous breakthrough of any kind.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of money a person pays to enhance/shrink body parts in insane, while it makes sense if an individual needs plastic surgery it's an idea that shouldn't be so publicized in our society. While plastic surgeries do effect the monetary exchanges between medical facilities and the rest of the American economy, it's really the externalities of this controversial topic that truly reflect on our society and economy. The negative externalities, such as a reduced self-confidence before surgery, or low self-esteem push people to go through with plastic surgery which can positively impact our economy but negatively impact the idea of self-esteem and confidence in your own skin, which can sometimes but more important that money.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that the cost and benefit of getting plastic surgery should be thought out carefully before going ahead with the procedure, especially if it's not a life saving one. I agree that the opportunity cost of becoming a plastic surgeon should be looked over because if the persons in the business just for the money they should do something else. I think it's great that Dr. Dubrow and Dr. Nassaif overlooked the self-interest and denied Jedlica the procedure because they knew the opportunity cost would be too great, overall I think the surgeons should be more focused on creating a greater marginal benefit for the people who actually need it (burn victims, etc.) rather than the person who will pay the most.
ReplyDeleteMacy, I have never seen the show "Botched" but I have seen multiple representations of cosmetic surgery in the media before. I personally believe that cosmetic surgery is not a necessity and wouldn't take part in it myself, but it is up to each person to decide for themselves. Although this is the way some people make a living, the incredible amounts of money these people spend for a minor alteration could potentially be going towards a different place, such as towards charity.
ReplyDeleteMacy,
ReplyDeleteI really like that you chose a topic that is controversial and popular in today's society. It was cool how you presented two separate view points: The man that went so far with surgery that the cost outweighed the benefit and the other man that does not believe in altering his body. It's also nice to know that plastic surgeons care more about the safety of their clients than their monetary gain, and will turn down people that have too much risk. I also thought that quote by "Professor" Knowles was very inspiring.
While I have never watched Botched myself, I found your topic to be really interesting. It’s not really shocking to me that plastic surgery have been on the rise, because America has an obsession with being “perfect,” even if it means paying hundreds of dollars or completely changing who they are. This idea of being “perfect” is ridiculous to me but I guess I’m the only one with that opinion because everywhere you look in America, be it a poster, in a movie or on a commercial, women are skinny and “perfect”. And if someone isn’t “perfect” then they get criticized for it and that’s not alright. Another thing to think about is that with more people having plastic surgery done, the demand, and there being a limited number of plastic surgeons, the supply, then the price goes up. When the price goes up it makes it harder for the people who need the surgery to be able to afford it. Anyway, I really liked your post. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you said that the price of owning it, is free. Our world is always so critical of how people look. They say you have to be stick skinny, or have the perfect face, or hair or whatever. That isn't true. It is so shocking to me that people pay thousands of dollars to have work done when in reality they are perfect just the way they are. Society needs to realize that everyone has a unique look, and not everyone is going to be "model material". Great job on your post and I really enjoyed reading about your topic.
ReplyDeleteMacy, I loved the interesting topics that you brought up in your article, as well as the hilarious puns that I found spread throughout. I know someone who personally survived breast cancer and who then got plastic surgery after to try and renew the looks that she had before, and I think that getting that kind of surgery is completely justified and obviously the person has the right to do what they wish to restore their looks. But, my opinion is somewhere in the middle -- yes, there should be a limit on what a person should be able to do to their body, but it gets to a point where enough is enough. If one is richer and can afford plastic surgery such as liposuction, they tend to get lazy because they say “oh well, I can just get the plastic surgeon to fix that for me”, which is not the right attitude. You did a nice job on touching on both points of the argument.
ReplyDeleteMacy, I really like this topic choice! I was just thinking about the externalities associated with cosmetic surgery. For instance, if a man's wife gets plastic surgery and ends up looking like a supermodel, wouldn't it be a positive externality for him to have such a beautiful wife? Similarly, if she ends up looking horrible, like someone on an episode of "Botched", wouldn't be a negative externality for him to have to deal with such an awful looking person? (hopefully he'd love her either way, but still!) Overall, I really liked your piece. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteIt's honestly amazing what people will do to themselves for the sake of appearance. Wanna get rid of wrinkles fast? Nero toxin injection (aka Botox)! It'll kill you slowly and make your wrinkles worse when it wears off, but hey, you'll look good right now. And plastic surgery is even worse in my opinion. I mean, I can understand reconstructing damaged features, or adjustment surgeries for the sake of health, and I can even understand surgery done one someone’s breasts as long as it’s done in order to remedy related discomfort (which would usually imply the opposite of what most breast surgeries are done for), but, to me, the idea of someone with no medical concerns whatsoever, paying money to have someone cut up and move around pieces of their face is horrific.
ReplyDeleteWhat really ticks me off is that, the more rich and famous people spend to Micheal Jackson themselves to new heights of artificiality, the harder it is for the people who have a legitimate reason for getting plastic surgery to pay for it. There was an electrical line worker who literally had his entire FACE burned OFF. As in, there was nothing where his face should have been. He pretty much needed the treatments he got - the costs might as well have not existed compared to the benefits. But imagine how much he had to pay for it - if surgeons are getting paid enormous amounts of money to slightly modify perfectly fine and normal features, imagine how much they'd expect to reconstruct features that have been so disfigured they no longer even exist, which I imagine would take significantly more work and resources.
I think the rapid rate of increase of plastic surgeries has a significant overlap with the fact that all forms of our media are constantly barraging us with photoshoped and edited images of artificially beautiful people, since the response to seeing someone prettier than you is usually to feel bad about yourself because you aren't that pretty, as well as the fact that the world in general is getting richer, and more people can afford to act on that dissatisfaction. Maybe there should be a ban on electronically modifying the features of people on magazine covers and in advertisements, since it should technically already be illegal anyway, considering it’s not that much different than false advertising, especially where “beauty” products are concerned.
Maybe if people weren't constantly seeing images of unrealistically perfect models all over the place, they’d feel less inclined to splice themselves to false perfection.
This topic was a really interesting topic to read. It's true that now a days surgeries are very common. I had never heard about Botched, but I had already heard about Justin Jedlica, from social media. It is ridiculous the amount of money people spend in surgeries to change they're own body, people should like how they look. Although I have this opinion I will never judge people who opt to make surgeries because it's their own money and body, so no one has nothing to do with it, but when it comes to dangerous surgeries I think there should exist some sort of law that wouldn't allow that to happen, because most of those people aren't conscious about the negative externality it causes.
ReplyDeleteOverall, your topic was really interesting! I like how you added that the patient would give whatever it took to get what he wanted done, but the doctor refused to because of the cruelty it could possibly do to his body. This topic fits today's society perfectly, because everyone wants to have that perfect body, to impress whoever. I also agree that it's something that if someone wants to do it they can, but there is a limit where they have to stop.
ReplyDeleteThis is intriguing, because of the statement mixed with the analysis of the economic effects on cosmetic surgery. The most interesting thing had to be the fact that you stated how the people that overdo this surgery outweigh the benefits of the surgery in anyway, because you also brought in the fact that there are benefits for people who have faced physical trauma and they want a somewhat normal body again. I will say the quotes, though interesting, are placed slightly random and just feel out of place; also I wished you could have talked about Shawn Ross slightly more by explaining the benefits of his group and their message in contrast with that of cosmetic surgery. Overall a good mix of statement and economics, and you made some good comments that really make the reader think.
ReplyDelete