We’ve all seen the pictures of public figures like Jocelyn Wildenstein and Michael Jackson regarding the hype of plastic surgery. These are the people used as examples of why we supposedly need limits in the area of ​​cosmetic surgery.

Their disfigured faces, destroyed by vanity and the compulsion to look a certain way, are there to remind us of all the dangers of excessive alterations.

But should some people who lack judgment when it comes to their bodies reflect on society as a whole? Should their decisions be accountable to the rest of the population?

Where does personal responsibility fit in?

There are many physicians and members of the public who believe that legal limits should be placed on the field of plastic surgery. That an arbitrary number should be written in the medical books so that people don’t have the opportunity to exaggerate by pinching and accommodating.

But what number will they choose? How do they know where that magic line is that will cause someone’s health and appearance to deteriorate due to cosmetic procedures? And should we allow these people to dictate to us what we can and cannot do with our bodies?

body problems

Our bodies are uniquely designed and respond to external factors in different ways. For example:

Some people struggle with weight and have to watch everything they eat, while others can overindulge regularly and never show negative side effects from this type of consumption.

Of course, there are also people who choose to overindulge despite the fact that the effects of eating poorly are clearly detrimental to their health.

Does that mean we have to impose food limits because there are people who choose to ignore their own safety?

The reality is that our bodies should be treated as the individual entities that they are. Decisions regarding what our figures can and cannot handle should come from a discussion between the person involved and their personal care physician.

As with many other things in life, there is no hard and fast rule for how much cosmetic surgery a person can afford. Some people can have ten procedures and never show negative signs that they have had a job done. Should that person be limited in his choice because another person’s body cannot bear the same?

personal freedom

One of the best things about living in a democratic nation is the personal freedom to make decisions based on our personal belief systems. Does that mean everyone makes responsible decisions all the time? Of course not. But the freedom to choose is an important thing. Do you really want governments to dictate what they deem acceptable for your body?

If someone like Jocelyn Wildenstein wants to spend $4 million on plastic surgery to look like a cat, why shouldn’t she? It’s her body and her money. No one else has to look in the mirror and see her face, so why do we judge?

There are many statistics in this world that people can use to justify limitations on whatever we choose to do. There are certain people who always want to impose restrictions based on personal bias or moral judgments.

The fact is that when it comes to cosmetic surgery, we are talking about our bodies. Many people experience profound positive results and a sea change in self-esteem after undergoing cosmetic surgery. It is a deeply personal choice and one that must remain personal.

Discussions about cosmetic procedures clearly need to stay in the doctor’s office.