What are your thoughts on plastic surgery...is it vain or a sign of poor self-esteem, or simply a matter of choice? Has anyone had it, if so, how was the experience..if not would you consider undergoing it?

What are your thoughts on plastic surgery...is it vain or a sign of poor self-esteem, or simply a matter of choice? Has anyone had it, if so, how was the experience..if not would you consider undergoing it?

I think every person has to make that decision for themselves. I had plastic surgery, I was up the same day. It was not a bad experience for me. I don't regret it. I am very satisfied.
For the people out there that say that it is vain, low self esteem or whateve,. they are being judgemental. If I had it to do all over again I would make the same decision. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the line I may change my opinion on this. To have plastic surgery was a decision I made after years of thought.

I don't think I would ever have cosmetic surgery for reasons to change my appearance without any medical need to. If something happened and I was terribly "disfigured" and wanted to look as close to my original appearance as possible, then probably.

I'll admit that there are times when I do criticize some people for using surgery to alter how they look, particularly Black people who want features that make them more European looking. The Michael and Janet Jacksons in the world do disturb me, even though I realize what they do has nothing to do with me. I don't know . . . it's just the way that it is with me sometimes. Doesn't make it right though.

But people do things all the time to alter their appearance and without having to have surgery. Hair extensions, dyes, permanents, weaves, false nails, padded bras, make-up, braces for our teeth, etc. all are things used to change how we look. We're all vain to some extent, I think. Some men buy cars to make them "look" and feel different. What does all this say about who we are? Maybe it says nothing more than some of us are people that want to feel good about ourselves and look attractive to others. I think it's a sad testament to our society though, that many people feel they need to carve their bodies up just to feel accepted and good.

Too much emphasis is placed on how we look in American society and not on who we are as individuals. What would happen if we all threw away our mirrors and stood naked (figuratively speaking) before the world and demanded that it respect us for who we are and not for how we look?

Simply put . . . all that glitters ain't gold!

Peace :spinstar:

I am so glad at times for "opinions"...because everybody is entitled to theirs. So here's mine... No, I have never had surgery in that manner and unless in the future something horrible happens to force me into it, I don't think I would. I have no problem what-so-ever with those that choose that way of life, but it's not me ONLY because I have never seen a person on the physical first. To me, my body is just a house, to hold, store and protect the inner (real beauty). just my opinion...

I don’t agree with plastic surgery for reasons of vanity and feel the whole concept is completely “out of hand” in today’s society. I do however feel that plastic surgery has been a wonderful option for the correction of cleft lip patients, burn victims or other forms of severe disfigurement. I would only consider plastic surgery in the case of the latter.

plastic surgery is good if it's to repair birth defects or other defects from an accident or something like that.I plan to have breast reduction because breastfeeding increased my breast size and I want my smaller breast back.I don't think I'm offending God because Yes, he made me,but He didn't make me this way, certain physical and chemical effects took over and that was just how it was for me and my body.Now If you just want a cute nose or full lips then I feel that's a little extreme. There are risk, you have to make yourself aware or beware.

I don't know if I am walking were I'm not welcome, but I believe people should be happy with what God gave them. As many of the sisters here have already said, I am against the concept of plastic surgery for any other reason than to correct injury. Speaking as a man, I can say there is something very beautiful about the female body. One of the most beautiful characteristics of this body is its diversity. Speaking of sisters, they come in various shades & sizes, which is how women are suppose to be.

There is someone for everyone, I truly believe that. If all women were the same men would lose interest quickly, because not everyone is attracted to the same thing. The point about the natural diversity of women is important, because cosmetic surgery seeks to make people uniform, not diverse. It goes against nature, which is never a good thing. In addition, many surgical procedures look bad. Breast implants for example never look real to me (more like two balloons sitting on a woman's chest). To me I'd rather have a woman with small breast than one with implants (afterall women's breast grow naturally when they have children anyway). :D

This is all my opinion, and people can do whatever they want, but I think there are better things to spend money on.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with plastic surgeory as long as your motives aren't a refelection of any insecurities.

On the other hand if you are happy with the way you are but might want a change to certain things then that's okay by me.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with plastic surgeory as long as your motives aren't a refelection of any insecurities.

On the other hand if you are happy with the way you are but might want a change to certain things then that's okay by me.


But if you're happy with the way you are then why would you want to change? To me that would suggest that you really aren't happy.

You're right. That person may not have been happy with themself, therefore they don't even qualify to be considered as such. They fall amongst those who have plastic surgeory for the wrong reasons.

"I" think that you can be happy with yourself but may feel experimental and want a change. It's kind of like liking certain things but wanting to embellish.

I've read articles where people have the surgeory done, for example on their breasts, for breast cancer patients who had their breast/s removed but don't feel the same as they used to.

And some even have plastic surgeory to remodel certain areas, like breasts again; if they are the type of woman who have to have some of their breasts reduced for health reasons.

It all goes back to your motives, if you have a legit reason to have it done and can afford it, go for it.

Everyone is different.

Some will agree with it and some won't. Let's just remember that not everyone is the same and won't agree on the same things no matter how correct the defense sounds.

God did not give me sagging breast, but after 3 children I was no longer content with the sagging skin left on my chest. When my small 34A breast were perky I was content. I always wanted them to be bigger, but they weren't. After kids they were no longer perky. So after not liking what I saw in the mirror I deciced to change them. I am only 29 years old I did not want to look at these prunes. I had every bra there was air bra, gel bra, padded bra,etc. I had the money so I change something I did not like. Did I feel as though my life was going to be made better? NO. the same issues I had before I still have. I never had issues about being ugly, or not being pretty enough. I do know that I am attractive but being attractive doesn't guaruntee that you don't have issues. I have issues but I am working through them with a nice pair of 34c's. I know there has to be someone on this site that has at least considered plastic surgery just for the sake of vanity. I didn't go hollywood most people cannot tell that I have had anything done since I have always worn padded bras. Maybe in the future I will say oh maybe I should not have had plastic surgery. I feel that which does not kill you only makes you stronger. As long as I continue to have good health, I have no regrets at this time.

I am torn about the breast thing. I'm on the other end. I've had DD since high school. Yeah sure I've gained and lost weight over the years but...I've alsways been at least a 36DD. This wouldn't be a problem if I were taller than 5'1. :spin:.

Even though I'm concern about my ability to nurse (if I have chidlren), scarring (especially for black women), the lose of Sensation, simply being cut...I ream of being small enough to go braless (not that I would) but it would be nice to have that option. Dag I would like to ear a halter top, but that's not happening anytime soon. Plus, I'm resentful of women who can pruchase 5.00 dollar bras! Todayu my mother and I were out shopping...I was able to purchase 2 bras for 54.00 while she was able to purchase 5 for the same cost. I can't imagine what my breast would look like after a child.

I am torn about the breast thing. I'm on the other end. I've had DD since high school. Yeah sure I've gained and lost weight over the years but...I've alsways been at least a 36DD. This wouldn't be a problem if I were taller than 5'1. :spin:.

Even though I'm concern about my ability to nurse (if I have chidlren), scarring (especially for black women), the lose of Sensation, simply being cut...I ream of being small enough to go braless (not that I would) but it would be nice to have that option. Dag I would like to ear a halter top, but that's not happening anytime soon. Plus, I'm resentful of women who can pruchase 5.00 dollar bras! Todayu my mother and I were out shopping...I was able to purchase 2 bras for 54.00 while she was able to purchase 5 for the same cost. I can't imagine what my breast would look like after a child.


Girl do your research, talk with someone who has had a reduction. If it is safe and will make you feel more comfortable go for it. Don't live wondering what if.

Sister Sadie's Brown,

I am an ardent believer of doing what makes you happy
as long as it's not against the law, you are an adult, and
even if it may make others "uncomfortable", it doesn't
hurt them physically or mentally.

I think we can all agree that Michael Jackson's level of self
transformation has a pathological aspect, but I also
believe that some folks having such a strong aversion
to another person changing their physical appearance
often times says more about THEIR lack of self esteem
than anything else. It's as if they are threatened by
another person's independence and boldness when
a more positive outlook would be admiration, or at the
least acceptance.

Definately, people should be encouraged to love themselves
as GOD made them... However, if a person decides that
they would look better and gain a jolt to their
self confidence by having a bump in their nose smoothed out, or
ears that stick out surgically pinned back... So what ? And
why should anybody else care ?


Much Peace,
Akilah :spinstar:

I don't think I would ever have cosmetic surgery for reasons to change my appearance without any medical need to. If something happened and I was terribly "disfigured" and wanted to look as close to my original appearance as possible, then probably.

I'll admit that there are times when I do criticize some people for using surgery to alter how they look, particularly Black people who want features that make them more European looking. The Michael and Janet Jacksons in the world do disturb me, even though I realize what they do has nothing to do with me. I don't know . . . it's just the way that it is with me sometimes. Doesn't make it right though.

But people do things all the time to alter their appearance and without having to have surgery. Hair extensions, dyes, permanents, weaves, false nails, padded bras, make-up, braces for our teeth, etc. all are things used to change how we look. We're all vain to some extent, I think. Some men buy cars to make them "look" and feel different. What does all this say about who we are? Maybe it says nothing more than some of us are people that want to feel good about ourselves and look attractive to others. I think it's a sad testament to our society though, that many people feel they need to carve their bodies up just to feel accepted and good.

Too much emphasis is placed on how we look in American society and not on who we are as individuals. What would happen if we all threw away our mirrors and stood naked (figuratively speaking) before the world and demanded that it respect us for who we are and not for how we look?

Simply put . . . all that glitters ain't gold!

Peace :spinstar:



I agree with everything you said but you kind of threw me off when you list "Braces for our teeth" as a self alteration..... Are you saying that crooked teeth that are all out of place shouldn't be fixed? Self-alteration is one thing but correct hygene is another.

I agree with everything you said but you kind of threw me off when you list "Braces for our teeth" as a self alteration..... Are you saying that crooked teeth that are all out of place shouldn't be fixed? Self-alteration is one thing but correct hygene is another.

Greetings Pharoah Jah! :wave:

How are you defining hygiene? I'm not sure I understand what you meant but here's my reaction. If I'm off base, just let me know.

Everything written here is all about choices. Unless for medical reasons and not all situations are, even choosing to straighten crooked teeth with braces is a choice that many people can make. Because one's teeth aren't straight doesn't mean the person suffers from 'incorrect' or poor hygiene anymore than women being born to have very large breasts or very small breasts is.

If a person doesn't like prunish looking breasts or crooked teeth, it's not a health hazard or the result of poor hygiene and can choose to do absolutely nothing about them. However, If they want perky or larger breasts, or want to straighter crooked teeth, they have the OPTION to do something about it. Do you agree with that?

I think the point here is that it's really up to the individual to decide what they want to do and to maintain their right to choose.

Peace :spinstar:

I'm usually very reasonable, in my opinions.


But, unless something traumatic happens to you, SISTERS, DON'T LET THOSE DEVILS :nuts: :grin:, PUT THAT KNIFE ON YOU!!



Peace and Love,

Brother Sun Ship :)

Greetings Pharoah Jah! :wave:

How are you defining hygiene? I'm not sure I understand what you meant but here's my reaction. If I'm off base, just let me know.

Everything written here is all about choices. Unless for medical reasons and not all situations are, even choosing to straighten crooked teeth with braces is a choice that many people can make. Because one's teeth aren't straight doesn't mean the person suffers from 'incorrect' or poor hygiene anymore than women being born to have very large breasts or very small breasts is.

If a person doesn't like prunish looking breasts or crooked teeth, it's not a health hazard or the result of poor hygiene and can choose to do absolutely nothing about them. However, If they want perky or larger breasts, or want to straighter crooked teeth, they have the OPTION to do something about it. Do you agree with that?

I think the point here is that it's really up to the individual to decide what they want to do and to maintain their right to choose.

Peace :spinstar:




You're right, it's the individual's choice however, I personally view straighter teeth like someone maintaining a neat and clean image. But that's just me.

I feel like this, if you don't like me the way I am, then ***** you. God made me how he wanted me to be, and that's the way I am going to be. I used to wear makeup, fake nails and weave in my younger days but now I am just me, plain and simple. You either like me or you don't. I like me the way I am. But at far as what another person does with their body that is their own business, who am I to judge.

I wouldn't alter my face or have liposuction but I have considered having a mini tummy tuck to fix my stomach. This is only because of the C-section I had 16 years ago, my stomach has never been the same. I hate that there is a slight bulge or hardness in my tummy that will not go away no matter what I've tried to do.

I wouldn't alter my face or have liposuction but I have considered having a mini tummy tuck to fix my stomach. This is only because of the C-section I had 16 years ago, my stomach has never been the same. I hate that there is a slight bulge or hardness in my tummy that will not go away no matter what I've tried to do.
If you have the money and are in good health. check out the pros and cons. go for it I am sure many people have something about themselves they would like to change, it may not be nose or lips. I'm sure many people who have had children like the pre-pregnancy shape. I don't see anything wrong with wanting to have the tummy you were given before kids.

Ironically, I work in a hospital and have looked into it. I am just not willing to put a mortgage on my house to get the surgery performed LOL! The cost is roughly $5000.00, so I may get it done when I cash in my CD in a few years. But in a few years I'll be 40 and may change my mind. Who knows.

I disagree with it. I feel that plastic surgery is in a result of a society that has beauty standards apart from mine. So, I would be changing my face or my body to look like somebody else's. My family passed these genes to me. Why would I get rid of it? It makes me...me.

It's a matter of personal choice to me.....Would I get any p.s. probably not---My body doesn't react very well to a lot of things and the healing process might not go the way I want it to. But I haven't ruled it out......I'm a dancer and a vain person :star: , ANd 10 years from now boobs and a facelift might be exactly what I want. I don't fear getting older, but I know in my business a mid-30's face just isn't gonna cut it.

I think every person has to make that decision for themselves. I had plastic surgery, I was up the same day. It was not a bad experience for me. I don't regret it. I am very satisfied.
For the people out there that say that it is vain, low self esteem or whateve,. they are being judgemental. If I had it to do all over again I would make the same decision. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the line I may change my opinion on this. To have plastic surgery was a decision I made after years of thought.

Sister, that's your choice and your right. I don't consider you vain or having low self esteem. Right now, I'm almost 47 years old and blessed with good facial features and can pass for a woman in her 30s. People tell me that I look young enough to be my 24-year old daughter's big sister (smile) which she hates.

I don't think I would do it, but perhaps in the future...I don't know.

It's a matter of personal choice to me.....Would I get any p.s. probably not---My body doesn't react very well to a lot of things and the healing process might not go the way I want it to. But I haven't ruled it out......I'm a dancer and a vain person :star: , ANd 10 years from now boobs and a facelift might be exactly what I want. I don't fear getting older, but I know in my business a mid-30's face just isn't gonna cut it.

Well, I aint messing with my boobs! LOL!

Personally I think plastic surgery is pretty stupid and vain unless there is a medical reason. God made us all in his image and not appreciating what he gave you is simply an insult to his creativity.

But when something happened to you that had nothing to do with GOD, then what? Why can't you correct things to restore what you had? And I am not referring to weight.

i know two women who had their breasts enlarged.
one died and the other was messed up.

the one got the breasts enlarged despite every man in her life getting together and telling her that she was absolutely beautiful (she was).
she just had to look like dolly parton.

i wonder if the problems come from going to the cheaper surgeons?

That is something to think about Jamesfromphilly. Many women don't realize that they can die while going under the knife. Death is a high price to pay for "6 pack abs", "fake looking ballon breast", and a "white nose".

i bet when the surgeon shows the before and after pictures, they DO NOT show you the ones who died.
this woman left three children who were taken in by her friends and raised.

the other woman who had her breasts enlarged was one of the most beautiful women BEFORE she got her breasts enlarged.
she never looked right after that as her breasts were so large they looked off balance.

no one could reassure her that she looked OK with her natural breasts.

There are things I would love to change about me through the knife, but I never would. I've become very proud of everything about me, including my fat face, gapped tooth smile and child bearing hips. I NEVER WANT TO SEND THE MESSAGE TO GOD THAT I'M TIRED OF HIM. I have to celebrate me as I am suppose to be.

the other woman who had her breasts enlarged was one of the most beautiful women BEFORE she got her breasts enlarged. she never looked right after that as her breasts were so large they looked off balance.
no one could reassure her that she looked OK with her natural breasts.

Not to be rude JamesfromPhilly but did you see her naked? As bad as fake breast look in clothes (revealing clothes), they are even worse naked. I've had the "pleasure"...and it is no pleasure! :uhoh: Ladies I encourage you to be happy with what you have, because these "ballons" look (feel) horrible. I am a breast man! :grin: However I would rather have a woman with smaller breast who is natural, than a woman with large breast through surgery. I believe there are many men who feel the same.

Not to be rude JamesfromPhilly but did you see her naked?.
yes, i did.
this woman ruined herself.

no one could convince her that she was beautiful.
her self esteem was really low.

i spent months trying to tell her so was OK.
nothing i could say worked.
i wish i knew how to change peoples minds.

what can be done to make a black woman feel that she is attractive?
i think low self esteem is a general problem among black folk.
i wish i had the power to make the black woman feel that she is the best.

they don't need all that junk they do to their selves.
just eat healthy and keep in tone.

whenever i go to the mall i get really discouraged :confused: