As cosmetic surgery becomes more accessible to all, people no longer have to accept nature's imperfections. iVillagers on the Great Debates message board discuss the issues surrounding plastic surgery and how much responsibility the NHS and medical community should take.

Cosmetic surgery is not always the answer
It seems to me that some elements of the cosmetic surgery issues are symbolic of the 'quick fix' society we live in. Rather than take self-esteem courses or go for counselling to help us learn to love those bits of our body that we don't like, we opt to go under the knife.
mygally

We see many actresses and models in the papers, who undergo major breast enlargement surgery and are soon planning their next clinic visit. I worry about the surgeons, who are willing to continue operating on these women, where are their medical ethics? Its incredibly sad to think that people are so full of self-loathing that they would go to such lengths to be `perfect'.
mrscheeksy

I totally understand how people feel, I'm only a 32A myself and spent my teenage years believing I wasn't as sexy as my fuller busted friends. But over the years, I have learnt that confidence comes from within. People need to learn to have confidence in themselves and be content with the body they have. Surgery will not make people happy - if you 'fix' one thing there'll soon be something else you don't like about yourself. I think society should be trying to help people to get to the root of their insecurity, lack of confidence and discontent, rather than fostering the belief that by changing our exterior we can solve all our worries.
silverflower2001

The role of the media
There is far too much emphasis put on aesthetics these days, and I'm not ashamed to say that I am always moaning and worrying about my appearance. At this time though I don't think I would ever consider cosmetic surgery. With the introduction of designer vagina's, G spot enhancement and Botox parties, I think it's being taken too far. I think people should be happy with what nature has given them.
lemonlou

I find it appalling that doctors are performing surgeries to make people feel better about themselves. To my mind, doctors who perform these surgeries are simply contributing to a society which feels the need to have surgery to `fit in'. As more people are cosmetically enhanced, so there will be more teenagers suffering from low self-esteem, bulimia or anorexia - because they can't afford the liposuction which makes celebrities look so perfect. I think we all need to take responsibility as a society, and reject the notion that we should strive to look like unnaturally enhanced beauties. I think surgery for purely `cosmetic' reasons is morally and ethically wrong.
juliasjacket

The media consistently implies that unless we are beautiful, we will never succeed in life or even find a mate. Unless we make the effort to dispel these myths, young people will continue to grow up with these same beliefs. It appears to be too difficult or time-consuming to make youngsters feel good about themselves and have confidence in their abilities.
emiliszka

Cosmetic surgery on the NHS
It's an individual's choice and if you want to have it done, and you have the money then go for it. However, having it done on the NHS should only be available if it is for `medical' reasons, which can include psychological ones. I don't agree with people who have, for example, breast reduction surgery on the NHS just for cosmetic reasons.
psc_loves_her_moosey

A friend of mine has been fighting an uphill battle to get her 44HH breasts reduced - the weight of her breasts has caused her to suffer chronic back problems. She is only 5ft and is in pain. After three years her doctors are still telling her that she does not, in their opinion, have anything to be so `worked up' about. I would like a nose job, but I would never get it done on the NHS as I see it as a blatant waste of NHS resources - my nose does not make me physically ill, nor does it physically inhibit how I live. In my opinion, anyone wanting to have cosmetic surgery to make them look younger or feel better about themselves should be made to live for a week with nothing but Michael Jackson's face staring back at them.
mrscheeksy

Plastic surgery is harmless
Well I'm someone who, if I had the money, would stand naked in front of the doctors and say `start from the top and work down!' Some may think that I have real problems with how I look, I don't, I just think that medicine/surgery has come a long way and as doctors are able to make you feel better about how you look why not go for it? If I never get cosmetic surgery will it hamper my life? No. If I do, will it make me feel better about myself? Perhaps. I've already had Botox treatment for frown lines and when they come back I will be going back for more. It makes me feel better, and harms no one. So in my opinion if you can afford it and want it, go for it.
mexie2001