Saturday 22 August 2015

Cosmetic surgery, yay or nay?

According to a Glamour body image survey, 97% of women admitted that they have at least one negative thought about their body image every day
Ninety
Seven
Per cent
And men are not immune either
According to the National Eating Disorder   Association, 43% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies
Stark numbers
But honestly
It doesn't surprise me
We are bombarded with so many images of the perfect body every single day
On TV
In magazines
On the Internet
Often bodies that are utterly unattainable for the average person 
It's really no wonder that we have such poor body image 

I was watching a show the other morning
And the topic was cosmetic surgery
There was a 19 year old girl being interviewed
She had her first cosmetic procedure when she was just 18
Filler put in her lips 
They showed before and after photos
To me she looked beautiful before she had the procedure
She said that after she had her lips done
She took over 300 selfies
Trying to take the perfect photo
There was also a cosmetic surgeon being  interviewed 
He said it was common for people to bring in photos of celebrities 
And ask to look just like them

If you ask me 
I am nay in the whole debate
But that's nay for me
I have no problem with anyone else doing it
I just think it's very noticeable when someone has cosmetic surgery
You know that kind of stretched face look
When eyes are pulled up
And there is not a line or wrinkle in sight
The Botox look is especially noticeable
When someone can't move their face
Because they have injected so much of the stuff

I guess if you don't agree with altering your face or body
You could also throw make up and hair dye in to the equation
I have no problem with either of these
They are temporary
They can be removed with relative ease
And they are not invasive 
Unlike cosmetic surgery 

Although I've sufferers badly with body image over the years
I've never hated a part of my body so much that I considered cosmetic surgery
Not saying I didn't hate my body 
I did 
I guess it just never crossed my mind
It wasn't the done thing
At least in my part of the world 
I just wanted to be smaller
Thinner all over
And as far as I know there is no cosmetic procedure for that
Of course I've looked in the mirror
And wished away my bulging belly
And thunder thighs
But I don't ever recall thinking that I would like to have cosmetic surgery

Someone who springs to mind when I think of cosmetic surgery is Heidi Montag
Some of you will know her from the reality show The Hills
I think she was so beautiful before she had the surgery
Young 
Fresh faced
The typical all American girl
I think she had far too much done
And barely looks like herself anymore

Image result for heidi montag
Before surgery



Image result for heidi montag
After

A woman called Jae West took matters in to her own hands recently
Jae is a body image activist
From Australia
She stood in Piccadilly Circus
In just a bikini and a blind fold
With a sign say that she was doing this experiment for people with bad body image 
And those suffering with eating disorders
She herself is in recovery
The sign Also asked people to draw a love heart on her in solidarity
She held markers in each hand
One by one people came up and drew hearts on her
You can see a video of it if you Google her

 Jae West took to Piccadilly Circus wearing nothing put her underwear to promote self-acceptance 

With all that said
I was wondering about you
Are you yay or nay in the whole cosmetic surgery debate?
And why?
Have you ever considered cosmetic surgery?
If so
What would you like to have done?
Answers on a postcard please....
With love from at

23 comments:

  1. Pacific diamond22 August 2015 at 03:39

    I confess: I had a boob job. A boyfriend bought for me. I was very insecure and he was a moron.

    I had them removed 4,years ago.
    They are disgusting.
    Not at all what it's cracked up to be. They don't look natural(no really, out of clothes they look wrong) and you attract a lot of ugly attention. And it's like wearing the world's most uncomfortable bra that you can never take off.
    I would say they made me feel worse about myself because I felt ugly AND fake.

    I'm quite active on an "explant" site. I could add a lot more here but I would bore you senseless.

    Heidi was gorgeous before. What a shame.

    I really admire plain unmade up faces nowadays and natural hair. (I do like a nice outdoorsy suntan though).
    When I see young girls starving exercising and getting surgery I just feel so sad. I mean, what the heck for?

    I wasted a lot of time on the outside but I was a shell of a person and had virtually no skills and especially no coping skills. Maybe some people can do both but my priorities were a total mess.

    Imagine if I, or any other young girl, influenced by the media had spent so much time and money on some kind of passion/talent or activism the world would be a much better place.

    Now I have to work out who I really am without that stuff.

    Oh and I hate the media. But I love you and your story. Because it's real.

    X shelby

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    1. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 03:52

      Gosh thanks for sharing this with us Shelby
      I've never actually seen a pair of implants in real life
      But my boobs are about the only part of my body that I like

      I can understand the temptation though
      And especially if you were feeling insecure
      And someone offered to pay for them for you

      But I'm glad you got them out
      If they were making you feel worse

      Aw thank you
      You are a sweetie x

      Delete
    2. Pacific diamond22 August 2015 at 04:25

      There was nothing wrong with mine either.

      Though i starved them pretty flat. I just felt if I was more "barbie Like" I would be more loveable/valuable. Because i was lacking in identity and worth.Which is a major root problem. I was only 19 and had a slimy much older guy who was involved in the nightclub scene. Ugh!!!

      I have made it my mission to get people realizing the best thing you can do is have a goal/passion in life that is meaningful.

      Not just looking cute, self loathing numbing pain with dieting and partying as was my style.

      I want to partake fully in life. I have a respectable job now and thank God because my history is patchy as hell. I just hope I can still learn things like playing an instrument which I have never done. And there are many other experiences like that I have missed out on.


      Sorry for the waffle. Just had to get that off my chest (lol!!!)
      X

      Delete
    3. Pacific diamond22 August 2015 at 04:36

      Oh and no matter what anyone says implants are quite firm. At least as firm as a thigh. And they often feel cold compared to the rest of your body. Sometimes mine would audibly "slosh"!!!! I kid you not. On some angles you can see the edge of the implant. When on your back they dont flop naturally to the side. They sit up on the chest wall like half melons and mine were done by a supposed expert, not cheap at all.

      It is really quite hilarious if it weren't so damn sad.

      Delete
    4. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 04:38

      You were so young Shelby
      And with low self confidence
      I can see how a boob job might be a quick fix

      I am just so glad and happy for you that you are in a better place now
      And I totally agree
      We should follow our passions
      For me
      That is helping animals in need
      And I'm going to inquire about volunteering at the local animal shelter

      You are an inspiration Shelby
      He he
      Getting it off your chest
      Love that x

      Delete
    5. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 04:50

      No way
      That is crazy!
      You could actually feel them slosh?
      My God
      I'm so glad that you decided to get them out
      You hear such awful stories about implants going wrong
      Did everything go back to normal then? x

      Delete
    6. Pacific diamond22 August 2015 at 05:06

      Pretty normal, though obviously looser/sagging but nothing that would have someone run screaming from the room or anything. I was offered a "lift"by the surgeon but I declined. Over time things have also improved. Plus since I am generally bigger they've plumped up a bit.

      And almost everyone has something go wrong with the implants, even if it's minor. Like, it's not a one off thing. They always need tweaking eventually. And yes, if saline they can slosh. Mine were biggish
      Say I was sun baking and changed from left to right side it sounded like a hot water bottle.

      Delete
    7. Pacific diamond22 August 2015 at 05:13

      Good luck with the shelter. That is a wonderful idea!!!

      Delete
    8. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 05:17

      The one part of my body that I didn't mind getting bigger was my boobs
      I don't know what size I am as I only wear sports bras
      As they are much more comfortable

      Oh yes
      I will keep you updated about the shelter x

      Delete
  2. bluedragonfly9522 August 2015 at 04:33

    Would I get it done; Hell no. No thankyou. I will 'better' my body in other ways less 'look at me' kind of ways. More inconspicuous ways.

    If I HAD to have cosmetic surgery what would I do (my own take on the 'what would you have done q); Hmm liposuction? Does that count?

    Yay or nay; Personally nay. I feel fake and like I'm putting on a persona. Kinda like fake nails (although they made me feel pretty I felt needy unable to do things like do up a clasp. My self worth is now even more damaged from my malnutrition and the harsh filing they endure. Other people I don't mind each to their own. As long as they are happy. I actually can not tell when people get it done (unless we're talking botox that's a whole other kettle of fish). I don't really advocate it but I do support it in some cases where it can improve ones body image or for medical reasons. When I was in the children's ward they have a day clinic where young children (I don't remember what they were afflicted with) would have botox. The wonders of the 21st century. I would prefer to spend my money on other menial things. Shoes, art supplies, books...

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    Replies
    1. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 04:42

      Yes it doesn't appeal to me either
      I am not entirely happy with my body at the moment
      In fact I have never been
      But cosmetic surgery is a bridge too far for me
      Like you
      I would rather spend my money on other things
      I guess my little shopping habit could be a bit out of control
      But I can justify it until the cows come home

      By the way
      Going to get my piercing next week
      Super duper excited x

      Delete
    2. bluedragonfly9523 August 2015 at 03:49

      Oh yay pictures please!!!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous22 August 2015 at 07:00

    Hi Ruby,

    I'd never get anything done on my face, and the only thing I would seriously consider if money wasn't an object would be a boob reduction. I'm a 32DD but would love to be a B or even an A. Sounds daft I know, and most people would love to have boobs my size(!), but I really dislike it.

    L xxx

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    1. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 07:07

      Hey L,

      It's funny
      It seems we all want what we don't have
      My boobs are the one part of my body that I almost like
      Although I don't know what size I am as I always wear sports bras for comfort
      I'd say I'm about a 32 B or C
      I hope you can grow to like and love yours L
      Because you are beautiful
      I have no doubt about that x

      Delete
  4. Anonymous22 August 2015 at 08:52

    OMG I couldn't live in sports bras! I row 7 times a week so spend a lot of time in them, but couldn't imagine wearing them all the time!

    Awwww thanks Ruby!

    P.S. I'm the L who emailed you about joining meetings about 5 months ago but decided on rowing. Best decision yet :) I also comment a lot on your blog haha!

    L xxx

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    1. Ruby Tuesday22 August 2015 at 09:07

      Oh hey
      That's great
      I often wondered how you were getting on
      And you sound like you are getting on well
      So that is great
      I'm glad rowing is helping you
      I'm a huge believer in whatever works

      Oh I guess the bras I wear are maybe more bra tops than sports bras
      The are elastic and have no clasp at the back
      So I think of them as sports bras
      But technically they are not

      Always love to hear from
      And get updates
      So so let me know how you are getting on x

      Delete
  5. Eve22 August 2015 at 13:50

    I guess it's a free country here so people can do what they want and it doesn't really affect me. I've found lifting weights is the ultimate cosmetic change that makes me feel sexy. I'm always on my lifting soap box haha sorry. I just know that's all temporary shit. Keeping active and healthy is really what lasts. I was born with thin lips and while I've been told by an ex bf he wished I had full lips who cares? Go find her. I have great eyes and a great ass. It's one thing to do it due to a deformity and another to go overboard and change every little thing. The male species is actually pretty okay with girls that have real bodies and faces. I would never infringe on anyone's choice, however, as I'm a huge advocate for tattoo and piercing equality and I'm sure that can be looked upon as altering image. I mean, it is but some is temporary in nature. Whatever. Were all gonna get old and get saggy one of these days. Life is too short to waste on being so consumed with image when there's a ton of things out there to see and do. It's just all abiut acceptance and that need for it. The only thing I considered was my lips but I realized that would only look wrong with my features and it doesn't matter. Plus, I'm a poor college kid. :P

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    1. Ruby Tuesday23 August 2015 at 02:39

      Take it from me Eve
      You are stunning
      And don't need to change a thing

      Getting my piercing done next week
      So excited! X

      Delete
  6. hiding_in_public22 August 2015 at 21:27

    I am not a big fan of cosmetic surgery.. mainly you see so many examples of it done poorly.. Or I had a friend who had an eating disorder who somehow convinced her parents (who obviously could afford it) to get her a tummy tuck. She then ended up with a hematoma and problems with it healing.. which was in part because she was still active in her ED and purging frequently.. It was all strange. In general, I think if it's their own money they can do what they please with it..
    I am not going to lie.. I've thought about it. I don't have the money for anything, so it's not likely I would ever have cosmetic surgery. I've mainly thought about having something done about the extra skin/flabby areas I have since losing weight because I lost a lot very quickly.. or a tummy tuck.. or whatever would generally make me look better. But since I have such a history or gaining and losing weight, I feel like there's no guarantee I just wouldn't gain everything back and undo whatever I had done. I've also thought about the surgery they can do to remove scars since I have so many from self harm, but it would cost a fortune to have anything done about that since there are so many. So probably I would not do any of it, but I think about it pretty regularly

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    1. Ruby Tuesday23 August 2015 at 02:41

      There seems to be a lot of unscrupulous surgeons out there
      I've seen some really awful cases too
      If I had to get something done
      It would be liposuction
      But in all reality
      I can't ever imagine going that far x

      Delete
  7. cursum perficio23 August 2015 at 02:38

    When I'm rich I am getting everything done. Every-bloody-thing. I've heard that Venezuela has good surgeons.

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    1. Ruby Tuesday23 August 2015 at 02:42

      Ha CP
      You make me laugh
      I'm hoping you are not serious
      Because I would not change one thing about you x

      Delete
  8. Mich24 August 2015 at 07:05

    My best friend just got botox in his forehead. We all told him he's crazy (he's only 32, and he had no lines or anything). But he was convinced he was getting wrinkles and that he needed it. I was honest with him after, I said he looked exactly the same because he didn't have any lines in his forehead in the first place. He's been eating disordered and body dismorphic for years, and it sounds like the place he went they not only told him he needed the botox, they told him he should get all of these other procedures done as well. I think that's awful they'll take advantage of people's negative body image like that.

    Until they invent a machine where you go in, they push a button, and you come out looking like Milla Jovovich, I think I'll skip the cosmetic surgery.

    xo

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Thank you for leaving some love x

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