Plastic Surgeon in Guatemala

Most of us think of plastic surgery as superficial and unnecessary.  However, the work that some plastic surgeons do for those in poor countries is quite significant and inspirational.  The article titled “Plastic Surgery Benefits Everyone,” http://www.ienhance.com/article/Detail.asp?ArtID=127 shows that plastic surgery can be a worthy cause.

Dr. Daniel J. Ervin donated his time by traveling to Guatemala in order to correct deformities for those who don’t have the means to seek help themselves.  For example, a 12-year-old girl was born with a cleft lip, and Dr. Ervin was able to correct it for her.  For most of the people in Guatemala, having such an opportunity is a dream come true.  In order for them to seek help, they must travel to the city; since it would cost them $2,000 in American money to do so, such a trip is impossible.  $2,000 is equivalent to 4-5 years’ salary to the Guatemalans.  Therefore, you can imagine the gratitude they have toward the surgeons who donate their time and supplies.

 This article shows plastic surgery in a different light.  The surgeries that are performed in Guatemala are truly life-enhancing.

Organization

Whenever I write papers, long or short, I just sit down with ideas jumbling in my head and write.  I have never been able to bring myself to create outlines.  However, I was required to create an overview of a 15-page research paper, and I have found that breaking my ideas down into specific categories is very helpful.  It also makes me think of new ideas that I may not have addressed otherwise.  Even though I have just started considering my topic and have not gone in depth with it yet, my outline has provided me with clarity and a mission.

The Booming Industry of Plastic Surgery

Many call the uprise of teenage plastic surgery a “trend”.  However, an article titled Bodies Under Construction suggests that there are deeper issues.  I think Dr. Antell brings up a good point when he mentions the media; “The media has also done a good job of making people aware of the procedures available. Another reason is acceptability. In a way, plastic surgery has come out of the closet.”  Although Dr. Antell brings up an important issue, he does not address it with 100% honesty.  The media has made people aware of the procedures available, but more importantly, I think it has provoked people to feel that they need improvement.  The media is filled with tall, skinny, seemingly flawless people who are supposed to represent society.  The problem is, the majority of people do not look that way and it is not realistic; therefore, people seek this unattainable dream through plastic surgery.  The media does not so much inform readers as it does brainwash them. 

The media (magazines, movies, television), whether we are conscious of it or not, influences the way we think.  The recent increase of plastic surgeries proves that the images that are being flashed before our eyes are having psychological impacts.  In the article, an 18-year-old girl describes a game that she plays with her friends where they say what procedures they would undergo if money weren’t an object.  This game may seem harmless, but we all know this is a common case and I think that says a lot about our society.

You can view this article at http://www.fazeteen.com/fall2003/cosmeticsurgery.htm