Hi, I am currently a third year student at the University of Leeds and am working on my final project. I have decided to develop a campaign dealing with the pressures on modern women, and have decided to focus on cosmetic surgery.
The media industry has had a huge impact on the way women see themselves and has promoted unrealistic images of the female form which women strive to become.
I would find it very useful if you could give me your opinions on the topic.
For example:
Have you ever considered cosmetic surgery?
How do programs such as 10 years younger/Extreme makeover make YOU feel?
Is cosmetic surgery the key to confidence in today’s society?
Rather then image/appearance what other elements boost your confidence?
If an event were arranged in celebration of women and their natural bodies, which form do you think would be most successful? (e.g. cancer research has the race for life)
All comments would be helpful, thank you for your time in advance.

I think the media can definately influence women to have cosmetic surgery-
Obviously women are surrounded by images of "perfect women" in magazines, tv, film, and even in computer games. And the media can make surgery seem a "normal" thing to do.
There feels like there is so much pressure to be younger, slimmer, bigger (breasts). So when programmes like extreme makeover appear- it makes surgery seem a natural thing to do!
Im speaking from experience. (I had a breast enlargement done in 2005) After many years of feeling inadiquate and un-womanly I had always considered having surgery, but always thought it too drastic. However after watching Big Brother (Yes you heard right!) and seeing everyday girls admitting to having Breast enlargements, it appeared to me more acceptable. Bizzare I know!
Anyhow- I now feel so much more confident with my body, and I really dont regret it at all.
I have to admit though- I never would have done it if the pressure of what a woman "should" look like hadn't been there!
If you want anymore info let me know.

As a bloke, I find programmes such as "Look 10 years younger" horrific.
I personally would not consider plastic surgery, unless due to accident or injury I had a disfigurement, that interfered with the normal living of my life.
Now I know that a lot of people undergoing surgery would say that is the case, That their body image does interfere with the happy enjoyment of their life and their body image, and that is their choice. I do feel that a lot of plastic surgery companies do try to make money out of people who are just having a few self esteem issues, and who if they were encouraged to feel better about themselves wouldn't go down this route.

Just my opinion, before I get flamed....

There are some advertising campaigns bucking the trend. The Dove one is one to point out. What does astonish me was the fact that it nearly got canned for not following industry norms, as the vogue-a-rexics in power suits, didn't like it.
Why does it continue? Because normal, real, everyday women buy into it.

And ladies, a word from the average bloke on the street. Plastic enhanced and undersize is not attractive. Trust me on that

quote:

Originally posted by Nelly Da Heffalump:
And ladies, a word from the average bloke on the street. Plastic enhanced and undersize is not attractive. Trust me on that

Yes but a confident woman IS attractive. And Surgery can do that.

And also just to point out- Talking breast enhancements- Not all women have it done to look like Jordan. A lot of us get it so we end up with breasts that are average size- B-C cup... Most people couldnt even tell. No-one knew I had mine done.

Thank you both for your comments, all have been valuable. I would like to quote some of these comments, with your permission. So if you don't mind, could you inform me of your where you are from, and which age range you fall into.
18-25
25-35
45-55
55+
Hope thats ok.

40 year old from Birmingham
Feel free to quote what you like its a public forum after all so anyone posting here shouldn't get too precious

quote:

Originally posted by Darkangel2828:

quote:

Originally posted by Nelly Da Heffalump:
And ladies, a word from the average bloke on the street. Plastic enhanced and undersize is not attractive. Trust me on that

Yes but a confident woman IS attractive. And Surgery can do that.



And also just to point out- Talking breast enhancements- Not all women have it done to look like Jordan. A lot of us get it so we end up with breasts that are average size- B-C cup... Most people couldnt even tell. No-one knew I had mine done.

I'm glad that you've had a good job done, and that you're happy with it. Unfortunately I've seen some work that isn't as good, and yes you can tell, and the women involved aren't trying to go for the Jordan look either

27 - Darlington. You may use my quotes.

You've also got to remember that we are now living in the world of the push up bra and chicken fillets! I used to be afraid to undress in front of a boyfriend, Like I was cheating. There I was the "Normal" figured woman (Albiet with padded bra or 'chicken fillets'), the next minute flat chested. You really do feel like a fraud.

Another issue I forgot to mention before is clothes. I could never fill a nice top or dress. They used to gape or sag in all the wrong places.
I do believe the trend is shifting slightly in fashion, with the dawn of the "Lollypop" figure. (That is our anorexic celebrities who are so skinny and flat chested their heads look out of proportion) So fashion is changing, to flatter the boyish figure.