Does the tradition of Pope Francis, which has been getting such enthusiastic attention lately, have wisdom to offer about cosmetic surgery? The church's official catechism cautions believers not to “idolize physical perfection,” but never specifically mentions such operations.
There are cosmetic surgical procedures which are haram and are not considered to be excusable; these are seen as tampering with the creation of Allah for the sake of beauty. Examples include: breast enlargement or reduction, and procedures aimed at reversing the signs of ageing, such as face-lifts etc.
There isn't really a typical person who gets plastic surgery. Women are more likely to get plastic surgery than men, and younger men are more likely to get plastic surgery than older men. In recent years, more men are getting plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can aid and improve self-perception and boost self-esteem.
Normally, aesthetic medicine is a social taboo and people seldom openly admit that they have had cosmetic surgery. Generally, cosmetic surgery is traditionally framed as artificial, man-made, and socially unacceptable.
These changes can lead to a very positive and uplifting experience and are rarely the cause of an unhealthy obsession with perfection. So long as your expectations are realistic then plastic surgery can be a boon to your self-esteem and overall happiness.
Encountered complications – 24% Don't feel the side-effects were fully explained –17% Feel less confident/comfortable now than before the surgery – 13% Regret spending the money and/or am now in debt as a result – 8%
Some people say plastic surgery is a feminist move because it makes them feel empowered; that going under the knife doesn't mean you can not be a feminist. However, cosmetic procedures in themselves cannot be considered a feminist act.
Conclusions: The rule in Islam is that individuals should be satisfied with the way Allah has created them. Islam welcomes, however, the practice of plastic surgery as long as it is done for the benefit of patients.
Plastic surgery addiction is a behavioral disorder which causes a person to want to constantly change their appearance by undergoing plastic surgery. This disorder may cause someone to spend thousands of dollars on multiple operations, all of which may not ultimately make them any happier.
Considering the overwhelming majority of cosmetic procedures that take place are for females, it's not surprising that the most in-demand job for women is performed nearly 250,000 more times than the most popular surgery for men.
With over 300,000 surgeries performed each year, breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States.
Most women who choose this procedure are in their late 30s, early 40s, or beyond. However, when it comes to your age, as long as you are committed to maintaining results, don't plan on getting pregnant again, and are in good health, any age is the right age.
Islam permits plastic surgery for the purpose of treating the disease and to save or preserve the function of the body organs. It is not permissible to undergo cosmetic surgery when the purpose is merely to beautify oneself or improve one's appearance as it entails altering the creation of God without a valid reason.
Although various aspects of Islamic doctrine about cosmetic surgery remain vague, religious scholars generally state that beautification used to improve a deformed part of the body is generally permissible and can eliminate physical and psychological distress.
The teachings of Islam are focused on developing inner beauty and not prioritising your outward physical appearance. Permanent physical changes, such as cosmetic enhancements and interventions are not permitted because they are seen as altering and changing the creation of Allah.
The verdict was that it's halal (sanctioned) to augment unusually small breasts, fix features that are causing a person grief, or reverse damage from an accident. But undergoing an unsafe procedure or changing the shape of a “perfect nose” just to resemble a singer or actress is haram (forbidden).
According to the Modest Muse, a website specialising in Muslim teachings, breast surgery is permissible if there is an incidental disfigurement of the breast that is causing severe embarrassment. Modifying the breasts is also permissible if the shape or size is off-putting to a woman's husband.
For this reason, laser hair removal is actually allowed in Islam. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair. As long as the procedure is done for hygiene or medical reasons, it is considered permissible in Islam.
Reason #1: Self-confidence
This is perhaps the most obvious reason women pursue plastic surgery. But self-confidence comes in all shapes and sizes; it's not always about adhering to a predetermined standard of beauty. In my practice, I aim to help all patients, not just women, bring out their personal best.
There is no reason that cosmetic surgery should be embarrassing; if you feel that aesthetic surgery will make you feel more confident or improve your health, then you shouldn't be ashamed to be open and honest about your cosmetic plans.
Nationally, the Australian Medical Association position statement on body image and health7 states that patients under 18 years of age should not have procedures to 'modify or enhance physical appearance', unless it is in their 'medical and or psychological interests'.
People Continue to Age Naturally After Plastic Surgery
How a person ages is affected by various factors: general health, genetics, fluctuations in weight, smoking, sun exposure and stress — and plastic surgery does not stop the aging process.
There are no specific laws in the United States that prevent teenagers from getting cosmetic surgery; however, parental consent is required for patients under the age of 18. Therefore, the responsibility falls to parents to help their children make the right decision.