The sacrifices of beauty: the extreme women face to look “beautiful”

Graphic courtesy of Brandy Pickering
Graphic courtesy of Brandy Pickering

Liposuctions, plastic surgeries, Botox injections, and extreme make up coverage, are increasing in today’s society. Not only are these procedures becoming popular in Hollywood and in the lives of many women, but are also extremely dangerous if not practiced carefully, and the consequences are shocking.

Women tend to confide in these procedures for many reasons, but the most common are; the hope of looking “beautiful,” feeling better about their appearance, and attract more attention from the opposite sex.

In some cases, the results are positive and women cherish their new look. Other times one might not be as lucky, and may suffer greater challenges after liposuctions and plastic surgeries. When it comes to Botox injections and extreme make up coverage, women might suffer from severe allergies that sometime lead to life threatening consequences.

Liposuctions, plastic surgeries, and Botox are obviously the most dangerous of these procedures, since they tend to interact with the inside parts of the body. According to Liposuction.com “liposuction is defined as the removal of fat deposits beneath the skin using a hallow stainless steel tube (called cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum.” Some side effects of liposuction are bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, and discomfort. Serious complications would be blood clots, and infections or allergic reactions.

Plastic surgeries, as everyone knows, involve cutting through the skin, if something goes wrong, the appearance of a woman will look worse than the one prior to a surgery.  These risks are obviously ignored when a woman desires a “bigger chest,” a “better nose,” and “better lips.”

Of course, both surgeon and patient are happy after a successful surgery, but when the results are unexpected, their lives can change forever. The surgeon could lose his or her reputation, and a patient can lose their confidence of being outdoors, even when going to the nearest shopping center.

Some severe results after an unsuccessful surgery are; scarring, bleeding, nerve damage that can lead to paralysis, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and necrosis. Bleeding is by far the most dangerous  side effects, because there can be “blood clotting and its accumulation under the skin can result in a condition called hematoma which will be firm in appearance and feel, and the color of overlaying skin may change to blue or purple.” Freelance writer, Jayashree Pakhare           

Nerve damage is perhaps the second worse side effect, but does not compare to the physical shame a woman might have, especially when their skin changes color. Nerve damage can usually be fixed with reconstructive surgery, but again, this is another risky operation one might avoid by simply loving themselves for who they are.

Botox is the beloved “miracle” that women can depend on, as they get older and their skin starts to wrinkle. However, if too much Botox is injected or injected in the wrong area, drooping eyelid muscles can be a common side effect.

According to Associated Press, the FDA expressed their concerns on Botox injections due to potentially deadly risks, since the injections have toxin in them that are normally causes of food poisoning. 

“In rare cases, the toxin can spread beyond the injection site to other parts of the body, paralyzing or weakening the muscles used for breathing and swallowing, a potentially fatal side effect.” Said the Associated Press in a 2009 article titled “FDA warns of rare but deadly Botox risks.”

This study on Botox is very recent, and yet the number of patients, undergoing Botox injections increase every month. Millions of dollars have been spent on these “miraculous” procedures, but even more money is wasted after the unexpected results. Horrible side effects can be avoided, if a woman could just accept the fact that human beings get older through time.

Liposuction, plastic surgery, and Botox, are obviously most common in an adult woman’s life.  Sadly, the number of young ladies who are victims of excessive make up coverage, keep going up in just a matter of seconds.

Acne and scars are the main reasons as to why many young ladies, see make up as their savior from shame and ridicule. Television shows, magazines, and celebrities are just a “small” reason that leads many girls today to use make up and try to look “hot.”

The problem with using makeup to cover up acne is that since the skin is already damaged, makeup just makes the skin more vulnerable. In addition, the pores of the skin are opened, and therefore some infections in the face can occur.

Cosmetics are not always a hundred percent safe, as stated by the National Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, 884 of the cosmetics available for purchase are toxic. There is evidence that there have been injuries due to cosmetics. “In 1990, there were 38,000 cosmetic related injuries that required medical treatment in the U.S.” Samuel S. Epstein, MD.

Since 1990 the numbers of injuries have increased, and most injuries are related to allergies and severe irritation to the skin. Obviously not all cosmetics are dangerous, but why put one’s self at risk? Many girls wear makeup because they try to “fit in,” and many times do not pay attention to the danger they might put themselves through.

Today’s society “expects” women to look a certain way, and since our world is being ruled by what the media shows in celebrity profiles, many women try to look like famous actress who appear on photo shopped magazines. Girls especially, try to look like the new famous actress or music star, not really measuring the consequences of their actions.

Liposuctions, plastic surgeries, Botox, and extreme use of makeup might or might not be successful, depending on the person. But one has to pay attention to the many risks involved in following these procedures, because sometimes the consequences are life threatening.

About Ana Palma-Gutierrez 29 Articles
My name is Ana Palma-Gutierrez, and I am from Mexico City. I first moved to the U.S. when I was seven years old, and the transition into my new life was a very challenging experience for me. I had to learn English in order for me to survive in my new home, and in addition, I had to leave all my friends and family behind in order for me to find a better life. Almost thirteen years have passed by since I first moved to the U.S. and I am very proud of being a Staff Writer and Copy Editor for The Jibsheet. Currently, I am the only Mexican/Hispanic Staff Writer and Copy Editor on staff, and I am very proud of myself for this accomplishment. I want to thank my Editor in Chief (Riley Hartwell,) as well as the rest of my editors for giving me the opportunity of writing and editing for The Jibsheet. I look forward to completing my Arts and Science Degree here at Bellevue College, and transferring onto a four-year college, where I hope to Major in Political Science and Minor in Journalism.