Ethical Dimensions of Cosmetic Surgery

Abstract

The promise of cosmetic surgery is that one can reshape his or her body to remove perceived defects and thus have a perfect body. Although in practice this is not always the result, many continue to pursue this potential. One extreme example of this impulse is actress Heidi Montag, who underwent ten different plastic surgery procedures in one day. But the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is not made in a vacuum. Individuals are influenced by others, including the media, the surgeons, and themselves. This essay uses Montag's experience to explore four ethical considerations surrounding cosmetic surgery—the surgeon, the patient, the media, and society—and concludes with a discussion of potential correctives for ethical failures in each of these areas.