As cosmetic surgery becomes more accessible to all, people no longer have to accept nature's imperfections. iVillagers on the Great Debates message board discuss the issues surrounding plastic surgery and how much responsibility the NHS and medical community should take.

Cosmetic surgery is not always the answer
It seems to me that some elements of the cosmetic surgery issues are symbolic of the 'quick fix' society we live in. Rather than take self-esteem courses or go for counselling to help us learn to love those bits of our body that we don't like, we opt to go under the knife.
mygally

We see many actresses and models in the papers, who undergo major breast enlargement surgery and are soon planning their next clinic visit. I worry about the surgeons, who are willing to continue operating on these women, where are their medical ethics? Its incredibly sad to think that people are so full of self-loathing that they would go to such lengths to be `perfect'.
mrscheeksy

I totally understand how people feel, I'm only a 32A myself and spent my teenage years believing I wasn't as sexy as my fuller busted friends. But over the years, I have learnt that confidence comes from within. People need to learn to have confidence in themselves and be content with the body they have. Surgery will not make people happy - if you 'fix' one thing there'll soon be something else you don't like about yourself. I think society should be trying to help people to get to the root of their insecurity, lack of confidence and discontent, rather than fostering the belief that by changing our exterior we can solve all our worries.
silverflower2001

The role of the media
There is far too much emphasis put on aesthetics these days, and I'm not ashamed to say that I am always moaning and worrying about my appearance. At this time though I don't think I would ever consider cosmetic surgery. With the introduction of designer vagina's, G spot enhancement and Botox parties, I think it's being taken too far. I think people should be happy with what nature has given them.
lemonlou

I find it appalling that doctors are performing surgeries to make people feel better about themselves. To my mind, doctors who perform these surgeries are simply contributing to a society which feels the need to have surgery to `fit in'. As more people are cosmetically enhanced, so there will be more teenagers suffering from low self-esteem, bulimia or anorexia - because they can't afford the liposuction which makes celebrities look so perfect. I think we all need to take responsibility as a society, and reject the notion that we should strive to look like unnaturally enhanced beauties. I think surgery for purely `cosmetic' reasons is morally and ethically wrong.
juliasjacket

The media consistently implies that unless we are beautiful, we will never succeed in life or even find a mate. Unless we make the effort to dispel these myths, young people will continue to grow up with these same beliefs. It appears to be too difficult or time-consuming to make youngsters feel good about themselves and have confidence in their abilities.
emiliszka