The Story Behind the Knife

Cosmetic surgery, also known by the term plastic surgery, is derived from the Greek word, "plastikos," which means to mold or to shape. It has been around for ages. By 2000 BC, reconstructive surgeries have been performed in India specifically rhinoplasties with the use of native methods. During World War I, there has been a surge in cosmetic surgeries performed. Soldiers with deformed faces caused by the war were place under the knife so restore their malformed faces back to normal. During the 1st century, the Egyptians and Romans were also able to do easy and simple techniques like repairing damaged ears. During these times, plastic surgeries where done for the sake of a person's health and well-being and not for vanity reasons.

There came a time when undergoing cosmetic surgery was considered taboo. Celebrities who go through these types of surgeries keep mum about it despite its obviousness. However, in the 20th century, it took on a different path and was more widely accepted and used to enhance a person's outside appearance rather than for health reasons.

There are two types of procedures done in cosmetic surgery. First is called reconstructive surgery. It is done on people who have scars, skin conditions or facial deformities that can affect a person's social life, day-to-day activities and self-esteem. The second type is called elective cosmetic surgery. In this type of surgery, you can opt to correct a flaw in your body like a sunken nose, small breasts or wrinkled skin. There are also nonsurgical procedures like Botox injections or laser resurfacing. These can improve acne scars and facial wrinkles.

Cosmetic surgery has been faced with a lot of moral issues like altering the way God has made you. There are some who give justification to what they do. They claim that it is not changing, but the more correct term is enhancing their looks. Some would think undergoing plastic surgery is not bad at all. As long as you know the effects, be it good or bad, and you are ready to accept what these effects can do to your body. If you feel that it can make you a better person or it can help you function better, then go for it. If you are having second thoughts, it would not hurt to think about it a couple times over before making a decision. It is your life after all.