EDITORIAL + PHOTOGRAPGHY BY JADE CONNOR MODEL ALICE OKUKPOLAR
THE PERFECT PROCEDURE: UNDER THE SKIN
What is considered perfection? Is it having fuller lips or having bigger, rounder breasts? Everyone has different definitions of perfection. Despite this, society pressures young women to consider what perfection is. We all want to be perfect or at least aspire to get close to perfection. At least that is what society claims. Current social norms imply that our natural state is not enough anymore, and cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever before. Celebrity culture continues to encourage us to ‘enhance’ ourselves. “I don’t think that is the celebrities fault though. I would blame society.” The real question is, do we really need to be ‘perfect’?
could afford it…It was a long and difficult experience that will go on for the rest of my life because breast implants need to be replaced every decade or so. The process was far from simple, it was emotionally draining and had lots of ups and downs.” Olivia first undertook surgery at the age of 21 and now at the age of 25 she has undertaken corrective surgery on her breasts.
“I had to fight for a couple of years to get a re-op because I kept being sent away to wait as if they were going to change, they didn’t. I even went to a private hospital for a second opinion and the surgeon there We are a society that pushes for perfection, as cos- said I had at least half a cup size difference.” metic surgery becomes an issue, young people are willing to undertake procedures that aren’t being Olivia did not regret her surgery after her re-op but thoroughly thought out. Are we trying to make our- she recognised how it has changed her life. The imselves, or society, happy? The increased popularity plants will need constant attention for the rest of her of cosmetic surgery is partially due to how availa- life. Olivia did not do this out of any desire to be conble these processes are. People are encouraged to sidered ‘perfect’. Instead she has found that since enhance themselves irresponsibly as the offer for the operations, her self-esteem has improved. Olivia change is within reach and young people in particu- explained that there is a lot of pressure on vulneralar are willing to take significant risks. ble women, and the temptation to start procedures is common place in todays society .. “I was definitely I myself have never undertook any form of cos- pushed to have bigger implants than I wanted and metic surgery. As I furthered my own understanding I wish I had been more assertive and known what I’d and gained an insight into the severity of the mat- wanted and not let anyone influence me.” ter, some shocking statistics came to light. I found that, according to The Guardian’s 2013 surgery In the end it is down to individual choice, and therestatistics, breast augmentation is the most popular fore it is important that the choice is well informed. procedure. A staggering 11,123 women undertook The individual must do it for the right reasons. Don’t the procedure last year. I interviewed Olivia (not her undergo life changing operations in an attempt to real name) about her intriguing experience when resemble someone, or something you’re not - ultishe undertook breast augmentation surgery. From mately true happiness comes from within. As with being a young teen Olivia wanted to enhance her any medical procedure it is essential the client unbreasts to improve their definition. She explained; derstands the complexities and dangers involved. A plastic surgeon will not stop you from making the “It wasn’t something I ever thought was for me, wrong decision. I understood why people did it but I didn’t think I
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