"Designer vaginas", penis enlargements, breast enlargements, et al: "choice" or medically unethical

Question

And if this isn't solely about choice, should this be addressed by professional organizations, like the AMA, or is there a role for government in oversight of medically unnecessary procedures?

Tera,

Excellent questions.

Various forms of body modification, such as piercings, are not performed by medical professionals (in the vast majority of cases), so do not involve the same ethical responsibilities.

Reconstructive (burn victims, amputees, mastectomy patients) procedures are standardly distinguished by medical professionals, from procedures which are not addressed to correcting the effects of an accident or surgical procedure.

That should have said, "distinguished by medical ETHICISTS"

Rebel F,

Great answer.

One point though. The "jelq" and similar techniques have never been tested for medical efficacy and are likely bogus (and claims for their historical origins are demonstrably false) and they can be dangerous, contributing to subdermal hematoma and to Peyronie's disease, according to urologists.

Answer 1

I think that the "need" for almost ALL of these surgeries could be largely eliminated through either preventative, education, or alternative methods. For example:

Designer Vaginas:

The vast majority of women do not have cute, perfect vaginas with perfectly symmetrical inner labia. Women need to be made more aware of what "real" vaginas look like. Many women have their inner labia either removed or greatly reduced in size, which is unfortunate because many sexually experienced men enjoy a nice pair of labia. These are all things that women need to learn.

Penis Enlargements:

As I see it, there are very few penises that are actually "too small". A particular penis might be too small for a certain partner, but a man of almost any size can find a woman who prefers and appreciates that size. Men need to be made aware of this. Many men are also unaware that the "average penis size" is actually smaller than they think...around 5 inches, according to one of the latest studies (women should be made aware of this as well so as not to consider 5 inchers as "small"). Also, some men have serious issues with their penis size...somehow it affects them psychologically and they blame all their life's problems on their d*ck. This needs to be addressed as well, though I'm not sure how. Finally, if he absolutely MUST have a larger penis, then he should try alternative methods of enlargement, such as PE, which he can learn about at sites like this: http://www.thundersplace.org/

Breast Enlargements:

Society's fixation on large breasts inevitably contributes to many women's disappointment in their own breasts. However, I think most men would agree that there's nothing wrong with a nice pair of small breasts. Unfortunately, all too many women and girls aren't aware of this. They should try to come to terms with the fact that there's *nothing wrong with them* before insisting on an enlargement. I've viewed some plastic surgery before/after pictures of breast enlargements, and I've got to say that's it's a damn shame how often a shapely, symmetrical pair of small breasts is butchered all for the sake of "bigger is better".


So. ULTIMATELY, it IS a "choice". However, before people are allowed to make such choices, medical organizations or practices should be obligated to educate them thoroughly before they embark on such an ordeal. If they've been properly informed on all sides of the issue and they still are absolutely fixated on having the surgery and nothing else will do...then go ahead and give it to them or they won't be happy (though they might still not be happy afterwards).


EDIT:

In regards to PE exercises: I tend to think that certain PE exercises, if done properly and in moderation, would not be dangerous. I think the problems occur when a man goes overboard with it. Then again, I don't have a d*ck, I'm not a urologist, and I've never done PE, so what do I know? Obviously the best course of action is for men to learn to accept themselves as they are. Additionally, parents should make sure their young sons get great nutrition to ensure that his penis grows to its maximum genetic length (though this is hardly the only reason why a kid should get good nutrition...both male and female children should receive optimal nutrition for a variety of reasons, something many parents don't seem to realize).

Answer 2

I've never really thought about this from an ethical point of view before. The problem with deeming these procedures unnecessary and unethical is where would you draw the line? What about face lifts? Body piercings? Tattoos? What about glass eyes (for people who've lost an eyeball) or what about women who've lost a breast due to breast cancer? What about skin grafts for burn victims? I think there are many cases where cosmetic surgery is medically unnecessary, however there are cases where cosmetic surgery has helped people cope (psychologically) with loss or deformity. Who would be the "best judge" for determining one's personal psychological or emotional impact, (the positive effects from having a cosmetic procedure)- the person having the procedure done, or the general public?

Answer 3

I will clap along with the asker in praising Tera and won't attempt complete explanation. I will just help with a non-required trimming to give an extra light on the christmas tree! :)

If we as humans could just keep emphasize that there is an important difference for happiness between:
1) major repairs to the self esteem (ex. extreme plastic surgery) and...
2) putting a bandaid on the hurts to not have to look at them (ex. controversial enlargements)...
3) just having a fun go at something interesting (ex. tattoo, piercings)

What would be different in this world, if this were viewed accurately? hmmm...

Answer 4

I agree here with Deirdre and also with RoVale. Medical repair treatment for genuine physical affliction, fine. But some of the other stuff, frivolous and a waste of medical resources which are needed elsewhere.

Trouble arises because so many people feel dissatisfied with being themselves and are uneasy with their own identity. They wanna be a clone of somebody else they've seen on TV, or in Hollywood films, or in glossy magazines.

Answer 5

Those type of enhancements show just how much pornography has permeated into our mainstream culture. A lot of plastic surgery nowadays is not to improve one's appearance but to enhance areas that were largely ignored until fairly recently. You have to wonder why people would even want these procedures done unless they've been watching a lot of porno movies and have been led to believe that these enhancements are somehow better than being normal.

Answer 6

I agree completely. I find it a conflict of interest for medical professionals to be mutilating another. How many women and men suffer from loss sensation because of nerve damage to the breast and genitals after surgery. People are being coerced by social values to have themselves cut so that they will be more desirable and thus find that special partner. More attractive so they can find a good husband or wife.
Yet western culture find the same practices abhorrent in African cultures and outlaw the practices as criminal.
How can we say that those parents are wrong when they feel they are doing this for the same reasons that people are doing it here. They want the best possible future for their children as a good wife.
I find all of it terrible and I hope that I have taught my children to love themselves unconditionally so they don't have to resort to trying to make themselves better. I have seen many instances of those people having gone through painful surgery only to find out that they still loathe themselves inside. Self esteem needs to be built in our children so they can accept themselves as just how nature intended them to be and don't measure themselves to a unrealistic value of beauty or appeal.

Answer 7

Why can't women be sensible and just keep themselves in shape. Isn't that a lot better than having someone take a knife and slicing you down there and or slicing your boob to put in a bag of water. Plus there are physical exercises that can be done. It just takes a bit of effort and the money stays in the pocket We certainly are taking the lazy way out.
Besides, you said choice so I made my choice providing that I stay healthy. I can't talk for a man; I'm not of that persuasion. .

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

In some cases,yes I do agree that those procedures are necessary.

The ones that choose to go under the knife to boost their confidence will be the ones with larger monthly bills.