Women’s Health in Context: Cosmetic Surgery Past, Present, and Future: Scope, Ethics, and Policy

Martin Donohoe, MD, FACP

Medscape Ob/Gyn. 2006;11(2)

Introduction

The preceding article in this series discussed historical ideals of beauty and body modification and described in detail current approaches to altering appearance, such as the use of cosmetics, tanning, tattooing, body piercing, botulinum toxin, and dermal fillers.^[1] This essay will discuss the history and scope of cosmetic surgery; describe a procedure, breast augmentation, in detail; analyze trends in male enhancement, going beyond cosmetic surgery into muscle building and augmentation of athletic performance; offer a glimpse of the fringes and future of cosmetic surgery; list some contemporary ethical and policy issues in cosmetic surgery; note a few humanitarian ventures undertaken by plastic surgeons; and conclude with thoughts on the role of health professionals and the media in defining ideals of beauty.

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Cite this: Women’s Health in Context: Cosmetic Surgery Past, Present, and Future: Scope, Ethics, and Policy - Medscape - Aug 29, 2006.

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Women’s Health in Context: Cosmetic Surgery Past, Present, and Future: Scope, Ethics, and Policy

Introduction

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Authors and Disclosures

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