Cosmetic surgery represents an extreme form of modern grooming. It is the fastest growing medical specialty, yet misconceptions abound about those who undertake it and their reasons for doing so. With a grounded approach, engaging 30 women through in-depth interview, this study explores how they chose cosmetic surgery as an option. Their accounts frame a theoretical discussion, in which Northrop proposes that cosmetic surgery is initiated within the vulnerable and divisive relationship between the self and its poor body image. Poor body image and the attempt at its reparation are examined conceptually through shame and narcissism. With compelling case studies and a multi-disciplinary approach, Reflecting on Cosmetic Surgery demonstrates that shame constitutes a framework through which we formulate appearance norms and learn the art of becoming socially embodied. Shame concerns the self, but manifests in response to perceived social phenomena. Through the evaluation and amendment of body image with cosmetic surgery, notions of self and social worthiness are played out. Northrop argues convincingly for a review of the way in which we view narcissism and proposes that shame, and the discomforts arising from it, are implicated in its occurrence. This book will appeal to students and scholars across the social sciences, and particularly in women’s studies and gender studies.

"An impressive book. An important book."—Jamie Lee Curtis "I blame mirrors. If it weren't for them we wouldn't need plastic surgeons. In the meantime, anyone tempted to re-shape face, body and mind by means of knife should first read Blum's intelligent, persuasive and absorbing book. Both enticed and alarmed, the reader will at least know what she's doing and more importantly why. This is a book that takes you and shakes you by the throat, and leaves you the better for it."—Fay Weldon, author of The Life and Loves of a She-Devil "An eye-opening look at the dangers, both physical and emotional, of plastic surgery and of the power of beauty in all of our lives. Blum's book is an impressive interweaving of observation, oral interviews, cultural studies, and historical sources. An absorbing read, this is a scholarly book that general readers can enjoy."—Lois Banner, author of American Beauty "A provocative and thoroughly persuasive argument that we live in a culture of cosmetic surgery where identity is sited on the shifting surfaces of the body. Flesh Wounds brilliantly explores the link between the seductions of surgical self-fashioning and the star system, drawing on a stunning array of materials ranging from interviews with plastic surgeons, psychoanalytic theory, and the novel to the visual media of digital photography, film, and television."—Kathleen Woodward, author of Aging and Its Discontents: Freud and Other Fictions

Written by leading psychologists, psychiatrists, and plastic surgeons, this volume provides a thorough understanding of the psychological issues involved in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The book examines the relationships among physical appearance, body image, and psychosocial functioning, reviews the literature on the psychological functioning of plastic surgical patients, and offers clinically effective recommendations on psychological assessment and care of specific patient groups. Major sections detail the psychological issues surrounding specific disfigurements and reconstructive procedures and cosmetic surgery of the face and body. These chapters include brief questionnaires for psychological assessment of patients. Concluding chapters discuss bioethical, professional, and legal issues.

One major by-product of the aging baby-boom generation has been a surging interest in cosmetic surgery. Out-patient cosmetic surgery clinics have sprouted up in droves all over the U.S., and the number of cosmetic procedures performed in 2005 increased by over 95% from the previous year. Although procedures like facelifts and abdominoplasties (the 'tummy-tuck') are considered minimally invasive, the anesthetic protocols and regimens here are often overly complex and unnecessarily toxic. Major complications involving anesthesia in this (and any other) surgical milieu can range from severe post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) to neuromuscular spasticity to mortality. The mortality spectrum of things may be rare, but there have been many cases in which perfectly healthy cosmetic surgery patients require emergency intervention due to a severe complication involving anesthesia. In recent years, many new anesthetic protocols have been developed to reduce the incidence of PONV and other complications, while ensuring that effective pain management and level of 'un-awareness' during surgery is always maintained.

Reshaping... looks at women's involvement in cosmetic surgery and raises the question of why women put themselves under the knife for operations which are painful, risky and expensive and often leave them in worse shape than before.

This book examines British and American women's narratives of cosmetic surgery, exploring what those narratives say about the contemporary status of cosmetic surgery and 'local' ideas about its legitimate and illegitimate uses.

Cosmetic surgery is big business. With demand rising, this commercial medical practice has become a modern body custom. To explain the emergence and growth of this demand, Deborah A. Sullivan looks beyond the cultural imperatives of appearance and examines the market dynamics inherent in the business and politics of cosmetic surgery. In so doing, she also considers the effect of commercialization on the medical profession. After reviewing prevailing beauty ideals, Sullivan looks at the social, psychological, and economic rewards and penalties resulting from the way we look. Following a historical overview of the technological advances that made cosmetic surgery possible, she explores the relationship between improved surgical techniques and the resulting increased demand; she also examines the ensuing conflict within the profession over recognition of commercial cosmetic surgery as a specialty. Among the topics covered are sensitive areas such as physician advertising, unregulated practice, and ambulatory surgery, and the consequences of commercialism on medical judgment. Finally, she reveals how physicians and their professional organizations have shaped the ways in which cosmetic surgery is presented in advertisements and women's magazines that would promote patient demand.

The book covers the most innovative, contemporary, and common plastic surgery procedures, and aims to improve both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical results while decreasing the incidence of complications. In doing so, patient satisfaction, quality of care, and safety are enhanced. The text provides a wealth of knowledge seeking to enhance results, reduce morbidity, and ensure patient satisfaction. The book consists of five parts, running the gamut of Aesthetic Surgery, Reconstructive Procedures, Pediatric and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Adjunctive Procedures, and finally Hand and Upper Extremity. Written by experts in the field, each chapter describes tips and tricks through clear technical details, medical illustrations and, in some chapters, detailed videos. Tips and Tricks in Plastic Surgery serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, professionals and practitioners, as well as medical students on rotation.

Full-color, step-by-step guidance on how to perform the most popular procedures in cosmetic surgery Using more than 250 full-color illustrations and photos, and clear, concise text, Cosmetic Surgery teaches you how to perform the latest and most in-demand surgical and non-surgical procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. Each chapter includes patient selection and preparation, technique, complications, outcomes assessment, and references, and many illustrations that have been prepared specifically for this book. FEATURES: A consistent, easy-to-navigate approach that facilitates quick learning More than 250 full-color illustrations that clarify each step of every procedure Expert authorship by experienced plastic surgeons COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF: Facial surgeries including facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, and chin implants Breast surgery, body contouring, and bariatric plastic surgery including breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and liposuction Non-surgical options including Botox, injectable fillers, chemical peel, dermabrasion, and laser surgery Other considerations such as new developments in cosmetic surgery, the business of cosmetic surgery, and the public’s view of cosmetic surgery