Beauty and the Knife--It's Not Always 'Happily Ever After'

Photo Credit: Vanity Fair, Plastic Surgery Confidential

Nowadays, it seems like a lot of 20something celebs are doing it. Ashley Tisdale's/Ashlee Simpson's nose job, Lindsay Lohan's lip botox, Heidi Montag's ear pinnings--it seems our "Barbie" fascination has taken a mind of its own (I personally think these ladies looked gorgeous before their procedures)! While 20somethings are the 2nd to last age group to start nipping and tucking, there has been a steady increase of young adults turning to cosmetic procedures from 2009-2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What's even more scary is that women account for 91% of cosmetic procedures in the United States.

It's no surprise that many of us are thinking about plastic surgery. The obsession to be perfect can make any normal gal go crazy! From magazines to TV shows highlighting the "sexiest bodies" in the world (aka genetic miracles), and radio ads selling  tummy tucks--I'd be surprised if any of use didn't think about visiting the local plastic surgeon.
I'm not making this post an anti-plastic surgery post. I personally think when you're at the appropiate age or a corrective-need comes along and the funds are available, there is nothing wrong with it! Many women get plastic surgery due to a recent accident, life-threatening condition, etc. However, as a 20something, we need to be careful no matter what the reason! One bad surgery can give you a beauty disaster of a lifetime. And most importantly, plastic surgeries come with a huge risk to your health.

Be smart--do your research and consider all of the pro's and con's! I recently came upon a ForbesWomen blog post breaking down the top 10 hidden dangers of plastic surgery. It's definitly a must-read for all my fellow 20something ladies who rather skip the gym and hit that tummytuck. I also encourage my 20somethings to try more natural ways to reach the "image" you seek. This could include increased physical activity, healthy eating (there are lots of beauty benefits for eating organic foods, incl. fruits and veggies), and learning to love what you see in the mirror. No one is perfect, but those imperfections are the things that make you uniquely beautiful.

Bottom line: Don't risk your health for societies addiction to perfection. Make sure it's something you really want to do for you, not anyone else! Like any other procedure, talk to your doctor and loved ones before you go under the knife.