'How does plastic surgery affect the way we view our bodies?'

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 16 Aug 2002 06:19 PDT

Hi gemma...

would you mind restating your question
maybe with an elaboration? It seems that
it might be a bit too broad of a question.

Since plastic surgery is typically cosmetic
and elective, it would seem that it brings
us closer to a perceived ideal state. Thus
we would view our bodies as a more pleasing
visage.

[ http://www.loveplay.com/frmplas.htm ]
"Whether we like to admit it or not, humans are physiocentric
creatures. We judge people on the basis of how they look; we get
passed over for jobs or promotions if we don't project the proper glow
of youth and vitality. Cosmetic surgery has become the equalizer. "

[ http://www.discoverplasticsurgery.com/ ]
"The "Baby Boomers" are continually turning to Cosmetic Surgery to
further improve their self image. More than 2 million people will
undergo plastic surgery this year alone. "


Is this the concept that you are
trying for? Please let us know
so we can give you a proper answer.

thanks
-AI

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 16 Aug 2002 19:41 PDT

gemma...

Maxwell Maltz, MD was a plastic surgeon who asked the same question.
When his post-surgical patients continued to have doubts about their
self-image, he devised a number of psychological process to assist
them in acquiring self-esteem. These processes were so successful that
he decided to try them on his pre-surgery candidates. Much to his 
delight, and their satisfaction, he discovered that their self-esteem
improved to the point where they no longer desired the surgery.

He named his processes "Psycho-Cybernetics", and published a book
by that title. It is described as "the best selling book ever
published on self image therapy, self hypnosis, and self improvement",
and "has sold over 30 million copies world wide."

Here's a link to the official website of Psycho-Cybernetics:
http://www.psycho-cybernetics.com/
and one to a description of the book:
http://www.psycho-cybernetics.com/bin/loadpage.cgi?1029550828+book.html

Dr Maltz has gone on to refine his processes to include a
broader arena of self-improvement and creativity:

The New *Psycho-Cybernetics: A Mind Technology for Living
Your Life Without Limits by Dr. Maxwell Maltz and Dan Kennedy
http://www.psycho-cybernetics.com/bin/loadpage.cgi?1029551866+new.html


Searches done, via Google:

Maxwell Maltz Psychocybernetics
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Maxwell+Maltz+Psychocybernetics

I already knew of his work from my background in psychology.

If this satisfies your interest, post a clarification,
and I'll post it as the answer. Otherwise, feel free
to further clarify your interest.

sublime1-ga