Adjusting our Looks: from braces to padded bras to cosmetic surgery....where do we draw the line?

[drafdog]

Let’s go from the least to the greatest altering techniques.

1. Casual temporary changes include wigs, toupes, colored contact lenses, lipstick and other make-up. These are usually done only to satisfy personal vanity and we should be careful how much we do in this area because it can become sinful (vanity). The long term use of heavy make-up will result in permanent irreparable tissue damage. This is self mutilation and is condemned by the Church.
2. Longer term temporary changes include hair dyes, tanning lotions, etc. The person doing this sort of thing is saying he doesn’t like how God made him and is pretending to correct God’s mistakes. I think this clearly crosses the line into idolatry in that personal opinion overrides God’s intent.
3. Cosmetic dental surgery (orthodontics). This is usually done to improve dental health, chewing (a necessary element of the processing of food by the body), and like problems. As this is done primarily for health and seldom includes actual surgery (the dentist is not required to cut in order to achieve the required result) this comes under medical treatment and is not likely to be done for reasons that may be construed as sinful.
4. Cosmetic surgery for liposuction (fat removal), face lifts (repair sagging skin, eliminate wrinkles, etc.), tummy tucks, breast augmentation, breast reduction, nose reshaping, etc. are all over the line since such procedures are done either for personal vanity (sin of pride) or to make one more employable. Please recall that we no longer enjoy the performance of certain operas because the Church condems surgical intervention for the purpose of entertainment. We no longer have castrati to sing male soprano parts.
   Note that I leave out of this any discussion of cosmetic surgery to repair natural deformities, fractures from accidents, etc. Restorative surgery is morally justifiable.
   I also left out hair style which may be vain, but in moderation is merely conforming with current style. I include cutting style of all hair on the head under this, both female and male.

Matthew

 

[PRmerger]

Longer term temporary changes include hair dyes, tanning lotions, etc. The person doing this sort of thing is saying he doesn’t like how God made him and is pretending to correct God’s mistakes. I think this clearly crosses the line into idolatry in that personal opinion overrides God’s intent.

Matthew

Hair dyes are immoral? I don’t understand how coloring one’s hair differs from coloring one’s lips. Temporary is moral, but permanent is immoral? (Besides, hair dyes are NOT permanent!)

 

[FrankLawrence]

I think we all need to realize that there are some people who, when they were in high school (or younger) did not go through a day in their lives where their peers did not viciously torment them over their physical appearance. Until we’ve walked an INCH in the shoes of such people, we are in no position to point fingers of judgement at them, if later in life they get surgery. High schoolers can be MERCILESS to their peers, and will make a point of bringing up every physical “flaw” that they possibly can, at an age where people are particularly sensitive to peer criticism. Graduating from high school does not take the haunting memories or feelings of insecurity away. High school can scar people for life. If physical surgery can remove emotional scars, and restore confidence, then unless the Church makes an official declaration that it is sinful, I don’t feel that we should claim it to be sinful, either.

Lasik is an interesting dilemma in terms of how we view it. In one sense, we are altering God’s work. In another sense, however, wearing glasses alters the natural looks that God gives us, and lasik can prevent that alteration, thus preserving the proper appearance of God’s creation. I feel that unless the Church has officially declared it to be wrong, then it should be viewed as acceptable, but that’s just my opinion.

As bad as it may sound, from a sharing our faith perspective, the better looking we are, the more powerful our witness can be. The worldly are drawn to physical appearance, and the worldly are the “harvest.” However, Catholic women need to model chastity in manners of dressing, and not rely on sexual hypnosis to make converts.

I think of the Christian Rock group Barlowgirl, who are excellent modern examples of chastity. Realistically speaking, though, the fact that they are beautiful (physically) is what makes their stand for abstinence and modesty so appealing. The fact that their looks alone could get them nearly any guy they want is what makes their message of waiting for their future husbands so powerful. Then, their stands for abstinence, chastity, and modesty become a positive influence for young Christian girls, as they have glamourized such virtues, while simultaneously setting a standard for young Christian men to hold when looking for a wife. The bottom line is, though, that without their physical beauty, their ability to influence others in the way they do just wouldn’t be the same. So, my point? Seeking to improve our physical appearance can actually be a very Godly thing, in that it should increase people’s receptiveness of our positive personality traits that will witness to our faith.

As for breast reduction surgery, I know someone who had that done, because her breasts were so big that they were causing physical pain to her back. I don’t feel that her actions were immoral in the least. If the Church hasn’t declared something to be wrong, we need to be very careful not to impose our own standards onto the behavior of others, and then claim that we are doing so in the name of the Church, as such actions will hurt our witness.

 

[RenaissanceMare]

<<< So what do you think about braces? That is a permanent physical change to your body, that is, physically altering what God has given you.>>>

But it’s for a health reason, not for purely cosmetic reasons.

 

[PRmerger]

<<< So what do you think about braces? That is a permanent physical change to your body, that is, physically altering what God has given you.>>>

But it’s for a health reason, not for purely cosmetic reasons.

I sometimes wonder about the “health reasons” given for braces. I got them 30 years ago, and probably could have lived a very heatlhful life without having had them…they just made my teeth look nicer.

 

[Almeria]

As for breast reduction surgery, I know someone who had that done, because her breasts were so big that they were causing physical pain to her back. I don’t feel that her actions were immoral in the least. If the Church hasn’t declared something to be wrong, we need to be very careful not to impose our own standards onto the behavior of others, and then claim that we are doing so in the name of the Church, as such actions will hurt our witness.

I’ll second that. Breast reduction surgery is generally done for medical reasons, not cosmetic. Trust me, when your breasts are too large, there are physical problems that come with it.

 

[dulcissima]

Let’s go from the least to the greatest altering techniques.

1. Casual temporary changes include wigs, toupes, colored contact lenses, lipstick and other make-up. These are usually done only to satisfy personal vanity and we should be careful how much we do in this area because it can become sinful (vanity). The long term use of heavy make-up will result in permanent irreparable tissue damage. This is self mutilation and is condemned by the Church.
2. Longer term temporary changes include hair dyes, tanning lotions, etc. The person doing this sort of thing is saying he doesn’t like how God made him and is pretending to correct God’s mistakes. I think this clearly crosses the line into idolatry in that personal opinion overrides God’s intent.
3. Cosmetic dental surgery (orthodontics). This is usually done to improve dental health, chewing (a necessary element of the processing of food by the body), and like problems. As this is done primarily for health and seldom includes actual surgery (the dentist is not required to cut in order to achieve the required result) this comes under medical treatment and is not likely to be done for reasons that may be construed as sinful.
4. Cosmetic surgery for liposuction (fat removal), face lifts (repair sagging skin, eliminate wrinkles, etc.), tummy tucks, breast augmentation, breast reduction, nose reshaping, etc. are all over the line since such procedures are done either for personal vanity (sin of pride) or to make one more employable. Please recall that we no longer enjoy the performance of certain operas because the Church condems surgical intervention for the purpose of entertainment. We no longer have castrati to sing male soprano parts.
   Note that I leave out of this any discussion of cosmetic surgery to repair natural deformities, fractures from accidents, etc. Restorative surgery is morally justifiable.
   I also left out hair style which may be vain, but in moderation is merely conforming with current style. I include cutting style of all hair on the head under this, both female and male.

Matthew

Don’t you think you might be giving yourself a little too much credit as far as knowing what people’s motivations are for doing such things? Perhaps I am reading too much into what you are saying when you say something like: “The person doing this sort of thing is saying he doesn’t like how God made him and is pretending to correct God’s mistakes.” That sounds an awful lot like a blanket statement where you are judging the hearts of an awful lot of people.

I am 40 and I have been dying my hair for a little over a year and a half now. I didn’t do it because I was unhappy with the natural color of my hair or even because I was getting a few streaks of grey. I’ve been doing it for fun and for a change of pace. I have dyed my hair various shades of burgundy or aurburn, and have enjoyed the pick me up that a little change can have. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on this latest shade of auburn and so I’ve been keeping it for a while. Although, who knows maybe I will want to try something new next time. Maybe I’ll even decide to go back to my natural shade, dark brown. I don’t know. My dad was a red head, and I am enjoying being one too.

There was a woman in my Bible study class who used to do dye her hair as well. Then she had breast cancer and all her hair fell out. When it grew back in, it was silver, and she discovered that she loved the way she looked with short silver hair. She does look stunning. So, while I have fun being creative, I still give God total credit for how beautiful and sometimes unexpected his work can be.

 

[Delphinus85]

What are everyone’s thoughts on the morality of re-designing our bodies through various techniques?

Is it wrong to disdain breast augmentation, yet wear a padded bra?

What about braces? This is not a simple endeavor–it takes years of adjustments, some degree of discomfort, not to mention the financial commitment–and usually it’s for cosmetic rather than because of a true anatomic deformity.

And makeup? Isn’t it really adjusting the physiognomy we’ve been given by God?

My feeling is that most people in these forums would say that braces, using padded bras, makeup are morally fine, but that cosmetic surgery is stepping over the line.

My question: why? Why is it ok to alter one’s body up to a cerain point?

I think all of it is fine, depending on one’s motives. Are you getting plastic surgery to make the best of what you have, or because you hate the way you look and can’t bear to stay that way? Or are you doing any of it to make yourself sexy so you can turn heads and get any guy you want? are you doing it to make yourself feel better and more confident, or are you doing it because you suffer from really bad self esteem issues? I think motives in almost anything is the deciding factor.

 

[SeekerJen]

I sometimes wonder about the “health reasons” given for braces. I got them 30 years ago, and probably could have lived a very heatlhful life without having had them…they just made my teeth look nicer.

If you’d seen the teeth on some of my elementary school friends, you’d understand the health reasons. Some of them had teeth growing one right in front of the other, or teeth coming in sideways from their gums. I’d say the braces were warranted in those cases.

 

[Dameedna]

We live in a certain culture and are subject to it.

If you disagre with the culture, then attempt to change it yourself.

Many women have done this, by not shaving their legs or underarms, and refusing to wear make-up.

They are saying to the world, I’m beautiful as I am. Most of what we do is cultural and it has very little to do with God. I’ve had braces and I’m glad. My teeth are awefull. That allows me within my culture, to not be looked at funny

I live within the confines of my culture. Some people are truly capable of transcending all things. I know my limits. And I work within them.

I draw the line at truly putting my life in danger tho.

 

[brigid12]

Since I’m an single, unemployed, middle-aged female I definitely have experienced ageism and know that when I go to job interviews that if I don’t look and seem** extra** good, I won’t even be given the time of day by employers. I give myself a body perm (since my hair is so lank/fine that it droops totally within 45 minutes of curling it without it - not even time enough to** get** to many interviews) and, even tho’ I don’t like the idea (cost and hair damage, etc) I may decide I need to color my hair in order to get/keep a job.
My eyesight is 20/525 but I haven’t even really considered Lasik due to the expense and no “fix” for presbyopia anyway, so I’d still need to wear reading glasses all the time since I read constantly. I had braces in my early 20’s for health reasons, then they had to do oral surgery (yeah, actual cutting - under anasthesia for 5 hours - terrible!). I wear makeup both for interviews and so the general public won’t shun me - I also think that it’s easier to evangelize someone who likes the way you look and doesn’t think you look weird. I bath and shave underarms so I don’t smell - common courtesy as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had moles removed, the dr. thought they might be questionable but ended up to be fine. People do what they need to do for a variety of reasons. Only He knows the state of their soul!

 

[RenaissanceMare]

<<<<They are saying to the world, I’m beautiful as I am. Most of what we do is cultural and it has very little to do with God. I’ve had braces and I’m glad. My teeth are awefull. That allows me within my culture, to not be looked at funny

I live within the confines of my culture. Some people are truly capable of transcending all things. I know my limits. And I work within them.

I draw the line at truly putting my life in danger tho.>>>>

Very well put, and this could be applied to many things, not just physical appearance enhancement.

 

[PRmerger]

Here’s a provocative comment, just to prolong this discussion:

Why, in this case, are most of us practicing Catholics **accepting **the cultural norms with regard to physical appearance?

It seems, if one reads these forums, that the majority of us lament the turn for the worse our modern culture has taken in areas such as sexual norms, childrearing, spirituality, respect for family, etc etc etc…

Why, in this case, are we saying, "well,this is just the way our society judges people’s looks. It’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s just to be expected."??

 

[Pug]

Why, in this case, are most of us practicing Catholics **accepting **the cultural norms with regard to physical appearance?

1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.

For this reason, I must go to where they are, and go in a way that they will listen. It is rarely for myself that I do these things. The thing that gets me to put out the effort is the thought of others. (I don’t *accept *the norms necessarily, I just mostly comply with them.)

Paul even had Timothy circumcised for reasons similar to these.

 

[Jodi]

I can even see a legitimate case that could be made for tummy tucks for those who have lost significant amounts of weight. After all those rolls of skin can impeed range of motion and make excercise difficult. I think this is a case where judge not lest ye be judged is a good motto.

 

[Pug]

I can even see a legitimate case that could be made for tummy tucks for those who have lost significant amounts of weight. After all those rolls of skin can impeed range of motion and make excercise difficult. I think this is a case where judge not lest ye be judged is a good motto.

It isn’t just that. I suspect there is likely a problem of sweat between the folds. Fungus can grow.

 

[Island_Oak]

I have known any number of people who have had consmetic surgery for nothing more than purely cosmetic reasons. They have enhanced, removed, tightened, reduced various body parts–not so much for vanity’s sake alone, but because the offending body part is such a source or embarassment, preoccupation and insecurity for them. Once remedied, these folks are like sinners who have been forgiven. They can move forward with a more balanced, healthy and positive outlook on their life and interpersonal relations and have far more self-confidence and poise. Who can argue with that kind of result or insist that someone keep a prominent nose, unsightly mole, a flat or overly-voluptuous chest or baggy eyes that date them far beyond their actual years. It’s not for everyone, but I say more power to you if you can remedy something that causes you angst.

 

[THutch04]

Braces can be a used for necessities. Personally I didn’t choose to get them because it would’ve been solely for cosmetic reasons, and I couldn’t justify the money that would be spent on most likely looking worse for a few years in order to do it.

Padded bras I wear all the time because it makes me feel somewhat more attractive. I don’t like the way I look and it makes me feel better. If I could afford it I would seriously consider the surgery. It’s not to please others, it’s to please myself. Maybe once I reached my goal of gaining 10 pounds that’ll change, but as of right now, I just look bad.

I have started wearing makeup, but I don’t like it…such a hassle. I only wear it because apparently 21 year olds are “supposed” to wear it, and the last thing I want to do is look younger than I actually am (maybe in 40 years I’ll like that, but right now I really don’t like it).

I just want to feel ok with my physical appearance, which unfortunately isn’t all that great. I’ve known many people who have cosmetic adjustments for the same reasons, and I really don’t think it’s a bad thing if they’ll be able to feel somewhat better about their appearance instead of hating the way they look.

 

[happyseppy]

. Vanity is not among my top 10 personal sins, but I have other, far worse sins which I wish could be surgically removed!

I’m with you on that! Aging is a grace, because, once we let go of the fact that we will not always look young, no matter what we do to ourselves, we can freely focus on the parts of us that matter for all eternity!
hmmmm, perhaps we could do that sooner…well I have not been 100% successful on not worrying inordinately about what I look like, I am (thanks be to God) concerning myself more and more about what I am like.

God Bless

Peace

Kelly

 

[pyropam]

Personally, I think there’s a difference between enhancement (makeup, special bras, good hair styles, jeans that make your butt look smaller) and causing a permanent, physical change in your body it did not recieve naturally.

I mean, personally, I’m the kind of girl that puts on makeup in the morning even when I’m just doing housework and never leaves the house without it on. However, I would NEVER consider plastic surgery to change my features. I use makeup, hair styles, flattering clothes to work with what God gave me, instead of changing His work with surgery. My two pennies.

As you say this, I’m think that you were born with normal features. Many of us are not. I think this topic cannot be discussed among people who have never had to experience deformity. What about children born with deformities? Sure, it is simply cosmetic to correct some of their problems. But these problems quickly become mental issues.

I have a sister who had breast implants. She was as flat chested as any boy and has almost no body fat anywhere. She was always ashamed of herself and her body. She couldn’t ever even make simple life decisions (like what to cook for dinner) without crying and calling me. After having the surgery, she became very out-going. She has a normal life.

I too have had cosmetic surgery. I had what is commonly called a “tummy-tuck” after having 3 children. I had stretch marks from my groin to my breast that were over 1 inch wide. The excess skin that was removed from my abdomen weighed over 10 pounds. I went from a size 12 to a size 7/8. I feel better about the way I look in clothes.

Should we not have open heart surgery since God didn’t bless us with a perfect heart? Should we not have our tonsils removed because we have cronic sore-throats? Should burn patients remain scared?

My son has ADHD and has to receive medication at school. He was getting in trouble frequently last year. When I would go to the school, I found that they were not giving him his medication on a regular basis. How do you expect him to behave if you are not going to treat the problem? The lady told me not to get so upset about it. As a nurse, I quickly responded… If it were heart medication… you would have just killed him!

Keep an open mind…physical deformities (real or imagined) can lead to mental health issues and mental health is just as important (maybe more so) than physical health. Because you will see people with mental problems (depression etc…) have physical problems frequently.