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divinefaith
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It’s not in my headLOL…but they do have surgery for that, too! I was reading about it the other day! They can add several inches to your leg bones! No foolin’.
But don’t you go gettin’ this in your head…
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Sheeniac
Guest
I 100% agree. As a woman in her mid-40’s who has several flaws, I have no desire to make myself ‘prettier’ but I want to be taken seriously in my career. I am planning on having some age-related nips and tucks because I look tired most of the time, due to the facial changes accommodating aging.
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Bezant
Guest
Is makeup in itself sinfully vain? Or dressing smart? Is dressing very modestly vain? What about brushing one’s teeth? And keeping in overall good health? Or, shall we all look like we just rolled out of bed?
In and of itself, plastic surgery’s not vain, even when the procedure’s done without an ulterior medical need (e.g. breast reduction to reduce back pain, cleft palate to aid speaking, etc.), and I don’t see how it is.
Can it be vain? Certainly. I don’t think the average person “needs” to correct a physical flaw surgically; I don’t think even an “atypical” person “needs” to, either. I won’t be Mary Pickford-ish and claim that attractiveness isn’t about looks – it definitely is – but most if it is about keeping a tidy appearance that suits you, and confidence.
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EasterJoy
Guest
When Jesus cured the man born blind, was he saying, “Here, Father, let me fix that for you”? I don’t know about you, but I never took the story that way.
“Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:3-4
So you ask: does the surgery relieve suffering? When it is accomplished, will it give glory to God? When it is accomplished, will it present a near occasion of sin? As Steven Covey put it, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
Of course, if you’re not contemplating the surgery yourself, nor contemplating your medical specialty, there is always the option of minding your own business, too! (Well, OK, sometimes voters have to consider these things, too, but that is fairly rare.)
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JoArtist
Guest
I use the New American Bible which is an official Catholic translation I also have heard of Catholics using The New English Bible… I am sure that there are more Catholic translations, but these are the ones I have heard used most in the English language.
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SwizzleStick
Guest
Hubby and I also use the New American Bible most. Our family Bible, a gift from my MIL, is the Catholic Douay Rheims version. My personal preference between those two versions is the New American Bible. The Bible that Catholic Answers recommends is the Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), so that is why I mentioned that one. I bowed to their expertise, rather than initially mention my own Bibles or preference.
As far as the thread,
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divinefaith
Guest
I am not understanding your post: are you for or against plastic surgery?
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ajaffres
Guest
Thanks for all the insight. I was considering some plastic surgery after menopause to get rid of what pregnancies have left behind, especially after significant weight loss. Since fat cells never leave your body after weight loss, it was suggested as a healthy choice which would allow my body to function more efficiently. I know it can look like a lot of money that could be given to charity, but most of us will pay 3 times that amount for a car which will be worth nothing in 5 years. Am I making sense?
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AnneTeresa
Guest
I’m against plastic surgery for the purpose of looking better or more attractive (unless there is a serious flaw or reconstruction needed due to an accident or defect). To me it shows values that I don’t really agree with. I consider it a waste of money that could be put to good use elsewhere. But I wouldn’t buy a new car or a big house or take a very expensive vacation either–there are people who really could use that money to live on and I’d rather help support them.
Yeah, I’d look better with some plastic surgery–most people would, especially as you age. But I’m always surprised when I read here about how many catholics are perfectly OK with it. It kind of shocks me as I believe it’s what is inside that that matters and I try hard not to judge people by appearance (granted, it is a struggle for all of us).
Yeah, I’d look better with some plastic surgery–most people would, especially as you age. But I’m always surprised when I read here about how many catholics are perfectly OK with it. It kind of shocks me as I believe it’s what is inside that that matters and I try hard not to judge people by appearance (granted, it is a struggle for all of us).
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ajaffres
Guest
I agree, that plastic surgery should not be to “Look Better” for others. I don’t mind my stretch marks, my husband could not care less. They are testimonies of life. I just think that sometimes we forget the health benefits behind the surgery. Like preventing the risk of heart attacks and diabetes for those like me who did loose control on their bodies and over indulged for many years (which is also sinful), by reducing the weight gain by getting rid of the excess of fat cells the body doesn’t need. Sometimes extra tissue flabs after weight loss cause stress on certain bones and make us less mobile or active.Yeah, I’d look better with some plastic surgery–most people would, especially as you age. But I’m always surprised when I read here about how many catholics are perfectly OK with it. It kind of shocks me as I believe it’s what is inside that that matters and I try hard not to judge people by appearance (granted, it is a struggle for all of us).
I do not believe in retirement. As long as my body is able, my day to day life should revolve around a ministry. Obviously the ministry of marriage and family is a lifetime ministry, but as the kids get older and more independent, my extra hours should be spent helping others. Not indulging in luxurious holidays down south.
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Midwest88
Guest
You actually equate altering ones physical appearance permanently to makeup, tailored clothes and hygiene? Then again, I don’t agree with plastic surgery if isn’t reconstructive or it’s health beneficial. The whole self-esteem excuse seems to be a cop out. People who have dumbo ears, an abnormally huge nose, or a woman who has no breasts what so ever I can understand them wanting it. I have no issues with women who have birthed multiple babies and opts for a tummy tuck and ab surgery.
Bold: that’s just too easy to say since that opens the doors to almost any procedure.
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Debora123
Guest
I agree with you.
I have had one cosmetic surgery done, and it had nothing to do with vanity. It was more about looking more “normal” and not having this crazy weird thing I was terribly self conscious about.
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Debora123
Guest
You are absolutely right.
Vanity DOES NOT = wanting to look good… Just as lust DOES NOT = sexual attraction.
It’s only when you take it to the extreme of hurting others or looking down on others in some way.
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divinefaith
Guest
Some CAF members decide to link many things to capital sins
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Debora123
Guest
Yes, which is why it is best to seek advice/answers from a priest or spiritual director rather than strangers on the internet.Some CAF members decide to link many things to capital sins
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Midwest88
Guest
Is the nose surgery due to a health problem? Was the nose badly broken and needs realignment?I think you based your decision on good considerations
I would not think certain procedures are wrong. For example, a nose surgery doesn’t seem immoral to me.
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divinefaith
Guest
Firstly I’ll clarify that my example is not related to anyone on this forum (just incase you didn’t know that)
I am referring to those who have nose surgeries simply because they are self conscious about it’s appearance. I have friends who did undergro this surgery and they are not vain.
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LilyM
Guest
Depends entirely on motive.
Me, I am naturally more well endowed than the majority of women. Not so attractive as you get older and they start sagging. For some, having large breasts does produce back, neck or shoulder pain. Or it makes them incredibly miserably self-conscious. I’ve been blessed that this hasn’t been the case for me. So no surgery on mine, unless it does start causing problems later on.
On the other hand, I had a small bump in my nose when I was younger. Not especially disfiguring, but it did really interfere with my breathing. Not good. So I did end up getting it operated on.
And here is my point - surgery is not like wearing makeup or dying your hair. It is removing or irreversibly altering (not just disguising) an important, healthy and functioning part of the body.
Even the most benign surgical procedures have much more risks attached than makeup and hair dye. For that reason alone it is not something that should be entered into lightly by any means.
Too many people here seem not to appreciate what a serious thing it is to get bits of yourself sliced and diced. I had to say I didn’t either, until I had the nose surgery - yowza! No way would I ever do it without an extremely good reason.
Me, I am naturally more well endowed than the majority of women. Not so attractive as you get older and they start sagging. For some, having large breasts does produce back, neck or shoulder pain. Or it makes them incredibly miserably self-conscious. I’ve been blessed that this hasn’t been the case for me. So no surgery on mine, unless it does start causing problems later on.
On the other hand, I had a small bump in my nose when I was younger. Not especially disfiguring, but it did really interfere with my breathing. Not good. So I did end up getting it operated on.
And here is my point - surgery is not like wearing makeup or dying your hair. It is removing or irreversibly altering (not just disguising) an important, healthy and functioning part of the body.
Even the most benign surgical procedures have much more risks attached than makeup and hair dye. For that reason alone it is not something that should be entered into lightly by any means.
Too many people here seem not to appreciate what a serious thing it is to get bits of yourself sliced and diced. I had to say I didn’t either, until I had the nose surgery - yowza! No way would I ever do it without an extremely good reason.
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divinefaith
Guest
Yes I agree no one should lightly make the decision of going thru plastic surgery.
But I dont think that most cosmetic surgery distorts the normal function of the body. Who knows… Maybe some surgery out there is no good. But for the sake of this forum I am talking about those which don’t alter the functioning e.g a nose surgery isn’t supposed to damage your breathing. Yes there are risks involved but considering the rarity of the significant damage that could be caused, I don’t think it’s enough to rule out cosmetic surgery as sinful regardless.
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