Is all plastic surgery vain?

[Theresalux]

Quick question. I have a small mole on my nose that appeared a few years ago and I absolutely hate it. Although my fiancé met me after the appearance of the mole, and insists that I look beautiful with or without it, it still bugs the heck out of me and makes me feel very insecure about my appearance at times.

My question is this. Would the removal of this skin condition, harmless in nature, therefore technically unnecessary to remove, be considered an act of vanity? Is is vain to have “plastic surgery” to remove a slight facial imperfection to boost self esteem and self image?

 

[HomeschoolDad]

I think you’re OK with doing it. If you don’t like the appearance of it, I think that is sufficient reason to have it removed. Worrying about it being sinful (and this is just my opinion) borders on the scrupulous.

Having a mole or cyst (as I did) removed is a very minor surgery and causes no disruption to anything. I would also add that any neoplasm — you said that it “appeared” — could be dangerous. So it might even be better to remove it, than to leave it be.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

No. All plastic surgery is not vanity.

But like all things, you need a balance—if you’re going into debt to have repeated surgeries, when your appearance is average-to-okay to start with, that would be a problem.

Or if you have unrealistic expectations that your improved looks will fix things like crappy social skills or will manipulate other people into “loving” you.

Or if you were trying to make yourself look bizarre, like the woman who is trying to make herself into a living Barbie doll (although I think her issues are more in the line of psychiatric problems rather than in the moral realm).

But a mole removal? Nah.

 

[joyfulandactive]

Moles that appear later and grow or change shape can be cancerous or pre-cancerous so it would be wise to have a dermatologist look at your mole anyway. Also don’t forget you will have a small scar when the mole is removed.