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mr_bamber
Guest
Is it sinful to undergo cosmetic surgery?
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Newbie2
Guest
Good question. I assume you’re asking about purely cosmetic procedures, not those that may have a medical benefit associated with them.
In part, methinks it would depend on the motive for doing so. If someone were, say 5 or so pounds overweight and wanted to lose the fat as an issue of vanity, it could very possible be sinful. Someone 80# overweight, who doesn’t have the motivation to exercise, but could lose the weight through exercise, possibly a different matter.
Face lifts? Implants? Purely cosmetic dentistry? I’m not certain, but again, it would methinks depend, in part, on one’s motives and maybe the degree to which one plans on altering oneself.
We use makeup, and dress nicely to “look good” or to “feel good” about ourselves, however, that doesn’t permanently alter our bodies.
So, my answer would be “perhaps”.
In part, methinks it would depend on the motive for doing so. If someone were, say 5 or so pounds overweight and wanted to lose the fat as an issue of vanity, it could very possible be sinful. Someone 80# overweight, who doesn’t have the motivation to exercise, but could lose the weight through exercise, possibly a different matter.
Face lifts? Implants? Purely cosmetic dentistry? I’m not certain, but again, it would methinks depend, in part, on one’s motives and maybe the degree to which one plans on altering oneself.
We use makeup, and dress nicely to “look good” or to “feel good” about ourselves, however, that doesn’t permanently alter our bodies.
So, my answer would be “perhaps”.
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dashso40
Guest
I think if someone is deformed or scarred or has had a mastectomy, I think that plastic surgery is great. Surgery is a risk, and I think a lot of people overdue plastic surgery. breast implants are completely unneccessary unless someone has had a mastectomy. I think purely cosmetic is prideful and sinful in some situations…just my opinion
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glenconnor
Guest
I chose years ago not to have any pure cosmetic surgery after eight or so surgeries relating to a birth defect. I rarely regret this decision. And aside from having a not so pleasing side-profile, time has been good to me. The Lord sees me as I am, and the scars in my soul from sin are far worse than any on my face and body anyway. But everyone must evaluate their own needs. Just because I don’t need it doesn’t mean that you don’t truly feel that you do. And there is nothing wrong with that. Don’t do it for anyone else but yourself. Don’t refrain from it for anyone else but yourself. Pray about it, and do as the Spirit moves you. I will pray for you.
Joshua
Joshua
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rskempf
Guest
There is a nice summary article on this very topic in the latest issue of Homiletic & Pastoral Review; March 2010.
The article is titled “The ethics of cosmetic surgery.” The author is Dr. Patrick Guinan.
In this article, the case is made for repairing cleft palates, burn victims, etc.
Cosmetic surgery in about 90% of cases however can be considered unethical.
In my opinion, in the typical application, it is the epitome of vanity and pride.
The article is titled “The ethics of cosmetic surgery.” The author is Dr. Patrick Guinan.
In this article, the case is made for repairing cleft palates, burn victims, etc.
Cosmetic surgery in about 90% of cases however can be considered unethical.
In my opinion, in the typical application, it is the epitome of vanity and pride.
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flyingfish
Guest
Is it sinful to wear make up? Is it sinful to color your hair? It’s in the same category of appearance improvement.
In some cases in my opinion cosmetic surgery can improve self esteem and quality of life, so why not?
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o_mlly
Guest
See the article in the current issue of Homiletics and Pastoral Review.
The ethics of cosmetic surgery
By Patrick Guinan
Cosmetic surgery is not as innocuous as some may think.
hprweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=235&Itemid=61
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Rascalking
Guest
I don’t think it’s sinful to want to look better. It’s not my thing-I wouldn’t do it-but saying that something is sinful might be a bit too much.
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rskempf
Guest
You do not need to think it is sinful or say it is so. You simply have to be faithful to our Magisterium and authentic catholic church teaching. The indicators are, from Church teaching, that it is likely a sin to receive cosmetic surgery. Sure there are some exceptions. But, in general, you need to be cautious and follow the Holy Spirit - alive and well in Church teaching.
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dixieagle
Guest
I agree with this completely. About 15+ years back, I broke my nose in a run-in with a car door (I’m a klutz). After about a week of not being able to breathe right, I went to an ENT/plastic surgeon who was an acquaintance. My septum was terribly out of whack, to the point where surgery was warranted. As I had always hated my nose (believe me, I had good reason) I decided to ask the doctor about the possibility of subtly altering its appearance, while he was at it. He said he wouldn’t charge any more than the necessary septum surgery would cost. I could have kissed him!!! There was never a happier patient!
There are some physical deformities and imperfections which can seriously impact one’s self-confidence and interfere with socialization, etc. If one can afford the surgery without adversely affecting the family finances and the risks are not out of proportion, I cannot imagine that there is anything sinful about it.
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Darnrarejob
Guest
Not technically.
But at the same time you have to ask yourself “why am I doing this?”
Consider the following scenario:
In the span of one year, a girl got asked out on 10 dates. As soon as the year ended, she gets breast implants. The following year, she gets asked out on 20 dates.
Simply getting implants doubled her chances of finding a husband, but we’re forgetting something: While the average QUANTITY of possible husbands went up, the average QUALITY of possible husbands actually went down.
We have to ask ourselves the following question: What does this say about the 20 men that asked her out? What’s so different about her? As a person, she didn’t change at all. So why all the interest all of the sudden?
But at the same time you have to ask yourself “why am I doing this?”
Consider the following scenario:
In the span of one year, a girl got asked out on 10 dates. As soon as the year ended, she gets breast implants. The following year, she gets asked out on 20 dates.
Simply getting implants doubled her chances of finding a husband, but we’re forgetting something: While the average QUANTITY of possible husbands went up, the average QUALITY of possible husbands actually went down.
We have to ask ourselves the following question: What does this say about the 20 men that asked her out? What’s so different about her? As a person, she didn’t change at all. So why all the interest all of the sudden?
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