Breast Implants for Cosmetic Purposes Okay?

[Rainbunny]

I was following an article (US where I live) about a self-described feminist who got breast implants. The comments section was fairly lively with strong views each way. I must admit, I come down on the side that feels this is a depressing state of affairs - going under invasive procedures to be a "more perfect woman" Ugh. If I have a daughter at some point I hope I do a good job of helping her love and respect her body for all the amazing things it can do and not to feel "less than" because of so-called beauty ideals. Oh, and declaring that getting a boob job is somehow a feminist action is BS!

Here is the link to the article I read, I'm curious as to opinions back on this side of the Atlantic (I've been living so long overseas I wonder if views that I think mark me as British are actually just me being a reactionary old-fart!)

www.xojane.com/issues/im-a-feminist-and-got-breast-implants

I've had one and my self esteem is, and always has been, very high. I've always loved my body, my breasts were nice before, I just wanted to improve on them and the option was available to me so I took advantage of it. Not all women who elect to have cosmetic surgery are self loathing with terrible self esteem. I love my breasts, they are soft, look v real, are a good size for my frame (it was important to not 'look' like they might not be real) and I have full sensitivity.

"Self-desribed feminist"

???

I so don't get that

Isn't every single woman in the world a feminist??

Feminism is about wanting to be treated equally and have the same oppurtunities afforded to men in terms of economic, political, cultural, and social rights..

It's simply about wanting to have choice and autonimy, isn't it?

How can any woman say they don't want to be treated equally to men?

Of course it's ok! It's a personal choice.

I truly don't understand why people (sadly mostly women) feel that they must canvass opinion for so many decisions that affect nobody else but themselves.

I can understand that somebody would want to be reassured, comforted, educated, any number of reasons but why on earth somebody would actually feel that they need to act on the opinions of others is beyond my understanding.

I had a breast reduction when I was 15 years old. I consulted with my gp and the surgeon, also my mother but it was my decision and I don't remember asking for anybody's opinion other than the surgeon's in respect of scarring and best aftercare. Nothing to do with anybody else and it was purely my decision.

I find it quite sad actually to read post after post demonstrating that some women seem incapable of making decisions for themselves. It's one thing to have a debate, enjoy conversation and connecting with others but, if you can't make your own decisions as an adult then there's something very clearly wrong

I flip flop on this one. On the one hand, patriarchy, unreasonable standards of attractiveness, airbrushing female bodily functions out of the female body, mutilation to meet male standards of sexual attractiveness etc. All those things are real and make me wish there was no such thing as cosmetic surgery sometimes.
However, I have hypoplastic breasts and have hated them ever since they grew. I don't have the money and I'm too scared of complications to have surgery but those are the only reasons. I can't say that if I had normal breasts I wouldn't be a lot happier than I am now.
Not to say that I'm depressed about my breasts, I don't give them much thought. But I think that's because I've adapted to it, and if it wasn't an issue I would feel different.

I would get surgery and hope to have a lift in a few years (when I am done with pregnancies and feeding). My self esteem is fine, it's for me. What bothers me is that you get the feeling that some people 'pity' you for making these choices as they feel it is men or society forcing you to, which for me is not the case.