Pros & Cons of Breast Augmentation

Many women deal with being bombarded with advertising showcasing the "ideal" woman. The pressure of such advertising leads to creating insecurities especially in younger women and causes them to look in the mirror and examine themselves. This self-analysis inevitably leads to the question: Is breast augmentation a good idea?

The immediate and most obvious benefit to breast augmentation is the physical change. Ironically, this is also the biggest disadvantage. The reason is that while the woman in question might gain a boost of personal self-esteem, an exaggerated augmentation could send an outward message of internal doubt, causing the social interactions this woman has with others to change. Men may be more responsive to the woman, but other woman may be taken aback by such a dramatic outward physical change.

As touched upon lightly above, breast augmentation can lead to beneficial or negative emotional changes as well. As a benefit, the woman may feel more comfortable with herself and in turn become more open and outward in her social interactions. The same can be true in reverse. If the woman is filled with low self-esteem and self-doubt, this change could feed into her doubts and push her to judge herself even more harshly. It may even go as far as lead to addiction to physical surgeries in an eternal and impossible quest to achievement the "ideal" self.

A third pillar to consider with dealing with breast augmentation is the social aspect. Women need to balance the increased attention she may get from men with the losses she may suffer in her interaction with other women. Is following the image of a corporate ad really worth losing lifelong friends and family for short-term relationships?

A woman considering breast augmentation ultimately has to think about the short-term vs. the long-term. What is the reason for such a consideration? If the goal is to attract more men she should consider that while men may enjoy larger breasts, they also dislike artificiality. If the goal is to feel better about herself she should consider how plastic surgery sends an outward message to others. If the goal is to feel more feminine she should consider what her lifestyle is like. Perhaps the reason for her insecurities isn't necessarily her or her body image but could be how others make her feel. She may simply need to change her social circles.

In the end, breast augmentation is only that, augmentation. It is a temporary short-term benefit that may or may not lead to long-term losses. It is after all, always a personal choice.