Re:What if we tolerated diseases?
by robertlagrant on Friday May 12, 2023 @06:34AM
(#35914326)
> Plastic surgery is clear example of this.
Lots of plastic surgery is done to restore features. I think that practice does far more good than harm.
Plastic surgery is one of those things you are much more likely to notice if it's done poorly then well. This, ironically, makes people think most plastic surgery is "bad" when really most plastic ic surgery that you notice is bad.
While I agree with the general sentiment of your message, there are quite a few meta-analyses on pubmed on the long-term safety and efficacy of gastric bypass surgery. They mostly show that while some patients do end up back obese, the majority do improve on many markers of health (weight, diabetes, ...).
Here's an example of a study if you're interested [1]!
There is elective plastic surgery for fashion reasons and there is reconstruction after trauma or to correct birth defects, you should probably not toss the two into the same bin.
There is also elective plastic surgery to help address body dysmorphia. And even "fashion reasons" aren't as frivolous as some would think. A lot of people will judge you based on "fashion reasons," and being able to address that can potentially measurably improve you life. There are plenty of studies that have shown that people perceived as "more beautiful" are more respected and have an easier life. The inverse is also true, and being able to address that is powerful.
Plastic surgery is not a clear example, tell that to a burn victim or cleft lip child or anyone with a deviated septum.
Followed by surgery like gastric bypass which is largely ineffective long-term, but of course they don't track it long term. People return to old habits, and the body tries to adapt, but now with newly crippled digestive system.
"Everything in moderation" is something we've not learned yet, as a culture.