Plastic Surgery

Getting Older or Bust

By Anita Tedaldi

A few days ago, I was waiting for an aerobics class to start when I casually started chatting with a woman standing next to me. Thirty seconds into our superficial conversation, my new friend couldn’t contain her excitement, and told me that in two days she would have some “work” done, and energetically pointed at her bosom.

I wasn’t sure what to say, so I stated something obvious, “Oh yes, gravity does take its toll on our bodies, especially after having children.” She quickly explained that she doesn’t have children and that she has always wanted her breasts enhanced, but only now got the money to do it.

I nodded, and made an effort to look everywhere else, but toward her chest.

After this quick exchange, I started thinking — okay obsessing — about plastic surgery.

I told myself there is nothing wrong with having plastic surgery.  A lot of people seem to have come to that conclusion, just look at television shows such as “Dr. 90210,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “The Swan.” These shows about plastic surgery fascinate audiences and show us the plastic surgeon’s ability to give us our dream bodies. 

And it’s not just here in the United States. My sister updates me regularly on how many women go under the knife in Italy. Going to the beach in the summer is like going to a fashion show. And if you know Italian men, they are not shy about appreciating women’s bodies, so there is a lot of pressure to keep up. How am I going to survive when we go to Italy and the women ogle my husband, a tall and handsome American man, while I chase my six children? 

The pressure is on. Many of my friends are having procedures done: smaller butts and hips, larger breasts, gigantic lips, wrinkle free eyes. No one is immune from the urgency to look good, why should I feel badly?

But then I think to myself, “Is this really me? Am I ready to go under the knife to look better?” And more importantly do I have that kind of money?

I haven’t come to a conclusion yet, but if I decide to enlarge my bosom I will be upfront and open about it.

When I told my husband that I was considering plastic surgery, he told me that I certainly didn’t need it – right answer – and that right now it wasn’t really a consideration with six small children and one small bank account.  But of course he wouldn’t stand in the way of my happiness if I really wanted to do it. 

Fortunately, there’s no hurry.  I’ll be getting older for a while.