Expert: Patrick J. Murray - 1/27/2011

Question
Many teenagers nowadays especially students who are taking up mass communication have done of having a rhinoplastic surgery. What can you say about this kind of issue?
2.   In broadcasting field do you think that almost of the broadcasters are having this kind of surgery?
3.   What are the qualities of being a good broadcaster? Does it really important that you have good looks?
4.   Is it really advisable of having this kind of surgery for those who want to enter the broadcasting field?
5.   Teens expect that plastic surgery will improve their self-confidence, what can you say about this kind of matter.
6.    If plastic surgeons are performing surgeries that many physicians and psychologists would question, should medical societies and ethicists provide more guidance that is currently being provided by plastic surgery associations?
7.   When details of cosmetic procedures are frequently discussed on talk shows and published in magazines, teenagers cannot help themselves to be conscious about they’re looks. Being an example of a good broadcaster what are your advices for teenagers who undergo this kind of problem.

Answer
Hi Krysylyn...

Thanx for stopping by...

I am aware just through the news that many young people are involved with some sort of plastic surgery to adjust their appearance. In my humble opinion, I would suggest that unless it was absolutely necessary due to some other medical issue, that this should not be done. I know there is a very high degree of competition in school, with friends, and to be the most popular and best looking - I just don't think that is the way to go about it.

There are some folks in the industry who are on camera who definitely have some surgery performed to enhance their attributes or to stave off some of the aging process. As adults, they are better fit however to handle those decisions and adapt within their personalty to those changes.

Your question about being a good broadcaster and having good lucks is a good one. Of course it helps for you to have that "look" for the camera, but having said that, if you are smart and know how to be a good broadcaster and "work" the camera, you don't necessarily need to be extremely beautiful or handsome. Think of your own newscasts there - I am sure there are some folks who do not have the kind of appearance you would consider as stunning. On the other hand, their reporting is excellent and they can command an audience with their voice and the type of reporting that makes them popular.

The surgery option is always possible, I would suggest it would not be good as the person undergoing the modification will be on a road to constantly fixing things on their body as they move along in life. It wont stop with one adjustment - and I would suggest this person is self-conscious about themselves. Reporting requires confidence - in how you look and what you can do. I would think constantly adjusting your appearance would lead to a person who becomes very paranoid about their job and abilities as well.

Again, as you can see, I don't think teens should be a part of this. Each family makes those decisions, but I would not be for it at a young age. And this dovetails with your next question - YES - the professionals should not be promoting these surgeries just so they can enhance their wallets. I have heard of some of this in the States, but I would suggest it is pretty mild. I have included a couple of articles here....

http://jezebel.com/5131843/should-teens-get-plastic-surgery-to-boost-their-self+...

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/cosmetic-and-plastic-surgery/teen...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-Teenagers-Have-Plastic-Surgery?-Teen-Cosmetic-S...

http://www.drfpalmer.com/teenagers_and_plastic_surgery.html

My suggestion to teens would be to look within and at themselves - each person is a unique creature - that's what makes the world what it is. If we were all absolutely gorgeous and handsome it would be boring. The key to a personality is on the inside - so matter if you are big or small, thin or fat, blue-eyed or brown-eyed, as a person, you have something to contribute to society. Unfortunately, the rush is on for now youngsters to fix cosmetic problems or look like someone else....Knowing who are, living with that person, and sharing that individual person with society is more important to me.

Best of luck on your checking this subject out...good questions! If I can help further, please stop on by...

Patrick Murray