Plastic Surgery for Teens by Valerie Ulene

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By using all three methods of persuasion she makes it very easy to believe her and she gains the readers trust very quickly. She also shreds light on the matter from both sides. First by admitting that some teenagers need the surgery and then goes back to making her point that you should not get plastic surgery unless you are in dire need of one. “a large nose or a flat chest – can be the source of teasing...” (p. 1 l. 22) “patients who have undergone cosmetic procedure often do feel better...” (p. 1 l. 25) This way the reader feels that she is justifying both statements by holding them up against each other. To conclude, Ulene uses a lot of different methods of persuasion that appeals to the reader and this makes her sound very credible so it is easier to believe her.

In Queensland a new legislation was announced that would make it illegal for anyone below the age of 18 to get plastic surgery. This new rule does not affect teenager’s ability to get plastic surgery if it is to correct a deformity, injuries or any disfigurements. This new legislation is very reasonable given that intrusive procedures should not be performed on bodies that are not fully developed. When teenagers want to have plastic surgery it is their insecurities that motives them. It could be excess body fat, breast size or their nose. Most people grow into their bodies and can also learn to love the skin they are in. What might have been a hideous flaw could turn into a charming personal trade. Something that makes them unique and stand out from the rest. Therefore, teenagers should not be allowed to have plastic surgery. It is such a big decision to make and the affects can last a life time. if they can live with their insecurities until they are adults they may revisit that decision and make it when they have lived with their flaw and made an effort to love it and accept it as is. Some people fear that the ban will remove an opportunity from people who suffer mentally because of their flaws. this however is compensated for. People can undergo an examination to see if they are a fit candidate for surgery. it could be a mental evaluation or a reference from a doctor which states that it is necessary to get the operation for the person to live a normal life. this weeds out the serious candidates who just wants to live a normal life from the people who wants to live up to shallow societal beauty standards. Those that wish to look like the people they see on television will just have to wait until they are old enough to understand the consequences of plastic surgery.

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