Plastic surgery has existed ever since antiquity. However, in its earlier days plastic surgery was performed for more practical reasons. In India Cosmetic surgeons performed rhinoplasties for patients who had their noses removed as punishment. Western culture performed additional procedures to help war victims. But today things are different as perfectly normal people are having plastic surgery simply to be more beautiful.

Why have perceptions changed so dramatically? Well, to start with, plastic surgery has become more accessible to the general public. Procedures that used to cost tens of thousands can be acquired for just a few thousand. The prices can be even cheaper if patients are willing to get treatment abroad.

In addition, cosmetic doctors can be found in nearly every major metropolitan area. You don't have to travel all over the country to get surgery. If you have the money, chances are there is a plastic surgeon right in your neighborhood that can perform the procedure.

However, sometimes plastic surgery is not the best option, even if you do have the money. This is because even minor procedures can produce very serious complications. Skin infections, hemorrhaging, blood clots and nerve damage are just a few examples. This does not even include the complications that can arise from anesthesia, such as airway obstruction or decreased blood pressure, (which can result in a heart attack).

Other times the surgery will go smoothly, but the results might be less than what the patient expected. Sometimes this happens because of the way the body is healing. Patients may actually look worse than they did before because of keloids and scarring. They may even have to schedule follow-up appointments to sort out these separate issues.

Of course, there are occasions where patients might want to overlook the risks, due to the seriousness of their situation. Consider the case of Jose, a 51-year-old Portuguese man who has a 12-pound tumor on his face. The tumor is so large it covers most of his face, leaving only his right eye, (which is still barely visible). For him, plastic surgery is a must because he needs a functioning face to be able to breathe and eat. Also, the tumor is heavy, unattractive and extremely painful. Removing it will make him feel better, both physically and psychologically.

But if Jose wanted plastic surgery for say, a six-pack stomach, the risks really would not be worth it, especially if he was healthy to begin with. He would do better going to the gym and working for his stomach.

The same can also be said for women who get lipo suction. Unless they are ridiculously overweight, they can take things slowly and lose weight through diet and exercise. In addition, there is the option of using non-surgical cosmetic treatment to help fight cellulite, (which cannot be tackled through weight loss alone).

Granted, achieving beauty the hard way is definitely not as appealing as plastic surgery, which in some circles of affluence has even become trendy. For instance, Demi Moore has spent over $200,000 on plastic surgery, even though she looked stunning before. Other celebrities have spent thousands on unnecessary rhinoplasties and breast augmentations. As a result they are taking away the stigmas behind plastic surgery, which is not necessarily a good thing.

Sure, there are some who say if a person has the money why cant they spend it as they please, whether it is on plastic surgery or a designer jacket. And while this logic is true, people must also realise that plastic surgery will not change your overall appearance. In some cases it gives people a more artificial look, especially if they go over the top with the procedures. So, in my opinion, if you are already normal, stick with what nature gave you. Use makeup and other non-surgical treatments to improve any existing imperfections as these methods carry very few, (if any), health risks.