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What does the Catholic Church say about cosmetic surgery?


Freedom

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Cosmetic surgery to repair damage like rebuilding a breast after a mastectomy, skin grafts after a burn, or removing scars or deformities are all completely okay. 

Cosmetic surgery for simple ego boost, or vanity isn't as clear cut. If you have a nose so large that it causes you to not want to socialize or have a public life, and having it fixed changes that, then you could argue that it is for a mental health reason. I knew a woman who had breast augmentation so she could get a better job. She said it seemed to her no different than someone having eye surgery so they could become a combat pilot. 

As you can see, we can rationalize lots of this. A female news anchor has a face lift so she doesn't lose her job to someone younger. A man has penile enhancement thinking it will save his marriage. We obviously know giving a child facial surgery to correct a birth defect is certainly okay. Having 27 surgeries in order to look like a Barbie doll or some famous actress is certainly not okay. That's mutilation. Where the line is drawn in between is between you and your conscience. When in doubt, ask your priest. 

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MarysLittleFlower

I think there's a difference between having plastic surgery for a medical or necessary reason and wanting to look more attractive. Our body was given to us by God, what would He think of us changing it, because we don't like it or another look is popular? Society's views are changing, but God thought of us from eternity. The view of our Father in Heaven is more important :)

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