What Do You Get For The Graduate WHo Has Everything?

[TJL]

I did not write this. This is an actual article from the New York Post. I did write my usual wisass comment at the end.

June 14, 2004 -- Forget the convertible. A boob job is the latest must-have on your teen daughter's graduation list.
The number of 18-year-olds who underwent breast-implant surgery nearly tripled last year — from 3,872 in 2002 to 11,326 in 2003, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

"There is a trend in which parents are giving implants as a gift, including as a graduation present," said Dr. Stephen Greenberg, who practices in Woodbury, L.I., and Manhattan.

Popular, well-endowed teen idols, like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, as well as reality-TV shows like "Extreme Makeover" and "The Swan," have made some girls dislike their own bodies, experts said.

"The media and fashion industries emphasize breasts and a curvaceous figure," said Dr. Leroy Young, co-chair of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's breast-surgery committee. "There's no advertising [for implants] targeting that age group, but the images are all around them."

Docs say most young women seek the enhancements out of frustration with the way clothing or bathing suits fit.

"It's usually an internal issue — they want to feel more feminine, less self-conscious," said Young.



"Most do it as a self-esteem booster," Greenberg echoed.

Last week, the FDA released its new consumer handbook on implants — and included graphic photos of possible side effects.

Kathy Keithley Johnston, executive director of Toxic Discovery, an anti-implant group in Columbia, Mo., praised the FDA booklet, noting, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

That parents willingly shell out $3,500 to $7,000 for a daughter's implant surgery infuriates Johnston, a registered nurse who claims her implants made her seriously ill.

"They say it's the girls making the decisions — but it's the parents writing the checks. How is that any different than buying them alcohol or cigarettes. Shame on any parent that would endanger a teenager that way."

The increasing popularity sparked Greenberg to set up a special program for young women considering implants.

"You really need to make sure they're physically ready — that they've stopped growing — and psychologically mature," he said. "In consultations, I try to get a solid idea of what their mindset is and how realistic they are about the outcome. They also need to understand this is real surgery."

The blossoming teen trend worries Johnston, who travels the country explaining the hazards of implant surgery to high school and college students — an uphill battle, she said. Her presentation includes horrific photos of disfigurement from implant removal.

"If you're a teenager, who are you going to believe? An advocacy group, or a surgeon who's promising to make you look better?" Johnston said.

Among FDA- and doctor-cited risks are surgical bleeding and infection. Implants also deflate or rupture over time; they can result in loss of breast volume, misshapenness or wrinkling; and can affect mammograms, making it tougher to detect breast cancer.

There's also a limited shelf life — breast implants usually have to be replaced at least once, and as many as several times, requiring additional surgery.

The vast majority of plastic surgeons use saline implants, which have been OK'd by the FDA for use on women over 18. In teens younger than 18, the surgery must be for medical reasons. Silicone implants are only available through FDA-approved medical studies.

Plastic surgery, overall, is on the rise, noted Greenberg. With 280,401 breast augmentations in 2003 — a 12 percent spike — "it make sense that the numbers have grown with younger patients, as well," he said.

What a wonderful gift idea! Nothing says you love your daughter more than a new set of snoobs to show off at all the hottest frat parties on campus!

[Janice]

The local radio host here in Boston was talking about this today, and was mocking it and saying, "If Susie gets 5 A's, she'll be rewarded with 2 double C's.

[TJL]

Originally posted by Janice


The local radio host here in Boston was talking about this today, and was mocking it and saying, "If Susie gets 5 A's, she'll be rewarded with 2 double C's.

And so fellow graduates, as I look down upon your smiling faces, let me just say... holy crap! Look at the new rack on Cindy Armstrong!

[MonarC]

That's really sick.

[Cashodeen]

Well, the jokes on this thread are hilarious.

The topic is appalling though. This society sucks.

[Georgia's on my Mind]

my mom is buying me a nose job for my graduation gift. but i cant get it till next year.

[TJL]

There was a companion article about a local 19 year old who recieved implants for her graduation. Her reason was she can never find clothes that fit, and now she doesn't need extra padding.

Judging by the before/after photos, her clothes do fit better, and her shirt now enters a room a few seconds before the rest of her does.

[Penny Lane]

I know this is going to sound absolutely medieval but for graduation(in 1968) my parents bought me a hair dryer(not a blow dryer but a hair dryer like the ones in salons) that's all they could afford and I was thrilled! I never even expected anything else as they didn't have the money(with 5 younger kids to raise at the time) They did throw me an Open House though which was a rare thing at that time. I received about $200.00 in monetary gifts and I thought that was an enormous amount! I had never had more than 20.00 at one time! But really when I married 8 months later I never expected much in material things. My husband was employed at GM and making scarcely 150.00 a week. But we were happy! (POOR BUT HAPPY)

[Janice]

In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

[Penny Lane]

Originally posted by Janice
In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

HOLY MOLY!

[david&maddie4ever]

Originally posted by Janice
In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

Janice!

[dandelion wine]

Originally posted by Janice
In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

[Cashodeen]

Originally posted by Janice
In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

[crystals]

Originally posted by Janice
In the old days, the rich girls got a car for graduation. Today they're getting a set of headlights.

I also think this society is rather sick. People are focusing too much on looks nowadays. It's the inside (the soul) that counts. Who cares how your nose or your boobs look?

[Moonlight Lady]

These jokes are hilarious.

I agree, it is appalling, what's wrong with giving a DVD player or a computer as a graduation gift.