Why Do I Hate My Body?
By Diane McFarland, Image Consultant

I was stunned recently when a darling 8 year-old student of mine stated that she was concerned about her weight and was very upset knowing that her friends didn’t think she was pretty enough to hang around with them. I thought to myself, “Goodbye to Girlhood”!

As an image consultant and a life coach, I strongly believe that today’s society, via peer pressure, television, the internet, or teen magazines puts too much emphasis on appearances and goes after this market of youngsters in a very predatory manner. This constant media bombardment eliminates any possibility of arguing in favor of traditional values and standards of behavior. Eating disorders, low self-esteem, and various perceptions of inadequacy plague our girls. The message is clear: Beauty rules.

The solution to this problem is to surround our young girls by strong positive role models who, through loving pro-active relationships, deliver a powerful message. They need strong arms to catch them when they fall, a steady rudder to steer them toward good decision- making. We must listen between the lines to what they are saying, and we need to open up our conversations to include what we know might be more relevant to their likely areas of concern. They need a best friend, a hero, and a confidant. At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute we deal with the prominent issues of teenagers on a regular basis. A few of the most popular and frequently addressed issues are:

• “When can I have my breasts enlarged?”
  I am very self conscious
  I know it would improve my self-esteem.
• “I hate my nose!”
  My dad says it’s a “family nose” and I need to live with it.
  I am 14 years old. Can you help me?
• “My friends make fun of me – they say I’m fat”
  Can I have liposuction done on my tummy and legs?
  I am 18 and can’t seem to control my weight by diet or exercise.
• My ears really stick out!
  I know I am only ten but it hurts and I cry a lot.
  Can you fix them in your office?
• I’ve tried everything on my skin but still have zits!
  Is there a procedure that can eliminate this problem?
  Are there any products that can help?

Self-esteem and confidence are extremely important to everyone. They are the ingredients essential in feeling good about one’s self, in radiating beauty, and in actually being perceived as beautiful. Our team uses a caring approach to first make our young friends feel special and then decide whether cosmetic surgery, skin care, or image enhancement skills are appropriate for them specifically. Sometimes they may need nothing other than a little reassurance and feeling appreciated. This approach can increase a girl’s self worth and the development of the confidence necessary to function in today’s world. We like to educate them, care for them, and send them on their journey knowing that each one of us has something special to offer to the world.