Feminism and Breast Augmentation

I won't argue against the notion that unrealistic standards of beauty in the media perpetuate unhealthy obsessions with appearances for many women. With that in mind, what does a woman's choice to have her breasts surgically augmented say about the human and social condition for women as a whole? Does it speak to the fact that women's worth is often reduced, ultimately, down to her appearances? After all, a woman can be smart, kind, powerful, wise, outspoken, friendly and loving. But if she is not also beautiful, her worth is diminished when compared to a more physically attractive woman who may be lacking in intelligence and strength.

So. Is plastic surgery, particularly breast augmentation, "sexual mutilation," as Naomi Wolf describes in The Beauty Myth? Do women "resort" to surgical breast augmentation in a desperate attempt to conform to ideal beauty standards? Perhaps some do. But perhaps others do not.

Is a woman who seeks reconstructive breast surgery after receiving a mastectomy caving in to the pressure to have a more "perfect" body? What about a trans woman who seeks breast augmentation? Is it wrong for either of these women to seek drastic, permanent measures in order to restore or create the bodies that they feel are further extensions of their beings?

What about a woman who had perky breasts in her younger years, but is left with sagging breasts after having 3 children by the age of 26? What about a woman who has little to no breast tissue and desires breasts only large enough to fill an A cup? What about a woman who has ample breast tissue, but simply wants larger breasts? Is it wrong for any of these women to seek drastic, permanent measures in order to restore or create the bodies that they feel are further extensions of their beings?

Again, what does a woman's choice to have her breasts surgically augmented say about the human and social condition for women as a whole? Something epic or something trivial? Does it say anything at all? That is something each feminist has to decide for her or himself.