Under the Knife

At first I thought Bridalplasty was awful but over the last few weeks I’ve gradually become enthralled. I remember watching Shanna Moakler years ago on Cribs I think back when she was married. It seems to always be the way with TV, even though you don’t like or agree with it, you just can’t help but watch.

If you haven’t seen or heard of Bridalplasty, it’s shown on E! and revolves around 12 brides competing to win different plastic surgeries with each successful task. Think Big Brother meets Bride of Frankenstein.

My overall observation is (and probably most normal response) “what poor girls” and “what low self esteem they must have.” Having examined the lengths brides will go to look ‘perfect’ on their one big day; I can’t help but ask if this is becoming the norm?

Statistically, more and more women in the UK are going under the knife even if it is just for relatively minor ‘nips and tucks.’ I see plenty of Botox numbed foreheads and crows feet and occasionally the glaringly obvious shocked, Alton Towers ‘Nemesis’ face lift.

So why do we do it to ourselves? Now I’m probably not qualified to comment with the most severe treatment I’ve ever had being microdermabrasion and tooth whitening. Does everyone have pots of money sitting around or just choose to forego other luxuries? While Botox can cost as little as £300, more intrusive and time consuming procedures can cost more than a small car (or house if you’re in Caerphilly, Wales).

The most popular procedures are nose jobs or ‘rhinoplasty’, breast augmentation, and liposuction. I can understand feeling self-conscious about one particular feature and wanting to look the best you can look on your wedding day but, surely breaking a nose and piecing the bone back together again is taking it one step too far?

Occasionally, patients don’t seem to grasp the seriousness of the procedures and the potential complications associated with anaesthesia and the surgery itself.  Patients can suffer from blood clots, brain damage, death, heart attack, stroke or temporary paralysis. So for these girls it really is life or death. If it meant living with a beaked hooter or going to the gym 7 days a week to lose weight, I’d choose that any day.

Should Vera have compromised?

So, Vera Wang decided to join forces with the US powerhouse that is David's Bridal to create 'White' by Vera Wang. Now, at first sight, it seems as though the Gods have looked kindly on us worshipers however, looking closely enough, I have to wonder...are they just cheap imitations of the real thing?

I've been there...when I was 17 I bought a Louis Vuitton or Louie Voutton as was printed on the pleather thinking no-one would be able to tell the difference...but I knew.

I saw the dresses on the Oprah show a while ago and I was sorely disappointed. Now I know these dresses still carry the prestigious 'VW' but at $1,000 or £750 I might have to conclude that its either better to save up for the real thing or just admit that you'll have to choose a cheaper (British!) designer.