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Is sex reassignment surgery (SRS) basically cosmetic surgery?

Is sex reassignment surgery (SRS) basically cosmetic surgery?


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Why don't we just post a few more definitions of cosmetic surgery and put this thread to bed. I did wiki's. Someone else can do dictionaries and other sources.

When SRS does not fit any of the definitions of cosmetic surgery, it's over, right?
 

I may have mixed my terms. Truly I thought using "plastic surgery" would actually be more inflammatory because it makes me think of people trying to look like Barbie/Ken dolls, but looking at it now, it seems that plastic surgery is more in line with what I thought cosmetic surgery meant. Had I used plastic surgery, would your response be any different?

The transgender person's body is not normal according to their mind. Nor is the only purpose to improve appearance. See definition above.

I actually had a trans person here tell me that it's very similar to obtaining prosthetics. Actually she was the first to make me feel as if I could had some level of understanding of what she was aiming for because, honestly, I cannot be convinced that a surgically created vagina or penis is exactly the same in form and function as biological one. I'm sorry, but the function is nowhere near the same, so that leaves the form.
 
I may have mixed my terms. Truly I thought using "plastic surgery" would actually be more inflammatory because it makes me think of people trying to look like Barbie/Ken dolls, but looking at it now, it seems that plastic surgery is more in line with what I thought cosmetic surgery meant. Had I used plastic surgery, would your response be any different?

It's clearly plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It includes cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns.[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_surgery

I actually had a trans person here tell me that it's very similar to obtaining prosthetics. Actually she was the first to make me feel as if I could had some level of understanding of what she was aiming for because, honestly, I cannot be convinced that a surgically created vagina or penis is exactly the same in form and function as biological one. I'm sorry, but the same function is not there, so that leaves the form.

Prosthetics are not cosmetic surgery, see the wiki definition I posted above.
 
Why don't we just post a few more definitions of cosmetic surgery and put this thread to bed. I did wiki's. Someone else can do dictionaries and other sources.

When SRS does not fit any of the definitions of cosmetic surgery, it's over, right?

It might end this thread but I'd likely start a new one using "plastic surgery" instead.
 
I think we tend to view cosmetic surgery the same as plastic surgery but my understanding is that plastic surgery is to change something so it looks more "perfect", while cosmetic surgery seeks to correct or improve the appearance of a physical defect. I think, if anyone takes offense to my question it's probably because they think I'm devaluing SRS as being the same as a nose job or chin implants (which frankly, I have no problem with either). I'm not. I see great value in surgicallly improving the appearance of something that someone has had difficulty living with. Think of a burn victim getting cosmetic surgery to appear more "normal". I doubt anyone would think it frivolous or vain or begrudge them something that could make them more acceptable especially to themselves. That's basically how I view SRS. There's nothing medically wrong with the human body that's born male or female. There is no life saving procedure that needs to be done to correct for being biologically male or female. SRS is all about appearance, like a prosthetic eye or nose, but that's not to say that renders it unimportant. I accept that it can be very important to the person seeking it.

So, what do you think? Have I convinced you?

Poll on the way.

In all honesty, I don't know...yet.

My support for Transgender "rights" is based on my support of individual rights. More specifically, the right to do with your own body what you will, as long as it is a free choice of the individual.

It is the same basis for which I support an individual's right to suicide, and by extension doctor-assisted suicide.

Am I certain it is necessary surgery as opposed to cosmetic? Not yet. :no:

IMO the jury is still out as to whether this is a real issue of body different from what brain intuits it to be...or just a mental dysfunction that is treatable, like schizophrenia.

Meanwhile, if someone (of adult age of consent) opts to do it, then more power to them.
 
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So I'm clear, you're saying SRS is plastic surgery?

Of course it is. Look at the definition of plastic surgery.

I just ****ing said I mixed my terms.

So, it is like prosthetics. In some cases, it is quite so literally. Why or how is that surprising?
 
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I'm getting the feeling that a lot of people have just been triggered. :lol:
Not if they have a measurable IQ and any level of intellectual integrity.
 
IMO the jury is still out as to whether this is a real issue of body different from what brain intuits it to be...or just a mental dysfunction that is treatable, like schizophrenia.

Your opinion is in contradiction to all medical science. I suggest you investigate.
 
It might end this thread but I'd likely start a new one using "plastic surgery" instead.

It does end this thread.


*mic drop*
 
Your opinion is in contradiction to all medical science. I suggest you investigate.

Instead of assuming your position is true, why don't YOU provide the "definitive science" showing all medical professionals and biological scientists have agreed with that conclusion.

I have yet to hear or see such agreement.

I am willing to extend the benefit of the doubt, but not simply accept your assertion as fact. :shrug:
 
Instead of assuming your position is true, why don't YOU provide the "definitive science" showing all medical professionals and biological scientists have agreed with that conclusion.

I have yet to hear or see such agreement.

I am willing to extend the benefit of the doubt, but not simply accept your assertion as fact. :shrug:

How many sources do you need?

Gender dysphoria used to be called “gender identity disorder.” But the mismatch between body and internal sense of gender is not a mental illness.
Gender Dysphoria: What It Is and How It's Treated
 

Did you read the article? :confused:

Meanwhile, is WebMD a "definitive source?" Who wrote it? What is their evidence?

It indicates it is a mental health issue, but not a mental illness... According to who?

To be honest, I'm not that interested in the subject beyond my response to this OP.

As far as I am concerned, if a person wants to replace their penis with a vagina, or commit suicide by cutting their own throat...it's a matter of the individual's right to choose what to do with their own body, and that's good enough for me.
 
Did you read the article? :confused:

Yes. And I posted to portion that states unequivocally that gender dysphoria is not a mental illness.

Meanwhile, is WebMD a "definitive source?" Who wrote it? What is their evidence?

It indicates it is a mental health issue, but not a mental illness... According to who?

I asked how many sources you want. The medical community is unanimous on this. Where you got the idea the "jury was still out" is beyond me but I can only presume ignorance.

To be honest, I'm not that interested in the subject beyond my response to this OP.

That's pretty obvious. You've done no research, not even googling, whatsoever.

As far as I am concerned, if a person wants to replace their penis with a vagina, or commit suicide by cutting their own throat...it's a matter of the individual's right to choose what to do with their own body, and that's good enough for me.

Advocating suicide (other than euthanasia) is low class.
 
The problem is that so much of that can be and has been politicized. Some if what we're supposed to accept without question is too much.

There are plenty of documentaries. I recommend Katie Couric's "The Gender Revolution".
 
There are plenty of documentaries. I recommend Katie Couric's "The Gender Revolution".

Ah, good point. Documentaries are never politicized.
 
It is cosmetic surgery because only the outward appearance changes, not the sex. A male simply cannot magically change into a female by removing the penis. I woman cannot magically change into a male. They may change their appearance to fool themselves and others, but they remain the same sex, so yes, it is cosmetic, for appearances sake.
 
I think we tend to view cosmetic surgery the same as plastic surgery but my understanding is that plastic surgery is to change something so it looks more "perfect", while cosmetic surgery seeks to correct or improve the appearance of a physical defect. I think, if anyone takes offense to my question it's probably because they think I'm devaluing SRS as being the same as a nose job or chin implants (which frankly, I have no problem with either). I'm not. I see great value in surgicallly improving the appearance of something that someone has had difficulty living with. Think of a burn victim getting cosmetic surgery to appear more "normal". I doubt anyone would think it frivolous or vain or begrudge them something that could make them more acceptable especially to themselves. That's basically how I view SRS. There's nothing medically wrong with the human body that's born male or female. There is no life saving procedure that needs to be done to correct for being biologically male or female. SRS is all about appearance, like a prosthetic eye or nose, but that's not to say that renders it unimportant. I accept that it can be very important to the person seeking it.

So, what do you think? Have I convinced you?

Poll on the way.

How about telling us all what motivated you to create such a poll. You've read plenty on this issue here at DP, and I believe you know better. My guess is that this is some sort of anti-liberal partisan thing, since that has seemed to be your mood as of late. But perhaps I'm wrong. Tell me your motivation and I'll explain to you the difference between SRS and, in your words, "the correction or improvement of the appearance of a physical defect."

Actually, if you read your words very carefully and compare them to what SRS actually entails and what the results are, you might be able to change your own mind.
 
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