


Thanks to the good folks at Queerty, the work of British photographer Phillip Toledano has made me think this morning. Good thing I had my coffee already.
I've always had a fascination for cosmetic surgery and those who pursue it. I have friends who've had rhinoplasties for legitimate medical reasons and all, but I don't think I'm close to anyone who's had any kind of full-on cosmetic procedures. I enjoy big fake boobs immensely, not just because they're fun to look at, but because it says something about the woman who has them installed. I'm also completely open to having some procedures done myself once it becomes necessary (assuming it hasn't already).
But I'm not one who thinks men look particularly attractive after more than just minor intervention. Perhaps it's a double standard, but it still strikes me as odd for a man to undergo major elective cosmetic surgery. I am much more accepting of this for women. Or maybe it's just that the surgical technology simply isn't available yet to provide a truly natural-looking result for some procedures. Almost always, the best course of action is to take one step back from the surgical plan and do just a little less than the patient thinks is needed.
It's the surgical analog to Coco Chanel's famous and very true instructions… before going out for the evening, a lady should always stop in front of the mirror and remove one piece of jewelry.
Sometimes less really is more.
