tritium

I went to see a plastic surgeon today regarding a scar on the knuckle on the trigger finger of my right hand. The surgeon was quite honest in his appraisal that there were no guarantees that any known technique would make the scar any less noticeable or even *not* make it worse. In fact, with a skin graft technique, there would be a possibility that the grafted skin could adhear to the tendons in the joint and reduce my finger's mobility further. None of this came as any great surprise, since I'd done my research online ahead of time. Nonetheless, I am still extremely disappointed that my quest has ended.

But, more to the source of my frustration is the fact that this science (plastic surgery) has taken great measures to ensure that women of all shapes and sizes can have fifty pound breasts and thinner noses, but can do *nothing* to assist me. It just seems to me that society has driven this medical field into perverse¹ regions, and left *meaningful* areas unresearched.

Granted, my scarring is minor (4 sq. centimeters in total) and I am *not* annoyed with the surgeon. In fact, I am rather pleased that his honest approach did not lead me immediately to the operating room where he might have caused harm. He instructed me to seek a second opinion if I saw reason, but suggested that other surgeons very well could be out for my money and very well might not have *my* best interests in mind. Funny how I can't help but think that these surgeons are the ones installing breasts the size of 747 nose cones. Why does it feel like they proliferate this field? Why can Micheal Jackson have a new nose every week?

Sometimes I just don't understand society -- and don't delude yourself. Society *is* driving this medical field, beyond its original intent. It seems that the medical research in plastic surgery is behaving like research in the automotive industry; it is where the money is, and not where the genuine *need* is.

¹ Not saying that there isn't a necessary call for breast implants for women. Women with a genuine medical *pyschological* need should be the only ones that receive the implants and *not* the porn stars and attention whores of the world.

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ratbastid

No, even there it's wrong. Maybe especially there. I don't mind if some business woman or whatever has massive plastic jugs welded to her torso. I'm not likely to end up looking at them. But if your job is to look good naked, please DON'T get implants.

I totally hear you on this. Plastic surgery could do a lot of good for a lot of people (burn victims, people with congenital birth defects, etc.). But what are they working on? New ways to bleach Michael Jackson.

Averett

Sorry if this is too nosy, but why plastic surgery on your finger? Does it effect your job or something?


I was in a car wreck a little over 3 years ago now, and I have scars on my left arm and left ankle, and above my left eye. The one above my left eye used to bother me quite a bit for awhile. I was lucky to have a good plastic surgeon sew me up after the wreck, the scar isnt really that noticable now. Most people don't see it unless I point it out.

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tritium

I could have written that a little more clearly. I meant to say that porn stars are bastardizing medicine and perverting a healing field into something profane. So, on that note, I am in complete accord with your statement. The only need for breast implants would be when a woman has very small natural breasts and is in genuine mental distress without them. In that occassion, she would find a medical comfort.

I'm going to correct my original statement to reflect this. My fault for not being clear. I added that footnote last minute and didn't re-read it.

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tritium

On the second joint from the tip of my right index finger, there is a large scar. Its position on top of my finger inhibits me from reaching deep into the server and desktop cases that I encounter on my job. (The scar is larger than the skin naturally occuring on the top of this join and has a slightly higher elevation)

As a result of being right handed in a computer field, I do alot of point and showing with my hands -- this is noticeable, not horribly so, but its there and it bothers me. I'm not sure if many folks notice or not. I'm selfconscious about shaking hands and pointing. Most of the time, I roll my thumb overtop of it to hide it or put my finger in my pocket.

My general doctor suggested that a plastic surgeon might be able to remove the scar.

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tritium

I think I just found the topic for my article in the next issue of Tilted Mag.

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bonehed1

In my opinion I wouldn't get surgery. Yeah the scar may bother you and others may give you weird looks but why pay money for something that most people don't pay attention to? If it bothers you so much that you are actually getting the idea of surgery then get it removed. If you had a scar on your arm or your face then I would say get it removed but on your finger I really wouldn't worry about. Yeah it may make your job a little harder but does it really hinder you that much where you can't do your job effectively or efficiently? You could always just wear a glove and imitate Michael Jackson.

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clavus

I wouldn't trust a guy who doesn't have a few scars on his hands. Scars are the diplomas earned in the school of Real Life.

Anyone who would look down on you for a scar on your finger is not worth your time.

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raeanna74

I've seen a couple men with scar on their hands. Scars anywhere don't seem to bother me much on people. I have a few of my own and have discovered if anything there's always a story to be told and a "medal" earned with each. Whether it be from foolishness as a child or something else as an adult. There is often something to be learned and even if not there's nothing wrong with them. I could see how the scar might affect you being able to bend your finger but unless it's extreme you should be fine as it is. If I should someones hand and happened to notice a scar my only thought about it - if ANY - would be curiousity about how it got there. Nothing critical at least. I'm glad you found a Dr with sense enough to give you advice that was good for YOU.

I agree it seems that money directs where the research goes. All the more reason for us to donate to certain foundations that support research in medical fields where people are in serious need of that research and help.

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tritium

Amen to that. I give annually to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, but is there an American Hand Scar Association? lol... Maybe I should start one! Send checks payable to "tritium." Thanks for making me feel better.

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absence_of_color

I kinda think scars are sexy, its just according to what degree, and where they are located.

I have a few small scars but they dont bother me and I dont bother them.

If I ever had plastic surgery, Id have my nose holes corrected, becasue they are crooked a little, but I seriously doubt Id even bother with that.

This is my body, what I have been given by the great goddess, and as longs as it works fine, I dont particualrly care about much else.

And ratbastid>>>hahaahaha. Bleach MJ?

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viejo gringo

Man, after 70 years, I have got so many scars and twisted fingers, BUT___It doesn't interfere with my scotch and wanking so it is no big deal...

but, I hear you ---dealing with the public, it has a tendency to make you self consience---thats where that brilliant mind of yours comes in---mind over mater---and, Hey, if she still loves you and little kids don't scream and run away--(and you can still drink scotch) you got it made...

Michael Jackson???---ya gota lovem...

Macheath

Plastic surgery as we know it today would not exist without the horrors of World War 1 and 2. So many soldiers came to doctors after WWI with shattered jaws, blown-off noses and lips and gaping skull wounds caused by modern weapons. I would like people who persue plastic surgery for vanity to read the history and see the pictures and consider why they're doing what they're doing.

I would like all plastic surgeons to consider doing a 'tour of duty' in the third world helping victims of land mines. That would give them a VERY clear perspective of their chosen profession. The ones who fucked up Michael Jackson and other mentally ill people on the other hand should just be shot out of a cannon.