In Dr. Joyce Brother’s advice column a few days ago, a reader writes, “I’m going to be able to afford all the plastic surgery I need in order to make me beautiful.” In her response, Dr. Joyce Brothers says, “There’s little question that good plastic surgery can help many people’s self-image, but it also is true that an intense need for physical perfection can indicate underlying personality flaws that no amount of surgery can alleviate. This is, apparently, especially true of those who seek breast implants.”

Bravo, Dr. Joyce Brothers! It seems the good doctor has some insight to the deep issues concerning the psychological reasons a woman would want to change herself so drastically. Maybe she read the suicide and implant reports.

That she made a point of singling out breast implants is particularly interesting. I think the whole makeover procedure would indicate there is something up with the person. You so totally dislike yourself that you want a complete makeover? My old friend used to say to me, “No matter where you go…there you are.” This is also true about unresolved emotional issues. I can speak from experience on this one. You take all the baggage with you to the new surgical procedure or diet or relationship … UNLESS you addresses the underlying issues.

Thank goodness someone with obvious self-esteem issues has Dr. Joyce to point her in the right direction. Hopefully she will listen.