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The Price of Beauty

We talked to the author of Fix, a new work of fiction about teens and plastic surgery. Read on to find out what Leslie Margolis has to say about the myth of the makeover -- and how parents can help their daughters create their own definitions of beauty.

Common Sense Media What inspired you to write Fix?

Leslie Margolis: Plastic surgery is so prevalent in our society, and too often it's used as a punch line to a joke, when actually, there's so much to think about.

I also find plastic surgery-themed reality television shows so disturbing. They're popular for the shock-value, and they perpetuate this myth of the makeover -- that changing your appearance will automatically change your life, that there's such a thing as a "simple surgery." All plastic surgery involves serious risk. And there are so many larger dynamics to explore. Television isn't an adequate medium for that.

CSM: What are you hoping readers walk away with?

LM: With everything I write, my goal is to keep readers entertained, while making them think.

With Fix, in particular, I'd like for readers to understand not just the risks, seriousness, and dangers of plastic surgery, but also its larger implications. I'd also like for readers to question why it's mostly women, who feel the need to have plastic surgery. In 2005, women had 91 percent of all cosmetic procedures.

CSM: You create two very different sisters, who make different choices about plastic surgery, but you don't take anyone's side. Was it difficult to remain balanced between Cameron and Allie?

LM: Not at all. Cameron and Allie make decisions based on who they are, and what they've experienced in life. I didn't think about them or their actions in terms of good and bad, or right and wrong. People are much more complicated.

CSM: You give readers statistics about plastic surgery, as well as details about procedures and side effects. What surprised you most in your research?

LM: So much was so shocking. Mostly in regards to breast implants. I didn't realize how dangerous and temporary breast implants were. I interviewed women who became so sick from their breast implants, that their lives are virtually ruined.

Also, I interviewed many plastic surgeons and was amazed by the range. Some seemed brilliant and responsible. Some seemed sleazy and careless. It's important to remember that plastic surgery is a business and doctors are not gods. Also, any MD can call him or herself a plastic surgeon. They don't need to be licensed for it, specifically.

CSM: How could parents use your book to talk about beauty and body image?

LM: I think this is a great book for mothers and daughters to read together. There are so many issues to think about, and so many questions to ask: What does it mean to be beautiful? How do you feel about plastic surgery?

Which -- if either -- character do you identify with the most? Why do you think Cameron and Allie chose to do what they did? How do you feel about their decisions? What kinds of pressures do you feel? If you were in their shoes, how would you act?

For more discussion ideas, read our review of Fix.