The Decision - A Video Documentary on Breast Augmentation  June 1999 
by Fawnia Mondey
Fawnia’s Diary Issue 1


All the power to ya! But don’t expect me to follow. I am perfectly content
with my breast size and shape. Sure, I’ve wondered what it would be like to
have larger breasts, but never have I wanted to actually go and get them. My
health is my concern. Besides, would they really look that much better? Maybe
not.

During production of The Decision, a video documentary on breast augmentation,
I spoke with many women who underwent breast enhancement procedures. I found
that an overwhelming number of these women, if they could go back, would think
twice about getting implants. They may not have said it in so many words; they
didn’t have to. Their dissatisfaction and growing surgical bills speaks for
them. Complications arise, sometimes leading to more complications. Even with
a guaranteed warranty, many of these women are beginning to admire those who
have chosen to remain natural.

Many women have made the decision to actually remove their implants and opt
for smaller ones, in hopes that this will be the end to their problems. All in
the search of beauty. We women have been caught in the "beauty web." From
breast augmentation to acrylic nails and dyed hair, we are victims of what the
American culture preaches as being beautiful.

We all know women with small breasts who are content with their given size,
and we all know those who are not quite satisfied. What is it that drives
women to feel the need to alter their bodies? Is it a matter of
self-confidence? Do these women feel breast augmentation would increase their
chances toward getting a certain job, or simply a raise? Do they feel that it
would improve their body symmetry and create a more proportionate figure? Do
we go into surgery for men, thinking men prefer women with larger, fuller
breasts?

Maybe it is more than just size these women wish to change. Many women feel
that getting implants have dramatically improved their quality of life. With a
more positive self-image, these women now lead a more productive and
satisfying lifestyle. Whether it’s a mother of three, an entertainer, or a
college graduate, women everywhere are looking toward breast augmentation to
improve their physical appearance and attain a better lifestyle.

On the flip side, the fact is many women enter the world of cosmetic surgery
with false hope, some altering their breasts as a reaction from the media in
our society. Many say they get implants "for themselves," when in reality if
they had been raised in a different part of the world, the size of their
breasts would hardly be an item of conversation. The American culture has been
dramatically influenced through television, movies and magazines, just to name
a few. These high expectations have not gone unnoticed. In fact, in some
cities it is common to receive a "boob job" for your sixteenth birthday!

What example are we setting for future generations? Is there a turning point
in sight, where women are all treated with the same respect regardless of how
large or small their breasts are? A time when we no longer feel the pressure
to have large breasts to be successful and content with ourselves?

As unrealistic as it may sound, anything is possible. We still have a lot to
learn from the cultures who appreciate natural beauty. Being comfortable in
the skin we were given may one day be the way of a future generation, but will
we be around to experience it?

This is my personal opinion. In the video documentary The Decision, Denisa
(co-producer) and I gathered a wide array of credible women with first hand
experience on the subject of breast augmentation. We take you inside their
lives, showing you where they have been and where they are headed. Let their
breasts lead the way toward helping you make the right decision.

What’s on your mind? Fawnia wants to know. Email her at fawnia@fawnia.com.
Visit her homepage at http://www.fawnia.com/.

Additional photos of Fawnia are available in the Photo Gallery in the members
area of Athletic Women Magazine

(Editor’s Note: Fawnia is a fitness model and competitor, a video producer,
and a writer. You will be seeing a great deal more of this talented athlete at
Athleticwomen.com and elsewhere.)