Originally reaching out to women through “The Vagina Monologues,” Eve Ensler artfully broadens to a new audience – teenagers – in her recently published book, “I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World.” In order to get in touch with teenage girls in this thoughtful and provocative book, she provides insight as to what it might be like to live as a young woman today. Ensler tells readers, “We have become accustomed to muting you, to betray what you see and know and feel…”

“I Am an Emotional Creature” is a collection of a fictional monologue that speaks for girls across the globe. Among one of the topics discussed in her comforting and inspiring tale is teenage plastic surgery. Concerning the pressure of undergoing plastic surgery by her parents, an Iranian teen is practically forced into undergoing rhinoplasty. Her father tells her post-surgery, “You will be a princess now.”

Even with the popularity of teenage plastic surgery arising (and as this sensitive group of young people continue to deal with daily pressures), the last thing a girl should experience is being “forced” to change her looks.

Pressure of Teenage Plastic Surgery

“When it comes to teens and plastic surgery, first and foremost importance is the psychological evaluation – between the parents and the teen’s environment. To find out if this is really something they want for themselves,” said New York City rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Pearlman, who often sees younger girls seeking teenage plastic surgery. He adds, “If the teenager does not desire it, it can leave them with unsatisfied results. Plastic surgery is not something you should force on the teenager – they should be undergoing the surgery for themselves.”

Ensler writes fictional stories about women in “I Am an Emotional Creature” because she wants women to feel secure in their own identities. Another excerpt she includes is a blog written from the perspective of an anorexic teen: “Beautiful is a country with gates around it. I’ll never be invited.”

“Teenagers are under a lot of pressure as they are finding themselves, establishing social skills, and interacting with peer groups,” said New York City face surgery professional Dr. Pearlman.

At the end of the book, Ensler encourages young girls to care and cry as much as they want and to ask themselves, “Why am I adding a question mark to end of my sentences?” What she means by this is to be yourself, love yourself – you are special as you are.

For parents who are reluctant about raising a teenage daughter due to the stress and drama that often accompanies this stage, Ensler’s book might open up a discussion of the realities of generation Y.

Being able to understand a teenager as a parent may make it easier for a girl to get through this often emotional period of her life. Gaining acceptance from her peers can be a struggle, and if she wants to undergo plastic surgery and is mature about it – parents will find that surgeries such as rhinoplasty can be rewarding for teens, physically, and most importantly – psychologically.

“Those in favor of it [rhinoplasty] realize that it can go far in enhancing one’s self image at a time when self-confidence and social acceptance can be very important,” said Dr. Pearlman.

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