ABSTRACT
T A K I N G W O M E N A T T H E I R W O R D The focus of this inquiry was why women have cosmetic surgery. W hat kinds of experiences with appearance could compel them to have their bodies altered surgically? And, how did they explain their willingness and even eagerness to undergo an intervention which was often dangerous, painful, humiliating, or even left them in worse shape afterwards than they were before?
