ABSTRACT
The interview began in the usual way. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, I explained how I got involved in this research about women’s experiences with cosmetic surgery. I made of point o f say ing that despite all the attention currently being given to cosmetic surgery in the media, no one seemed particularly concerned about what the recipients themselves had to say about it. I was, therefore, especially interested in what made her decide to have cosmetic surgery, her experiences with the operation itself, and how she felt about it now that it was all over. I explained that I did not have a fixed set o f questions and that she could talk about whatever she thought was relevant or wanted to tell me. I would only interrupt if I didn’t understand what she was saying.
