Question about plastic surgery and Judaism

[Buckeye Princess]

So my husband is currently studying to be a plastic/reconstructive surgeon last night. A question arose last night about Judaism at tattoos. I was raised in a neighborhood that was predominantly Jewish, but this is not a topic I know much about. I know that in Leviticus it says: "You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord". As a result Jews do not believe in tattooing. In addition to the passage from the Torah Jews also believe in b'tzelem Elokim, that we are created in the likeness of God and therefore should not alter our bodies. So does this extend to plastic surgery and means that plastic surgery is similar viewed as tattooing?

I am not intending to debate tattoos or religions, but just curious as to how those who are members of the faith and its several denominations commonly view plastic surgery as it relates to their faith.


Thanks!

 

[cherylp3]

Here is an article on Plastic Surgery from Aish.com
http://www.aish.com/ci/sam/48955041.html

Another from My Jewish Learning
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/practices/Ethics/Our_Bodies/Adorning_the_Body/Cosmetic_Surgery.shtml

So there does seem to be differing opinions depending on what movement of Judaism you follow.

 

[Deb in IA]

Interesting.

My Jewish convert sister-in-law is devout, keeps kosher, was an adult Bat Mitzvah, and a cantor at her temple. She has had breast augmentation.

Her son, our nephew, also observant and Bar Mitzvah'ed and recently married in a Jewish ceremony, is covered with tatoos on his torso and arms.