Would you consider cosmetic surgery for a relative of yours with Down Syndrome and mongoloid features in order to help them better physically blend in with their peers?

I’m just curious, what’s the problem with mongoloid features?

If they wanted it, I wouldn’t be against it. I’m all for plastic surgery (within reasonable limits).

What do you consider “mongoloid”? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongoloid_race

If it as very mild to the point of being unnoticeable by most, and they wanted it, then yes.

But only if they understood the risks, pain involved and recovery period. Fully.

I’ve heard of those affected with Down’s Syndrome being described as having Mongoloid features… but I’m pretty sure it’s not an accepted description.

I won’t play semantics, I know that people with Down’s Syndrome were called mongoloids for years before the more PC title came to be. And I would have to ask if the person themselve wanted the surgery or is it a caretaker? It would be hard in this world to have that label no matter which one you use so anything that would make one less of a target for stares or unkind words would be helpful. But it would not be a cure only a disguise and then one would have to ask, would it be worth it????

If they have asked for help, then I would consider it, but to approach them with the suggestion would be completely wrong.

@YARNLADY: this was part of a conversation I overheard between a mother and another person with her. The child looked to be a late teen but they didn’t discuss while the child was present.

I would say if the person involved is not capable of asking for the surgery, then it probably would not achieve the desired effect and would be a lot of pain for nothing.

kind of a disconcerting situation imho. let’s assume the surgery is desired by the caretaker. in that case i find it difficult to imagine a motivation that is solely in the best interests of the person with Down’s Syndrome. and what’s more, where one might exist that, in fact, such motivation may not be misguided, however well intentioned.

where desired by the person with DS, i would certainly seek the advice of psychologists and psychiatrists as to the person’s expectations. knowing what little i know about DS, i don’t think a person with DS is able to make a well informed decision to have what (i assume in the case in question) is an elective procedure.

like @rooeytoo i have to wonder if in either case, the root expectation is that plastic surgery will mask the underlying condition – and thinking about it a second time, what other expecttion could there be?

i suppose that in cases where a person with DS is aware of public stares and wants to at least look more normal (whatever normal really is), and surgery can accomplish that, then it may be beneficial to him or her. i can’t think of another reason why surgery should be performed in this kind of situation.

If the individual with Down’s Syndrome wants the surgery and is capable of understanding all of the ramifications, such as the pain involved, then I would say it could be an option. However, the people I know who have Down’s Syndrome are generally fairly happy with their lot in life and don’t seem aware that it might be possible to change their appearance. They also don’t seem to be aware that changing one’s appearance might affect one’s life.

If it is the parent or guardian of an individual with Down’s Syndrome who wants the surgery for their charge I would question their motives. Changing someone’s facial features will not change their ability to function. I suspect that anyone wanting their relative to have such surgery puts too much attention on appearances.

@Darwin here, here! however, i have had enough experience with persons affected with DS to believe that some are in fact aware of their “differentness”. i can’t however write that such awareness focused on their appearance.

and what above regarding well informed decisions about elective procedures applies more generally of course

@avalmez – Most Down’s Syndrome people are aware that they are different from others but few of them seem to associate it strictly with appearance. The folks I know are aware that they have a harder time doing certain tasks. They also often know that they have some physical problems not found in their “normal” siblings. Bullies can be a problem but caring teachers and parents can teach the child how to cope. Overall, however, people with Down’s Syndrome seem to have a level of optimism and satisfaction with life that I wish more people had.

@Darwin i should have included in my response what you just wrote regarding the general upbeat demeanor people with DS have and agree, the rest of us should learn something from that.

I would consider it if it were my progeny and they really were sure they wanted it.

I’m definitely not making that decision for them.

A lot of people are saying if that’s what the person actually wants but I’ve known some children with developmental disabilities that are mild enough to allow them to attend public school with some extra tutoring to others that will likely be unable to function autonomously for the rest of their life. How would we be able to draw the line between someone that can give consent and someone that can’t?

I’m just playing devil’s advocate, I honestly don’t have a clear opinion on this right now.

@artificialard – I think that is something that has to be dealt with on an individual basis. I suspect only the higher functioning Down’s Syndrome folks could reasonably give consent, but I suspect the line begins to be drawn where someone is aware enough of the possibilities to even ask about plastic surgery or “fixing” their facial features.

Plastic surgery is not something the caregiver should bring up in the absence of a request from their relative that something be done about their features.