"It was not only for appearance," she added. "I did it for my self-esteem. I had low self-esteem because of [having small breasts]. I did it mainly for that reason but also for the physical appearance. I was embarrassed in bathing suits, tank tops, that kind of thing."

As I read the article about breast augmentation (Health & Science, April 9) and others like it, I shudder to think that there are actually women in this world that tie their self-esteem to their bra cup size. Not being a well-endowed person myself (far from it), I agree that there are clothes that do not flatter small-breasted women yet it doesn't hamper my self-confidence to steer away from tank tops in favor of a shell.

Women should have the right to change their breast size. It goes without saying that breast reconstruction is a major reason for having corrective surgery. Elective plastic surgery, while not my choice, does not strike me as frivolous. It seems more extreme (and expensive) to be put to sleep and undergo the knife for reasons other than health but like dyeing your hair or whitening your teeth or wearing colored contacts, modifying your appearance can be exciting.

Forking out thousands of dollars to look good in a bathing suit or adding to your sex appeal (come on, let's face it: breast augmentation and other makeover efforts have a lot to do with attraction) is great. Fine. Go for it. No need to justify your desires. Admit the truth. Except it might be a tad embarrassing to admit that you want bigger breasts because they are the current fashion or you want to please your husband. To reveal you want to look great in a bathing suit might be deemed frivolous; "correcting" low self-esteem and everyone nods their head in understanding as if you are having a growth removed.

I, too, have stood between two well-endowed women, obviously not sharing their attributes. I have towered over male friends. At almost 50, I have occasional acne and yet still dare to associate with teenagers blessed with clear complexions. (I'm brave that way.) Never once did my self-esteem sink below par because my physical characteristics were different that those around me.

Short or tall, chubby or slim, curly haired or poker straight, well-proportioned or flat-chested; we all have one thing in common: We are normal.

Headlines that proclaim a child born with two faces or webbed feet or adults that measure over 8 feet tall do not fall within this category. They are burdened with physical issues that draw attention and prohibit typical behavior. Still, I imagine, there are those that are off the charts that are still confident individuals.

Self-esteem is defined as "a realistic self-respect or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect." My parents didn't use buzz words like self-esteem but they did teach me that "pretty is as pretty does." It's not the external we should value or focus upon but the inner kindness and giving heart. Beauty is found in a smile, a helping hand, a gracious gesture.

Every reader knows of someone that would not be defined at gorgeous but whose spirit and character overwhelms you with loveliness. You see past the statue, the weight, the nasal voice to the substance. There are many in this world whose external beauty (or wealth or smarts) far exceed our own but they show themselves to be shallow and self-centered.

It's not my place to judge, nor do I believe tabloid news to be wholly accurate but we are inundated with beautiful people with bad manners. Their clothes are designer, their bodies sculpted, their face recognized all over the world yet their outward glamour fades with each ridiculous escapade.

At the end of the day, we all want to look our best and feel confident. Consumers flock to try the latest product promising shiny hair and glowing skin. Feeling good about the way you look is important and many -- though certainly not all -- are willing to spend a lot of money to take it to the next level. Totally understandable.

Add (or subtract) to your breasts because you want to enhance your sex appeal or fill out a tank top. Please just don't equate breast size to anything more than a physical attribute. It's what lies within us that should give us confidence and pride.

BARBARA COOLEY THAW
Sewickley