I used to think this way too, but I’ve since come around to a different way of thinking.

Unless photos are taken for documentation, it’s more important for the photo to capture the feeling they photographer is trying to convey. 5 minutes after you talk to someone, you’re not going to remember every single blemish on their face; you’ll remember the general shape and a few distinguishing features. I would much rather the photo match the memory than the fact.

Of course, this can and has been taken too far in some instances, but I see no problems with removing a pimple and whitening teeth to more warmly represent (and therefore remember) my subject.