Plastic surgery can have positive mental health benefits for some individuals. However, it is essential to approach cosmetic procedures with caution. For example, if your anxiety or depression is caused by deep dissatisfaction with your appearance, a facelift or breast implants may not cure it. Instead, you should seek therapy or medication.
Health
When individuals have physical defects, such as prominent ears or a misshapen nose, that affect their appearance, they might turn to a plastic surgeon, in this case, Dr. Joel Aronowitz, to correct them. In addition, they may choose to undergo cosmetic enhancement procedures like liposuction and body contouring to reduce fat deposits that have accumulated despite diet and exercise. Studies have found that patients who undergo these procedures are generally happy with the results. According to Clinical Psychological Science, they experience a boost in their self-image and overall happiness and may even feel healthier due to the procedure. However, the positive impact of these surgical procedures depends on several factors, including the patient’s psychological health and expectations for their procedure. Those with unrealistic expectations may be dissatisfied with the results, and they should carefully consider their reasons for wanting to change their appearance before opting for surgery. This includes people who think their appearance will save a relationship or improve their quality of life.
Mental Health
People who struggle with insecurities regarding their appearance often experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Whether you’re embarrassed about sagging skin, an enlarged nose or breasts, facial aging, a small jaw, large lips, or other physical features, a plastic surgeon, Joel Aronowitz, can change how you see yourself. This can boost your confidence and help you feel more confident about yourself physically, socially, professionally, and emotionally. Psychologists can play an essential role in assessing patients’ motivations for plastic surgery and their expectations before surgery. They can also help patients identify any mental health issues, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), that might contribute to dissatisfaction with their appearance. Researchers have found that many cosmetic surgery patients report improved mental health and quality of life. However, according to research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, those with unrealistic expectations or a history of mental disorders might not benefit from this procedure.
Appearance
Some people undergoing plastic surgery see significant increases in their feelings of self-confidence and well-being. This is especially true for surgeries that make significant changes, such as rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. However, even minor procedures such as facial rejuvenation can lead to these positive results. When you feel good about your appearance, it often has a ripple effect on other aspects of life, including relationships, confidence, and work performance. In addition, if a particular physical trait is causing discomfort or making it difficult to live normally, such as a deviated septum or oversized breasts, cosmetic surgery may alleviate this problem and improve your quality of life.
On the other hand, if you are having a hard time accepting certain features of your appearance due to mental health issues, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), plastic surgery may not be the answer. Instead, a trained therapist can help you resolve these issues.
Relationships
Many patients undergo plastic surgery to address specific aspects of their appearance that they find uncomfortable or unattractive. When they start to see results, it can increase self-acceptance and self-worth and boost confidence. This can help overcome other mental health issues, such as low body image or insecurity due to injury or congenital disability. The positive emotions often come with cosmetic enhancement can improve relationships with friends and family. However, discussing any concerns or expectations with your partner before deciding to have surgery is essential. It’s also helpful to consider the effects on your relationship dynamics over the long term. Studies show that most people who have cosmetic surgery feel satisfied with their decision and experience improved quality of life and overall well-being. This is mainly because most of these individuals went into their procedures with realistic expectations.
