Introduction
People have recently been more concerned with their physical appearance due to society's influence in modifying and setting beauty standards. As a result, the number of people undergoing plastic surgery has grown dramatically. One might have seen or heard a lot of advertising and magazines driving cosmetic surgery, particularly for women. Such magazines and commercials mislead youths and women into thinking that they must undergo certain changes to be good.
Plastic surgery is used worldwide to improve physical appearance and make people happy, but is it all beneficial? Is it a beauty or a beast to have plastic surgery? The techniques and effects of such surgeries have attracted considerable interest in the medical and psychological areas of study. It is necessary to identify whether plastic surgery generates beauty or a beast in individuals based on the physical and mental impacts that arise following such surgeries.
When considering surgery, there are numerous options and factors to consider. First, the person should seek the advice of a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They will inform you about the potential impacts and thoroughly assess the medical state to determine whether the procedure is safe to do or not.
What Are the Beauty Aspects of Plastic Surgery?
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Increase Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Some patients are depressed because of physical imperfections and avoid social situations. Plastic surgery aids in modifying or correcting body components to the patient's preference. This can boost self-esteem and confidence while improving mental health and quality of life.
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Enhance Quality of Life: Plastic surgery enhances the quality of life by fixing or changing irregularities or malfunctioning bodily parts, thereby increasing body function. It can also aid in correcting eye problems, removing extra fat or skin from bodily parts, and relieving persistent back discomfort through breast reduction surgery.
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Reduce Anxiety: Plastic surgery can help patients minimize their self-consciousness and anxiety about meeting others by correcting perceived defects. It can help people discover new elements of their lives by lessening their sensitivity and encouraging them to explore the environment and socialize with others.
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Increase Self-Assurance: Plastic surgery can help you achieve the desired appearance, boosting confidence and improving social life and mental health. This can lead to a better communication style. Though plastic surgery cannot fix all of life's issues, it can help conquer them by increasing self-confidence and self-assurance.
How Does Plastic Surgery Affect the Patients Undergoing Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a risky and artificial way of changing oneself into society's dramatized definition of beauty. Cosmetic operations can pose several health problems, including developing a false cosmetic personality and a dependence on this dangerous procedure. Most patients undergo a tummy tuck to remove extra fat and skin while restoring compromised muscle, creating a smoother, tighter abdominal profile. However, people may be unaware that cosmetic surgery can result in excessive bleeding, scarring, necrosis, and more severe side effects such as nerve damage resulting in muscle paralysis. Rarely, uncontrolled bleeding can even end in death. Aside from the benefits of cosmetic surgery, the following drawbacks exist:
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Cost: Cosmetic procedures are undoubtedly costly. Therefore, they need to be more accessible to most people. However, if people are willing to go through cosmetic surgery, there are additional financial options to consider.
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Addiction: Some people develop an obsession with it, which affects the patient's mental state and worsens the severity of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with this illness assume that many cosmetic operations will cure them, yet surgery is not the best treatment.
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Unrealistic Expectations: Another drawback of plastic surgery is that no one can ensure the results will look as desired after the procedure. Unsatisfactory outcomes can be catastrophic for some people, thereby causing depression.
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Recovery Time: Another factor to consider is the time it takes to recover. Following surgery, the recovery period may be prolonged. Depending on the type of operation, the recovery period can last two to three weeks. Furthermore, pain is noticeable during the healing period, making some people reliant on pain medicines.
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Multiple Plastic Surgeries: It can have a negative impact on individuals who have had numerous plastic operations in a short period of time by causing discomfort and prolonging recovery time. It can also cause anxiety, stress, and depression, all of which have a negative impact on general well-being.
How Does Plastic Surgery Affect Children and Adolescents?
Plastic surgeries on children and adolescents involve significant ethical concerns. While the prevalence of cosmetic treatments among this age group is concerning, there needs to be more studies on the safety and long-term impact of these procedures on adolescents' physical and mental development. It is critical to approach these treatments cautiously and prioritize young people's well-being and healthy growth. Research and guidelines are required to ensure that cosmetic surgery is performed ethically and in the patient's best interests.
How to Recognize Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients Undergoing Plastic Surgery?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder characterized by an obsession with perceived defects in one's physical appearance. Individuals with BDD may pursue cosmetic surgery multiple times to address their issues, with little to no improvement in their symptoms. Psychologists can help identify people with BDD and provide appropriate support and counseling. Psychologists can help ensure patients receive the required psychological assessment and treatments by collaborating closely with plastic surgeons.
What Is the Role of Psychologists in Plastic Surgery?
Psychologists can help address the complex psychological elements of plastic surgery. They can help with pre-and post-operative examinations, identify patients at risk for poor psychosocial outcomes, and provide support throughout the process. Psychologists can also help by looking into the long-term impacts of cosmetic surgery on relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Psychologists might acquire significant insights into the psychological implications of cosmetic surgery by investigating the cultural and interpersonal phenomena linked to it.
Conclusion
The psychological effects of cosmetic surgery can be both beneficial and negative. While some people may see gains in their body image and overall well-being, others may experience dissatisfaction and psychological discomfort. It is critical to go into cosmetic surgery with reasonable expectations and to evaluate the risks and advantages. Psychologists play an important role in guiding patients through the cosmetic surgery process, conducting assessments, and giving required interventions. Psychologists can contribute to individuals' general mental well-being and create a healthier concept of beauty and self-acceptance by supporting a more holistic and ethical approach to cosmetic surgery.
