The psychological effects of cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery aims to correct, repair or improve the appearance of a part of the face or body.
In many of our past articles, we addressed the benefits and risks of the various procedures we offer.
This article aims to inform you of the psychological impacts that cosmetic surgery can have on patients.
Cosmetic surgery and self-esteem
Many patients may feel insecure or uneasy about the appearance of a part of their face or body.
This is one of the reasons that may lead some people to cosmetic surgery.
For a significant percentage of patients, surgery contributes significantly to improving their self-esteem. However, this is not true 100% of the time.
In fact, some people who have undergone plastic surgery may feel some discomfort or even frustration following the surgical procedure.
Harmful psychological effects
While the majority of cosmetic surgery cases improve patients’ lives and self-esteem, a cosmetic surgery procedure may have the opposite effect for some.
The physical risks of plastic surgery are frequently discussed, but the mental risks related to such a procedure often go unmentioned.
Remember that plastic surgery is not a trivial procedure. Therefore, it is normal for some patients to feel shocked or uncomfortable following their transformation. Perhaps the procedure did not meet their expectations, or if it did, it may not have been able to correct a more deeply rooted discomfort.
The importance of preoperative consultations
Once your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery has been made, you will meet with your plastic surgeon for some preoperative consultations.
During these consultations, your surgeon will explain how the procedure is carried out, along with its risks. They will also evaluate your health in preparation for (if necessary). Of course, they will also answer all your questions and reassure you if you have any concerns.
Consultations are also an opportunity for the cosmetic surgeon to find out about what led you to plastic surgery. In a way, they will evaluate your psychological profile.
If, for example, your hopes for the results of the desired procedure are too high, or if they see that cosmetic surgery is an obsession for you or that it stems from a body dysmorphic disorder,* they may reserve the right not to operate on you.
They may refer you to a psychologist in order to help you overcome your insecurity.
* Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsession over a specific feature of one’s body or their general physical appearance.
Significant impacts
Cosmetic surgery is not an insignificant intervention.
Considering that some people have difficulty getting used to a new haircut, we can easily imagine that the impact of cosmetic surgery may cause its share of disruption.
The reasons why people decide to undergo cosmetic surgery are numerous and very personal.
Your plastic surgeon will guide you through your approach to ensure that you are undergoing your procedure for yourself alone and not because you are being pressured by someone in your social circle.
Cosmetic surgery must be a personal choice that will boost your well-being and self-confidence.
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