The Many Benefits of Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures continue to increase in popularity every year, but many people focus only on its external impact, most likely because the outer results of cosmetic surgery are usually the most readily apparent. Plastic surgery can do a great deal to improve the appearance. Cosmetic injectables like Botox® or facial fillers can minimize or even temporarily treating certain signs of facial aging while liposuction and other body contouring procedures can subtly sculpt the body’s curves to create a slimmer and more attractive silhouette. In today’s youth and appearance-conscious culture, the professional and personal benefits of looking younger and more attractive are undeniable. However, there are several other benefits of plastic surgery that are frequently overlooked and can, perhaps, be even more important.
Many are hesitant to discuss the positive psychological impact that plastic surgery can have, as subjective results can often be difficult to substantiate in objective, scientific terms. Numerous studies, however, have been conducted that seek to measure the outlook and quality of life of patients who have undergone plastic surgery procedures. One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that, although objective physical attractiveness did not correlate with patients’ sense of well-being, their self-perceptions of their physical attractiveness did. Simply put, those people who felt they were attractive were found to be happier with their lives than those who did not. Studies published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that 92 percent of the women surveyed reported improved self-esteem after breast augmentation procedures and that 64 percent reported an improved quality of life. Similarly, another study found that those suffering from gynecomastia, a benign enlargement of male glandular tissue that is very common in adolescent boys, also suffered from significant deficits in general health, social functioning, mental health, self-esteem, and eating behaviors and attitudes. Correcting gynecomastia with male breast reduction surgery or liposuction would no doubt have a significant positive effect on self-esteem and overall physical and mental well-being.
But perhaps even more significantly, plastic surgery procedures can directly provide a number of long term medical benefits. Breast reduction surgery for women, for example, can help improve posture and alleviate lower back problems while liposuction can reduce the potential risk for heart attack and stroke by removing excess fat deposits. Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can address breathing difficulties, sinus problems, and even help treat sleep apnea. These physical effects, combined with the psychological impact of plastic surgery, can often inspire sweeping lifestyle changes. Once patients are more comfortable in their clothes and less self-conscious about their appearance, they are often more likely to participate in outdoor activities and pursue a regular exercise regimen, leading to a lifetime of better cardiovascular health.
If you are interested in learning more about Atlantic Plastic Surgery, or any plastic surgery procedure our providers perform, contact us at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.
