Plastic surgery is a series of operations that reshape or restore the shape of the body. Although the term is commonly associated with cosmetic procedures, it actually encompasses a wide range of practical procedures, including reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn treatment, and more.
Whatever the motivation, the decision to undergo surgery should never be taken lightly — the risks and benefits should always be weighed.
This article will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of plastic surgery.
Risks of Plastic Surgery
No surgery is without risk, and the risks that could arise with plastic surgery can affect both mental and physical health.
Mental health
The possible negative psychological and social effects of plastic surgery have a lot to do with the patient’s expectations and their mental and emotional state before the operation.
Have realistic expectations
While plastic surgery can bring positive results, it will not change your life, the problems you have, or problems in your relationships. It is also important to understand that there is no such thing as physical perfection.
For some people, plastic surgery is an opportunity to correct a perceived flaw that has troubled them for years.
However, people who are strongly aware of imperfections in themselves may suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This psychological disorder is characterized by an obsessive fixation on a perceived physical defect. It affects between 1.7% and 2.4% of the general population.
In many cases, people with BDD will seek multiple plastic surgery procedures and are usually unhappy with the results. Sometimes plastic surgeons do not operate on people with BDD.
If you feel very strong negative feelings about your physical appearance, it is recommended that you consult with a health care provider or mental health professional about body dysmorphic disorder before proceeding with surgery.
Physical health
As with any surgery, plastic surgery carries risks. Surgery has the potential to cause some unwanted physical side effects. Although the worst outcomes are rare, they are possible.
While each type of surgery carries its own procedure-specific risks, some risks are common to all surgical procedures. These risks include:
- Contamination
- Excessive or unexpected bleeding (hemorrhage or hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Seroma (accumulation of fluid)
- Nerve or organ damage
- Scars
- Risks of anesthesia (including shock, respiratory failure, drug or allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, coma, death)
Benefits of Plastic Surgery
It’s important to remember that there can be good things that come out of plastic surgery, both mentally and physically.
Improved self-esteem and confidence
For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence.
Correcting a patient’s perceived “problem” may make the patient less self-conscious and relieve social anxiety. It can make them more outgoing, less vulnerable, and more willing to show off their new, flattering features. This new confidence can show up in many aspects of life — socially, professionally and romantically.
In addition, some studies have shown that physical attractiveness correlates with professional success, such as hiring decisions, promotions, and salary. Some studies have shown that attractive people receive favorable treatment in restaurants and retail stores.
When you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, you’ll project those positive feelings into everything you do.
Improved Quality of Life
In some cases, plastic surgery can improve a person’s quality of life. For example, an eyelid lift can help reduce vision problems by removing excess skin, and breast reduction surgery can relieve chronic back and shoulder pain.
Weighing risks and rewards
The potential rewards of plastic surgery are highly individual. Many plastic surgery patients say their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner.
However, there are also many who wish they had never had it done, or who at least wish they had done more research or chosen a different surgeon. You can reduce your risk by doing your homework and becoming an informed patient.
Don’t let price be the deciding factor in choosing a surgeon. Check credentials and references, ask lots of questions, and be on the lookout for red flags.
Make sure you go into surgery in the best possible health by taking care of yourself and don’t let your desire for surgery overshadow any serious health issues.
While the risks of plastic surgery vary from one procedure to another, some risks are common to all surgical procedures, and some of the risks are serious. Only you can decide if it’s worth it for you. Educate yourself. Consider all the pros and cons. Talk it over with your loved ones.
If you decide to do it, choose the best surgeon you can find. Follow their pre- and post-operative instructions to the letter. Then enjoy your new look!
Summary
Plastic surgery includes many different procedures and operations, with the aim of changing parts of the body, either for medical necessity or for aesthetic reasons. There can be risks and benefits, both mental and physical, for someone who decides to have plastic surgery.
A word from Verywell
Choosing the surgeon who will perform your operation is probably the most important step you will take to have plastic surgery. You need to be confident in their skills and knowledge. Research surgeons who specialize in the type of surgery you will be having. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) advises looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon.
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