You may be considering plastic surgery but are unsure whether the risks are worth the potential rewards. Below is an overview of some of the advantages and risks you should take into consideration as you make your decision. These are just a few guidelines, though; as you make your decision be sure to consult with your doctor and other professionals to get information specific to your situation.
The Advantages
For many people, the greatest reward of a successful plastic surgery is increased self-esteem and confidence due to their improved appearance. Some people hold back in social situations because they feel there is an imperfection in their appearance. Once this is corrected by plastic surgery, they feel more free to be outgoing and socialize with other people.
This personal confidence is often reinforced by other people’s reactions. Studies have shown that attractive people are perceived as more intelligent, more capable, and more successful. As a result, society tends to treat attractive people with more respect in many situations, including work, dating, and even service at a restaurant.
Not all plastic surgery is purely cosmetic. Many times plastic surgery can correct defects or injuries that have limited a person’s mobility or ability to function in some way. For example, a lift of a drooping eyelid can help a patient see more clearly or a patient with nerve damage to the hand can regain strength and dexterity after plastic surgery.
The Risks
All surgery involves risks, regardless of the type of surgery or the motivation behind it. These risks may include infection, unexpected bleeding, complications from anesthesia, and nerve damage. If any of these problems occur, further treatment and even possibly more surgery may be needed to correct the damage. Or the patient may be left with excess scarring or persistent pain.
If the surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon in a clean, licensed facility, the chance of these problems can be decreased. A good surgeon will discuss the potential health risks with a patient before any surgical procedure.
One risk that is unique to plastic surgery is the possibility of unsatisfactory results. Unlike most surgeries that are medically necessary, the success of plastic surgery is subjective. The results that a patient sees may not match their expectations, which can be disappointing. Even if the results are what the patient is expecting, they may not have the positive consequences the patient had hoped for. For example, the patient’s friends may gossip about the plastic surgery instead of welcoming the change or their dating life may still be less than they’d hoped even though they are now more attractive.
Making a Decision
The advantages and risks of plastic surgery will vary greatly depending on the person. If you are considering plastic surgery, you should identify what advantages you hope to gain from the surgery and discuss with your doctor and loved ones to evaluate whether the surgery will help you gain the advantages you are hoping for. You should also carefully discuss any potential risks with your doctor to make sure you are fully informed. If done right, with proper research and a skilled surgeon, plastic surgery can help improve your appearance and your confidence, which can help improve your quality of life.
