If you are preparing for plastic surgery, you probably have thoroughly researched the benefits of the precise procedure that you wish to have. For instance, if you’re planning to have a breast augmentation, you’d know that a successful outcome would involve a pleasant improvement in the size and volume of your breasts. What most people don’t know is that plastic surgery also offers other general benefits.
Improved mental health
Plastic surgery can be a valuable intervention to improve your sense of self-esteem and confidence. Cosmetic imperfections such as a misshapen nose, stubborn abdominal fat, breasts that are ‘too’ small, drooping eyelids, and loose hanging skin can leave you feeling self-conscious particularly when interacting with others. These problems may result in a nagging sense of sadness and graduate into insecurities that rob you of your sense of confidence. Many patients who undergo plastic surgery report that they experience enhanced levels of confidence and a notable improvement in their quality of life.
Healthier lifestyle
Successful plastic surgery leaves you feeling much better about yourself and increases your sense of self-esteem and confidence. These positive changes tend to motivate you to do more to improve your overall appearance by shifting to a healthier lifestyle. You may feel that you are more open to exercising and watching what you eat. This ripple effect can go a long way to improve your quality of life.
Pain reduction
Various types of plastic surgery can help relieve pain and thus eliminate the need to take pain medication on a continuous basis. For instance, breast reduction plastic surgeries help women with overly large breasts to address neck pain, back pain, limb numbness, and headaches. Patients with excess skin in different parts of the body may also experience painful irritations that are effectively addressed through aesthetic surgery.
Weight loss
Most people have plastic surgery to address aesthetic imperfection, only to find that the procedure directly or indirectly helps to keep the weight under check. For instance, liposuction and procedures entailing the removal of excess skin (such as a circumferential tummy tuck) can make it easier for patients to move around when exercising. This (directly and indirectly) contributes to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Depending on the type of plastic surgery you have, your plastic surgeon may also ask that you adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to stay in shape.
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Some common plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck focus on removing excess fat deposits that have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Removal of this fat may directly lower this risk as well as encourage the patient to keep fit by pursuing a healthier diet and a more active lifestyle.
Improved vision
Sagging skin in the face (mostly due to aging) often results in droopy eyelids that may make you look as if you are sad, sleepy, or angry all the time. In addition, these drooping eyelids may interrupt your life of vision and cause vision problems. When patients have eyelid surgery to address the aesthetic issues, they also find that their vision naturally improves.
Longer life expectancy
All of the surprising benefits of plastic surgery covered above tend to result in a higher quality of life. This in turn leaves the patient more motivated in their work and other engagements, improves their mood and confidence, as well as encourages them to pursue positive life changes. These factors – when combined – may actually promote a longer life expectancy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right procedure is crucial so you get the most benefits out of your plastic surgery. Dr. Vemula recommends that you take the time to think about your needs and requirements before even considering plastic surgery. If you go ahead and decide to undergo plastic surgery all the same, it should be out of your own volition (not because someone asked you to). Attending an initial consultation visit with the surgeon is an excellent first step to learn more about each procedure and what may work best for you.