Benefits and Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery has come a long way over the last few decades. Long gone are the days when aesthetic procedures used to be the preserve of Hollywood celebrities and TV models. The field has advanced immensely and techniques have dramatically improved. Modern plastic surgeons are able to perform procedures with a high degree of safety and efficiency. For instance, breast augmentation, one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, has an impressive patient satisfaction rate of up to 98%. That means that nearly every patient who has this treatment is happy about the outcome of the surgery. Similarly, the sheer number of procedures and techniques available to patients has ballooned. You can choose from surgical facial procedures such as facelifts to non-invasive treatments such as BOTOX or dermal fillers. Breast cosmetic surgeries include breast enlargement, breast lift, and breast reduction. Individuals who are looking to contour their body can choose from mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, liposuction, thigh lifts, Brazilian butt lifts, arm lifts, and numerous other procedures.
The decision of whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery is a highly individualized one. Sometimes choose to do so with ease while others go through a period of second-guessing themselves. They look at photos of themselves and wonder whether the surgery would yield the results they desire. In this blog post, we highlight the pros of cons of cosmetic surgery to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Having Plastic Surgery
Some of the key reasons why people choose to undergo various cosmetic surgery procedures include the following:
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Conceal Flaws
Many people have aesthetic imperfections such as wrinkles, deep creases, excess abdominal skin, and even drooping breasts. These issues are usually caused by the natural aging processes, exposure to sunlight, effects of gravity, and even events such as pregnancy and childbearing. In many cases, lifestyle adjustments such as exercise and diet do not yield the desired results. Cosmetic surgery is the only long-term solution that these individuals have to achieve the looks and body contours that they desire.
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Look Younger
Many cosmetic surgery procedures, especially those designed to lift various parts of the body (such as the breasts) and reduce excess/sagging skin, leave you looking a lot younger. Some treatments such as facelift surgery can in fact take as much as 10 or 15 years from your perceived age.
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Alleviate Scarring
Scarring resulting from car accidents and other injuries can leave you looking deformed. Plastic surgeons specializing in scar removal can help improve the appearance of unsightly scars so you look a lot better and live a more fulfilling life.
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Regain Your Confidence
The majority of patients who have cosmetic surgery say that they feel much more confident in their own skin. You’ll find that you are able to wear your favorite outfits without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. This in turn goes a long way to improving the patient’s quality of life.
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Treat Obesity
In some cases, cosmetic surgery may be performed to treat obesity. This type of procedure is referred to as weight loss or bariatric surgery. Patients reap the health benefits of losing significant weight and may have subsequent cosmetic procedures to enhance side effects such as excess skin and areas of stubborn fat.
Disadvantages of Having Plastic Surgery
Some of the known disadvantages of cosmetic surgery include the following:
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Costly Procedures
Cosmetic surgeries are typically expensive, costing thousands of dollars for the simplest procedures. Costs can run into tens of thousands for more comprehensive treatments such as mommy makeovers. In addition to that, health insurers typically do not pay for these treatments because they are considered to be cosmetic in nature.
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Recovery Downtime
Just like any other surgical procedure, you’ll need to set time apart for recovery. This duration will vary from one procedure to another, and can sometimes run into months depending on the specifics of your treatment. Keep in mind that this is time you stay off work plus you’ll be dealing with side effects such as pain, swelling, and bruising.
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Possible Unsatisfactory Outcome
In some cases, patients are unhappy with the results they get after their cosmetic surgery. This means you have to look for another surgeon altogether to do a revision procedure. This could be avoided in the first place by taking the time to find a highly qualified plastic surgeon for the procedure that you intend to have.
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Surgical Risks
Cosmetic surgeries come with intrinsic surgical risks such as excessive bleeding, infection, and blood clots. While working with a highly seasoned surgeon can help water down the possibility of these complications, this is a concern you have to think about altogether.
Conclusion
While preparing to undergo your plastic surgery procedure, it is important to consider both the good and the bad side and make a balanced decision. Taking the time to learn as much about the procedure you intend to have can go a long way.