The desire to seem a particular manner is a well-known motivator for cosmetic surgery. Sociocultural theory suggests that people internalize beauty standards from their environment.
For example, a preoccupation with an imagined flaw is associated with body dysmorphic disorder, which can contribute to plastic surgery desires.
Self-Esteem
The societal pressure to conform to idealized beauty standards plays a role in the desire for cosmetic surgery. The media often heighten these pressures. Studies have shown that internalizing media messages about beauty and a desire for appearance-changing procedures predict interest in cosmetic surgery. In addition, recent movements encouraging body appreciation can reduce the prevalence of body dissatisfaction and desire for cosmetic procedures.
These movements are important because poor body image can increase the risk of substance abuse, unhealthy weight control and exercise behaviors, impulsive sexual behaviors, and suicidal ideation. While plastic surgery can have positive physical outcomes, it is not a quick fix for the mental health issues arising from body dissatisfaction and appearance anxiety. Therefore, patients must be aware of the risks associated with this procedure and screened appropriately by qualified physicians.
Self-Confidence
When considering plastic surgery, you may jump to images of Beverly Hills procedures to make celebrities look more glamorous. However, plastic surgery covers a wide range of surgical treatments and conditions. It includes reconstructive procedures that restore function and normal appearance and cosmetic procedures that alter the body’s shape.
Reconstructive procedures done by surgeons like Joel Aronowitz, MD, include fixing congenital disabilities or injuries from trauma or illness. Examples include cleft lip and palate repair, breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy for cancer, and burn scar revision.
Cosmetic surgery procedures change a person’s appearance and are often done for personal reasons. Girls and guys with gynecomastia that causes excess breast tissue may opt for reduction surgery, and people with birthmarks like port-wine stains or hemangiomas may choose laser treatment to lessen their visibility. Some cosmetic procedures also improve function, such as nose reshaping, which helps the patient breathe more efficiently, or liposuction, which slims and reshapes body parts.
Self-Respect
The name “plastic surgery” may sound like a synonym for synthetic material, but it refers to surgical procedures designed to change a person’s shape and form. Plastic surgery encompasses two broad categories: cosmetic and reconstructive. With the help of the surgeons such as Dr. Joel Aronowitz, it will bring changes you would like for yourself.
While some people have cosmetic surgeries to enhance their appearance, others undergo reconstructive procedures to fix a physical defect or injury. This can include congenital disabilities such as cleft lips and palates or ear deformities, traumatic injuries such as facial scarring from a dog bite, or cancer treatment side effects such as rebuilding a woman’s breast after mastectomy.
A person’s emotions can also influence their body image. Individuals who are very self-critical, depressed, or have a low sense of worth will probably not be helped by plastic surgery. They are better served by working through these emotional issues with the help of a mental health professional. It’s also essential for individuals to surround themselves with people who respect and celebrate their authentic selves.
Self-Worth
People with a strong sense of self-worth love themselves, even when others may judge them. This is because their core beliefs are not based on what others think of them but on who they are.
Having a solid sense of self-worth is also helpful in dealing with difficult situations that may come up in life. For example, people with a strong sense of self-worth are unafraid to show their emotions or speak their truth. They recognize that the feelings they are having are there to help them, and they do not feel guilty or ashamed.
In contrast, people with low self-worth tend to hide their true feelings or only show certain parts of themselves. This can lead to isolation and a lack of close relationships. It can also cause people to turn to unhealthy behaviors like drug and alcohol use or eating disorders. Developing a solid sense of self-worth can help people regain a healthy relationship with themselves and the world around them.
