The Complex Relationship Between Plastic Surgery and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Exploration
The increasing prevalence of plastic surgery is a noteworthy development in the dynamic field of contemporary social norms. More people than ever are using cosmetic surgery to try to not only alter but also shape their physical appearance for a variety of reasons.
Although the external changes often take centre stage in public discourse surrounding plastic surgery, there is a deeper and more complex relationship with mental health beneath the surface that warrants a more nuanced examination.
This article begins a thorough investigation into the complex relationships that exist between plastic surgery and mental health. Recognising that there is no consistent positive or negative impact, we investigate the intricate web of human psychology to understand how these operations have a deeply personal impact on individuals.
The rationale behind individuals’ decisions to undergo plastic surgery is as diverse as the procedures themselves. People seek out physical changes for a multitude of reasons, from bettering their quality of life to wanting to feel more confident and good about themselves. These reasons are as different as plastic surgeon Dubai. The goal of this study is to clarify the intricate relationships that exist between these incentives and the ensuing effects on mental health. (Sansone & Sansone, 2007)
Positive Impacts on Mental Health
Enhanced Self-Regard and Self-assurance:
The desire for improved confidence and self-worth is a major motivator for people considering plastic surgery.
The choice to have these life-altering operations is frequently the result of a protracted dissatisfaction with certain aspects of one’s appearance. The idea of having plastic surgery to make physical changes becomes a means of developing a more positive self-image.
If these procedures are successful, the results can cause a significant change in how one views oneself, which will boost confidence. Through resolving long-standing self-consciousness about appearance, people begin a path towards increased self-assurance that can permeate many aspects of their social and personal lives.
Improved Standard of Living:
Plastic surgery is not only an aesthetic procedure; it can also significantly enhance a person’s overall quality of life. Some operations go beyond aesthetic improvements; they treat physical pain or correct deformities of thread lift Dubai that could have caused psychological distress.
A more satisfying life experience is facilitated by the reduction of such distress. People who have struggled with pain or difficulties related to physical abnormalities discover that plastic surgery improves their everyday lives in addition to changing how they look. (Peterrson, 2023)
This feature of plastic surgery emphasises how it can be used for purposes other than aesthetics, directly affecting the overall health of individuals who choose to have such life-changing operations.
Advantages of Physical Changes for the Mind:
Positive changes in physical appearance following plastic surgery have significant psychological benefits that are part of the journey towards transformation. People who have had successful procedures often report a direct and significant impact on their mental health.
From prior self-consciousness, the newfound sense of satisfaction with their appearance translates into increased comfort in social situations. Individuals who more closely align with their ideal body image typically experience greater comfort in a range of social contexts, which feeds back positively and increases self-esteem and social confidence. (Elizabeth, et al., 2022)
Negative Impacts on Mental Health
BDD, or body dysmorphic disorder:
One notable problem associated with the intricate field of plastic surgery is the potential connection to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a mental illness characterised by an obsession with perceived physical defects..
Some people may unintentionally experience BDD exacerbation or trigger when they pursue plastic surgery in an attempt to achieve perfection. People suffering from this disorder may become obsessed with small or even imagined flaws, leading them to seek out several procedures in an intense but fruitless attempt to achieve an idealised appearance.
Unrealistic Expectations:
Having unrealistic expectations for the results of plastic surgery can leave one feeling let down and unhappy.
People may have irrational expectations due to media influence and social beauty standards, which increases their risk of mental health problems after surgery.
Social Coercion and Disgrace:
The decision to have plastic surgery is not unrelated to the constant social pressures that shape traditional notions of beauty. People may experience intense pressure to fit in in a world where cultural norms and the media frequently promote ideals of physical perfection.
Because of the intense self-doubt and profound feelings of inadequacy caused by this societal scrutiny, some people resort to plastic surgery in an attempt to meet the accepted standards of beauty. Ironically, people who choose to have these operations might have to face additional difficulties.
The decision to change one’s appearance can be tainted by criticism, judgement, and the persistent stigma associated with it.
Post-Oppressive Disorder:
Outside the operating room, plastic surgery is a procedure that can change someone’s life. There are challenges unique to the recovery phase, like the potential for post-surgical depression.
This emotional collapse could be caused by a variety of factors, including the stress that was felt during the procedure, the challenging nature of the recovery process, or unmet expectations regarding the outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the connection between plastic surgery and mental health reveals a complex landscape, with outcomes that differ as greatly as the individuals who decide to pursue this transformative course of action.
The spectrum includes psychological advantages like heightened self-esteem and confidence as well as challenges that could gravely harm well-being like the onset of post-surgical depression and the potential for a worsening of body dysmorphic disorder.
The intricacy of these experiences emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritises mental health from the outset.
Beyond the individual, the narrative surrounding plastic surgery is greatly influenced by societal attitudes. It’s a very private choice that necessitates a delicate balancing act between social acceptance and personal preferences.
It will be critical to advance the acceptance and understanding culture so that people can approach plastic surgery with self-assurance, confidence, and a firm commitment to their general well-being and mental health.
Works Cited
Sansone, R. & Sansone, L., 2007. Cosmetic Surgery and Psychological Issues. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861519/
[Accessed December 2007].
Peterrson, K., 2023. Inner beauty meets outer confidence: The connection between mental health and cosmetic procedures for young women. [Online]
Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/inner-beauty-meets-outer-confidence-the-connection-between-mental-health-and-cosmetic-procedures-for-young-women
[Accessed 5 July 2023].
Elizabeth, H., Faulkner , H. R. & Losken, A., 2022. The Psychological Impact of Aesthetic Surgery: A Mini-Review. [Online]
Available at: https://academic.oup.com/asjopenforum/article/doi/10.1093/asjof/ojac077/6759794?login=false
[Accessed 13 October 2022].
