By Sudha Hariharan

Plastic & cosmetic surgery is gaining immense popularity especially among women. Procedures have become less invasive, recovery periods shorter, side effects lesser. Not only does it improve appearance, it boosts self-confidence, improves mental health  and  definitely has a life-changing  impact.

Self-care and self-love are never selfish!! When we talk of health, we must not only address the physical and medical health but also the emotional, psychological and social well being of a person. To understand whether or not someone’s quality of life has improved, you have to look at the patient’s social, physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing. Self-esteem and confidence all are factors that contribute to the “quality of life” assessment. Just because YOU don’t think a specific cosmetic surgery is reasonable to do, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect that person in a more personal and significant way. And if we have the means to make people feel better about themselves and be more confident, why not? 

Quality of life is an important measure. Recognizing the fact that humans need to feel attractive is one of the most important factors. Feeling good about one’s self shouldn’t be considered a luxury; it’s an essential component of a healthy attitude and a strong outlook. It can make a huge difference in your career, your relationships, and personal self-image. The way you feel about yourself matters on a personal level that affects your life. Feeling your best from inside out is essential.

A famous psychiatrist has said, “If a cosmetic procedure can be done once and left at that for life (e.g. a nose job) it may be worth considering and I have in fact seen some people who had chronic self-esteem issues due to their perceived nose imperfections and were ‘cured’ of the issue.”

With improved confidence, health, professional and social lives, and a whole new outlook, it’s no wonder why so many opt for cosmetic surgery.

The benefits are multiple:

• New lease of  life-Getting one or more plastic surgery procedures makes you more motivated to improve your life. 
• Boost to career options and opportunities
• Healthier body and mind
• Better pyscho- social wellbeing
• Better relationships to family and friends as well as professional colleagues-Specific areas of improvement included relationships, social interactions, and sex.

Aesthetics are an essential aspect of how people perceive you in personal and professional settings. Cosmetic surgery can significantly improve your confidence for the rest of your life.

Even if the reason for plastic surgery is cosmetic, that should not mean it is unnecessary. Feeling less than your very best can cause poor self-esteem, leading to mental health issues. 

The positive results of the procedure may motivate the person to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program to keep their weight in check. A healthy weight can also lead to a healthier body and reduced risk for some types of diseases. Simple self-care and recognition of the human need to feel attractive is one of the most important reasons for plastic surgery.

A mid-90s study investigated the how and why of improved psychological well-being after plastic surgery. What researchers found was that expectations really do matter. They looked at “target happiness” based on appearance, and found that it is not beauty, per se, that improves happiness, but our own unique perception of our own attractiveness. The takeaway? Cosmetic plastic surgery, when approached with realistic expectations and an open mind, can improve your physical appearance and, as a result, your life. 

Patients who underwent facial plastic surgery felt significantly more satisfied with their appearance, and also felt less anxious and more independent

The idea of establishing a more positive relationship with one’s body is not new, says Dr. Viral Desai. He believes in the importance of feeling good about how you look, and wants to help anyone with a desire to improve their appearance and hence increased levels of self-esteem and confidence. He says plastic surgery patients are able to experience an increase of happiness. This same sense of satisfaction can naturally extend to their social lives, romantic relationships, and even employment status and thus a significant overall emotional boast and importance of feeling satisfied with your body. Main goal is to enable patients to feel and integrate better within society and therefore improving quality of life.

Cosmetic surgery just does not change your appearance, it can change your life!! 

“I call it becoming a better person from the outside in.”