Reasons Why People Undergo Plastic Surgery
by Dr. Kriti Mohan
Plastic surgery has for a long time been regarded as “taboo.” The fear of prejudice has influenced patients to conceal their procedures instead of discussing it openly in public. In fact, this fear of judgment has been a large factor which influences a patient’s decision to undergo cosmetic surgery.
However, as societal ideals have started to change, people have become increasingly open about plastic surgery. Slowly, an increasing number of people are considering it an acceptable option to refine their appearance.
What are some reasons behind desiring Plastic Surgery?
There are many reasons people may be driven to consider plastic surgery, and these reasons are highly individualized. While a common theme may be physical improvement, there are often more underlying motivations.
- Genetics
Without a doubt, inherited genes play a large factor in a person’s appearance. Through the use of surgical procedures, patients can modify traits that they may otherwise be displeased with, whether this is a facial trait or body habitus.
- Signs of Aging
Age is something many strive to defy. But try as they might, nature and external exposures continue to manifest the inevitable signs of aging. Thus, this is a primary motivator for people to consider plastic surgery.
Through the use of surgical procedures and or nonsurgical interventions such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers, patients now have the ability to modify and slow the aging process.
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy results in numerous changes in a woman’s body. While some of these changes resolve after childbearing and breastfeeding, for many women these changes are permanent and can result in significant alterations in their breast and body shape. Through plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation or lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, and body lift procedures, a mother’s pre-pregnancy figure can be restored.
- Massive weight loss
The increasing number of bariatric procedures has allowed many patients to achieve success in large amounts of weight loss. The rapid nature of this weight loss, however, has also resulted in large amounts of excess skin and poor body contour. This excess skin can be crippling for these patients and cause difficulty with hygiene as well as poor self-esteem. Body contouring procedures utilized by plastic surgeons allow these patients to regain a more shapely contour and quality of life.
- Career Advancement
Physical appearance and the way a person carries themselves greatly affects workplace performance. This is especially true for people who engage in customer interactions. Plastic surgery can enable a person to foster confidence and improve interactions in the workplace.
Celebrities and models are just one example of how appearance may result in career advancement. This is also the case for middle-aged working professionals who may benefit from plastic surgery in order to compete in a workplace with an increasingly younger workforce.
- Physical Deformity
Physical deformity maybe is caused by (1) a person’s genetic make-up, (2) abnormal embryological development, or (3) the result of accidents or injuries. In these cases, plastic surgery provides the ability to restore a more normal appearance and function of the affected body part. In fact, reconstructive plastic surgery procedures are often covered by insurance as they are deemed to improve a patient’s quality of life medically.
Realistic Goals and Expectations
As plastic surgery procedures become more mainstream, people are more likely to consider and eventually undergo surgery. However, it should not be overlooked that while plastic surgery may help an individual achieve their goals, surgery for the wrong reasons will always end up with unsatisfactory results.
Regardless of a patient’s purpose for desiring plastic surgery, he or she should always first consult with board-certified plastic surgeons. They are highly qualified and trained to perform a large range of plastic surgery procedures and ensure that their patients are well-informed throughout the process. They will help to ensure that their patients have realistic goals and expectations so that they are able to attain their best ultimate aesthetic results.
About Dr. Kriti Mohan
Dr. Kriti Mohan is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing at Memorial Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas. She offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face, breasts, and body, especially rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Her expertise has extended to various articles and book chapters in highly-respected, peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals.