The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery
1. Introduction
In this day and age, people are becoming more and more image-conscious. With the rise of social media, people are constantly being bombarded with images of “perfect” bodies and faces. As a result, more and more people are turning to cosmetic surgery to “fix” their imperfections. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 2% increase in cosmetic procedures from 2016 to 2017 (ASPS, 2017).
While there are many benefits to cosmetic surgery, there are also a number of risks and implications that should be considered before going under the knife. In this essay, I will be evaluating the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery.
2. The implications of plastic surgery
2.1 The medical risks of plastic surgery
Any type of surgery comes with risks, and cosmetic surgery is no different. Some of the common risks associated with any type of surgery include: infections, blood clots, reactions to anesthesia, and scarring.
In addition to the common risks associated with all types of surgery, there are also specific risks associated with cosmetic surgery. For example, rhinoplasty (nose jobs) carries the risk of septal perforation (a hole in the wall between your nostrils) (Nguyen & Chen, 2016). Breast implants can cause a condition called capsular contracture, which is when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). Liposuction can cause a condition called fat embolism, which is when fat cells enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016).
2. 2 The psychological risks of plastic surgery
In addition to the physical risks associated with cosmetic surgery, there are also psychological risks. One of the most common psychological risks is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is a mental disorder where a person becomes obsessed with one or more imaginary flaws in their appearance (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). People with BDD often seek out multiple cosmetic procedures in an attempt to fix their perceived flaws (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). Unfortunately, even after undergoing multiple procedures, people with BDD often still see themselves as ugly or deformed (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016).
Another psychological risk associated with cosmetic surgery is depression. It is not uncommon for people to become depressed after undergoing a cosmetic procedure (Nguyen & Chen, 2016). This is often due to unrealistic expectations about the results of the procedure. For example, someone who gets a nose job may be disappointed if their nose does not look exactly like their favorite celebrity’s nose. It is important to have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can achieve before going under the knife.
3. The benefits of plastic surgery
3.1 The physical benefits of plastic surgery
There are many physical benefits that can be achieved through cosmetic surgery. For example, someone who undergoes liposuction can achieve a more sculpted body shape. Someone who undergoes breast augmentation can achieve larger breasts. And someone who undergoes rhinoplasty can achieve a smaller or more shapely nose. Overall, cosmetic surgery can help people achieve their desired physical appearance.
3. 2 The psychological benefits of plastic surgery
In addition to the physical benefits of cosmetic surgery, there are also psychological benefits. For example, people who are unhappy with their appearance often report an improved self-esteem after undergoing a cosmetic procedure (Nguyen & Chen, 2016). In addition, people who have undergone cosmetic surgery often report an improved quality of life (Nguyen & Chen, 2016).
4. Conclusion
Overall, there are both risks and benefits associated with cosmetic surgery. It is important to carefully consider these risks and benefits before making the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery.