Plastic surgery is becoming more and more common across the United States. In 2014 alone, more than 15.6 million plastic surgery procedures were performed – an increase of 3% from the previous year.
From breast augmentation procedures and tummy tucks to liposuction and chin lifts, plastic surgery has given men and women the freedom and the confidence to live the life they desire.
In some cases, it has even helped improve their overall health and wellbeing. But just how positive is plastic surgery for most people?
Overall, the consensus is that plastic surgery yields very positive results for the majority of patients. While there are many factors to consider, most people report feeling very satisfied after their plastic surgery procedure.
As long as patients enter into the procedure with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the risks, plastic surgery can offer many positive benefits.
Many patients report that after their plastic surgery procedure, they developed an increase in self-confidence and control; they were more willing to take risks, try new things, and meet new people – and they even set goals for themselves that they would've been afraid to set prior to the procedure.
For many, plastic surgery allows them to finally feel comfortable in their own skin – something that may have been holding them back for years.
A 2013 long-term study conducted by the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the RUB investigated the psychological effects of plastic surgery. Their research found that patients demonstrated more enjoyment of life, satisfaction and self esteem after they had undergone plastic surgery. In the study, women represented 87% of all patients.
The researchers compared 544 first time surgery patients to two other groups – 264 people who had wanted plastic surgery but opted not to do it, and 1000 people who had never considered plastic surgery. They tested the patients before surgery – and at intervals of three, six, and twelve months post-op.
The plastic surgery patients claimed to have achieved their goals and were satisfied with the results – even after 12 months. They felt happier, healthier, reported less anxiety, and had more self-esteem than those who had chosen not to undergo plastic surgery. There were no adverse effects observed in the study.
In order to obtain the positive benefits of plastic surgery, however, it is important to go into the procedure with a clear understanding of the risks – and with realistic expectations. Plastic surgery won't fix everything in your life – nor will it magically transform you into a new person.
What it will do is remove the physical obstacles that have been holding you back from achieving your best self. Combined with a healthy lifestyle – such as a good diet and fulfilling exercise—plastic surgery can help you achieve the body you have been longing for. It can allow you to partake in physical activities without feeling self-conscious and can even alleviate back pain associated with excess weight.
Not only are plastic procedures expected to increase in 2015, it is expected the average age for those undergoing these procedures will be significantly lower than in the past.
As more people embrace the benefits of plastic surgery, it is likely that this number will only increase in 2016 as well.
Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgeon Specialists
If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, it is important to choose your surgeon carefully. Pasadena men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgeries because of the extraordinary care they receive. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.