Plastic surgery is becoming more popular than ever. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 11.7 million procedures were performed in 2007, an increase of more than 400 percent since statistics were first gathered 10 years earlier 1. While the benefits of cosmetic surgery are widely accepted, patients should consider the positive and negative aspects of plastic surgery before undergoing any treatments 3.
Risks
While the risk of surgical complications during a procedure may be minimal and depend on the cleanliness of the facility and the experience of the surgeon, there are risks associated with any surgery. The bigger the procedure, the higher the risk of complications. A patient's general health also should be taken into consideration when evaluating risks. Smoking and pre-existing vascular conditions can slow and impede the healing process. Any cut made on the skin is likely to leave a scar. Most procedures however take this into account and skilled cosmetic surgeons take great pains to hide scars in little seen areas, such as under the hair, behind ears and in skin folds. Although steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, there is always a chance that infection at the site of the incision can occur. Excessive bleeding can occur while a wound is open, and occasionally a blood transfusion may be required. Blood clots may spring up following extended periods of surgery, although walking and movement following surgery usually help to remove the risk. Finally, there are the risks associated with anesthesia that need to be talked about with the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
- While the risk of surgical complications during a procedure may be minimal and depend on the cleanliness of the facility and the experience of the surgeon, there are risks associated with any surgery.
- Blood clots may spring up following extended periods of surgery, although walking and movement following surgery usually help to remove the risk.
Emotional
What Are the Pros & Cons of Cosmetic Surgery?
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A study performed by a social worker and two psychiatrists reported by the American Psychological Association showed that for the most part, patients felt better about themselves following plastic surgery 2. Patients reported a boost in self-image and overall well-being. The same study reported negative responses from those who had high expectations that were not fulfilled by the cosmetic procedure. Patients who were not satisfied with the results of the surgery often went in for additional work. Others experienced periods of depression, isolation and anger towards their doctors. The researchers concluded that more psychological counseling be enacted by plastic surgeons prior to doing the work. Pre-screening by plastic surgeons, especially focused on people who have had previous bouts of depression or other mental health issues, can help to alleviate some of the post-surgical negative responses that patients sometimes experience.
- A study performed by a social worker and two psychiatrists reported by the American Psychological Association showed that for the most part, patients felt better about themselves following plastic surgery 2.
- The same study reported negative responses from those who had high expectations that were not fulfilled by the cosmetic procedure.
Time
Patients considering cosmetic surgery must plan for time off to heal and to be comfortable being seen in public 3. While the healing time varies among patients and the type of procedure, it can take up to two or three weeks to recover enough to return to work and everyday activities. Many people use the time in lieu of a vacation or as time to nurture themselves and their well-being. In addition to the time spent, plastic surgery can be expensive, with procedures ranging up to $6,000 or more. Most insurance policies do not cover elective procedures, such as plastic surgery 1. The money can be thought of as an investment in the future, especially when the improved appearance will help in obtaining a job or promotion.
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References
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic Procedures in 2007
- American Psychological Association: Plastic Surgery, Beauty or Beast?
- Mayo Clinic: Cosmetic Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
- Köckerling F, Köckerling D, Lomas C. Cornelius Celsus--ancient encyclopedist, surgeon-scientist, or master of surgery? Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2013;398(4):609‐616. doi:10.1007/s00423-013-1050-0
- Basagaoglu I, Salihoglu Z, Babazade R, Bozkurt P. Anaesthetic drug Murkid used by Serafeddin Sabuncuoğlu in the 15th century and its influence on the advance of surgery. January 2016.
- Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation. History.
- Nahai F. ASAPS and aesthetic surgery: The next 50 years. Aesthet Surg J. 2017;37(1):128-130. doi:10.1093/asj/sjw182
- Wirthlin JO, Shetye PR. Orthodontist's role in orthognathic surgery. Semin Plast Surg. 2013;27(3):137‐144. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1357110
- Indiana University School of Medicine. History of medicine book of the week: Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery (1911). April 24, 2020.
- American College of Surgeons. William Stewart Halsted: Father of the model for our current surgical training programs. 2016.
- The John Staige Davis Society of Plastic Surgeons of Maryland. History of our Maryland Society for Plastic Surgeons.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® Journal.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
- Wright T, Wong CS, Schaffner AD. Breast implants. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL); 2019.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. History of ASPS.
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Writer Bio
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."