Too often with plastic surgery, the physical aspects of the procedure are emphasized.
One of the most underrepresented factors is the increased quality of life cosmetic surgery can offer. The truth is that plastic surgery can offer someone the ability to address long-standing physical concerns and make a tangible difference to their quality of life.
That’s exactly what one study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery found. In a sample of 228 patients undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery, a significant portion felt a significant improvement in body satisfaction, physical health, and overall quality of life.
Another study in the journal Plastic Reconstructive Surgery found a similar increase in quality of life, as well as 50% reduction in depression rates among the group post-surgery. These improvements in quality of life have also been shown to be long lasting – they don’t wear off a few months after the surgery.
How can plastic surgery improve patients’ quality of life?
Help them change a specific feature they’re unhappy with – most patients aren’t looking for a drastic alteration of their appearance, but are instead interested in changing a specific feature of their body they’re not completely happy with.
Help reverse the signs of aging – for those wanting a younger and healthier appearance, plastic surgery can offer a safe and practical way to achieve that goal.
Help them stop being limited in clothing choices – certain physical attributes can significantly limit the amount of clothing choices one has, but can be remedied through cosmetic surgery.
Help them get their body back – whether recovering from an injury, surgery, or a major life event like a pregnancy, plastic surgery can help you achieve results that are not possible via lifestyle changes alone.
The majority of patients considering plastic surgery have realistic expectations – they’re not looking for a “quick fix”, but rather want to benefit from the advancements in medicine to improve their quality of life.
Sometimes, the first step to making a step forward is to talk with a cosmetic surgeon to find out what the possibilities are.
