Plastic surgery remains popular even at the start of the new decade. People undergo it for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Despite this, the question of why people would want to replace their natural features via cosmetic surgery remains in many minds.
The obvious answer is a desire to achieve better looks in an effort to increase their own confidence. The question thus becomes:
Does plastic surgery actually work to boost happiness and self-confidence? Studies suggest: YES!
According to these reports, plastic surgery produces a positive psychological effect on the patient. It was found that people who underwent plastic surgery experienced an improved quality of life, as compared to those who chose not to pursue it. This applies to both functional and cosmetic surgery.
The Study
Researchers interviewed 550 people who went under the knife once, and 260 who were considering it but ultimately backed down. In addition, their results were compared with 1000 people who have never been under surgery. Amazingly, all three groups had about the same level of mental and emotional satisfaction on average.
The study goes further by examining the 550 surgery patients three, six, and 12 months after their procedures. More importantly, these people were also interviewed about their expectations from surgery immediately before the procedure itself. Roughly 12% of the group had unrealistic expectations, such as “All of my problems will be solved,” or “I’ll be a completely new person.” While the majority experienced improved self-esteem over the net year, the aforementioned 12% did not feel as satisfied.
Realistic Expectations are Key
To fully achieve the benefits of plastic surgery, one must have realistic expectations about the outcome. An individual’s decision to undergo plastic surgery is voluntary and deeply personal. Seen in that way, it can be quite easy to blur the line between realistic and unrealistic expectations.
For example, it’s unrealistic to rely on plastic surgery to solve all your problems and change your life altogether. A facelift may let you look 10 years younger, but it cannot restore your appearance back when you’re 20 years old. Liposuction can give you a thinner figure, but if you don’t maintain the results with a healthy diet and exercise, the outcome may only last for a while.
If you feel like plastic surgery is right for you and you have the right frame of mind and realistic expectations, you should be able to enjoy the outcome – including the happiness and other positive impacts that come along with it.
