Reasons People Decide to Have Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the landscape of plastic surgery is continually evolving, with millions undergoing both surgical and minimally invasive procedures each year. In 2022, the top cosmetic surgical procedures included breast augmentation (implants), liposuction, and rhinoplasty, reflecting patients’ diverse needs and preferences. This data underscores the growing acceptance and demand for plastic surgery in various demographics, driven by factors ranging from self-esteem enhancement to medical necessity.

Reason 1: Because of an Injury

One common reason people decide to have cosmetic or plastic surgery is to correct a deformity or defect caused by an injury. For example, people often decide to have rhinoplasty after breaking their nose while playing sports or as a result of a car accident. The injury might not heal properly, leaving them with a nose that is crooked or with a large bump. Rhinoplasty would help straighten the nose or reduce or eliminate the bump. Injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.

Plastic surgery not only corrects visible deformities but also aids in psychological healing, helping individuals regain their pre-injury identity. In my years of practice, I’ve seen firsthand how reconstructive surgery after an injury restores physical appearance and aids in emotional healing. For instance, a patient who underwent rhinoplasty after a sports injury expressed not just satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome but also a regained sense of normalcy in their daily life.

Reason 2: Because of Health Issues

Health concerns or issues are other common reasons people seek out surgery. Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, is a common procedure for people with health issues. A defect inside the nose, such as a crooked septum or enlarged nasal polyps, can make breathing difficult or worsen allergies or sinus troubles.

Although surgery to correct a problem within the nose is often not cosmetic, it can be combined with a rhinoplasty to change the nose’s appearance externally.

Other types of plastic surgery that can correct a health problem include breast reduction and blepharoplasty. Some people have heavy or droopy eyelids, which can make it difficult for them to see. Blepharoplasty, aka an eyelid lift, will help to reduce sagging or drooping in the upper eyelids. The surgery can be performed to help a person look more youthful. But it can also help to improve vision. Beyond aesthetic improvements, plastic surgery is crucial in resolving health issues that impact daily life. Procedures like breast reduction or blepharoplasty not only enhance appearance but also alleviate physical discomfort and improve functional abilities.

Reason 3: To Change Something They Don’t Like

You don’t have to have had an injury or have a health problem to consider plastic surgery. For some people, surgery provides a way to permanently or at least semi-permanently correct something they don’t like about their bodies. That something can be breasts that are too small, too large, or too droopy. It can be buttocks that are too small or a nose that’s too large.

Plastic surgery can also help to put the ‘finishing touches’ on a major body transformation. If you’ve recently lost a lot of weight, you might consider a body lift or tummy tuck to eliminate excess, loose skin. Liposuction can help to get rid of fat deposits or stubborn fat from certain areas of the body.

Personal dissatisfaction with one’s appearance can deeply affect self-esteem. Plastic surgery empowers individuals to make lasting changes, increasing satisfaction and confidence in their body image. A memorable case involved a young woman who felt self-conscious about her small breasts. Post-augmentation, she shared how the surgery not only enhanced her figure but also boosted her self-esteem, highlighting the psychological benefits of cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Vitenas has made my self-esteem soar

I’ve been coming here “8” years. Dr. Vitenas has made my self esteem soar. I have always been a confident out going person on the outside inside not so. Not so anymore. Thanks to your God given skills my senior years ROCK!

M.P.

Reason 4: To Look Younger

Some types of plastic surgery can literally take years off of your appearance. Usually, surgeries that help you look younger include facial procedures, such as a blepharoplasty or facelift.

But body procedures can also help you look more youthful, by restoring a younger shape and size to your body. For example, a mommy makeover can help you regain your figure after you’ve had children, while a breast lift will elevate droopy or sagging breasts, taking a few years off of your appearance. Aging is natural, but many seek to rejuvenate their appearance to reflect their inner youthfulness.

Procedures like facelifts and eyelid surgeries offer a way to gracefully embrace aging while maintaining a vibrant, younger look. A patient in her late 50s opted for a facelift to address signs of aging. The transformation was not just skin-deep; she reported feeling more vibrant and confident, showcasing the rejuvenating power of cosmetic surgery.

I’m an 50yo professional woman of color and I’ve routinely visited Dr. Vitenas for fillers since 2018. He is extremly attentive and reassuring. Dr. Vitenas not only corrects my imperfections, he also provides enhancements that refine my natural features. I’m very satisified with my quality of care because the doctor is a highly experienced clinician who consistently provides excellent customer service. I always leave feeling more confident in my both professional and social pursuits because I look fabulous 🙂

Shalondra Frazer

Reason 5: To Feel More Confident

One last reason people choose to have surgery: It can help them feel more confident and give them a boost of self-esteem. Whether you are having a procedure to fix an injury, correct a health problem, or change something you’ve long been unhappy with, once your results are visible, you’re likely to feel happier and more in control of your body.

For some people, that confidence boost can translate into other areas of their lives. They might begin to feel more confident on the job or in their other activities or commitments, which can have an overall positive effect on their lives.

The transformative power of plastic surgery extends beyond physical changes. It often brings profound psychological benefits, boosting self-confidence and positively influencing various aspects of life, including social interactions and professional opportunities. Enhancing self-confidence is a common goal among my patients.

In addition to personal motivations, societal influences play a significant role in the decision to undergo plastic surgery. The advent of social media and the constant exposure to idealized images have amplified the desire for aesthetic enhancements. This societal pressure, coupled with the psychological impact of self-image, drives many to seek plastic surgery as a means to align their external appearance with societal standards and personal ideals. Furthermore, the psychological benefits of plastic surgery, such as improved self-esteem and confidence, often extend beyond physical appearance, impacting mental health and overall quality of life. It’s crucial to understand these multifaceted motivations to appreciate plastic surgery’s profound impact on an individual’s life.