Is it any wonder that Ephron’s book went straight to the best-seller list upon its release? Couldn’t most of us say, “We look good except for (fill in the blank”)?
Almost everyone, sooner or later, may feel a tad insecure about a certain area of their body. So-called “mommy makeovers” and combo tummy tucks and breast lifts have never been more trendy – and that’s not just among Hollywood’s A-listers!
“Getting work done” is more accessible and more acceptable than ever. Subliminally our culture is changing how humans feel they should look. Lips like Angelina Jolie, a butt like Kim Kardashian, and cheekbones like Cher … if tweaking your body will make you more confident, then why not?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to change body shape or appearance, usually when no medical condition is present. Who doesn’t want to look younger, thinner, and prettier? However, cosmetic surgery can be life changing and is not a decision to be taken lightly. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
According to Eugene Elliot, M.D., a board certified plastic surgeon at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Centre in California, you have to ask yourself: What do you want the surgery to correct? Elliot mentions that the happiest plastic surgery patients are those who fix a specific issue and those who are doing it as a way to normalize their body, not necessarily to enhance it.
So, if you want a rhinoplasty – a.k.a. a nose job – to balance your facial features and help you breathe better, or you want a breast reduction to relieve discomfort, that’s fine. But, if you’re just looking for a change to make you feel better after a bad divorce, that’s a red flag. According to Elliot, cosmetic surgery is not a cure for low self-esteem.
Also, consider what you’re expecting the outcome to be? Remember, surgeons can only work with your body, making you a better version of you, not a carbon copy of someone else. Also, do you know the risks? Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring and blood clots. Also, studies indicate that 50% of cosmetic surgery patients will need or want more surgery because they’re not satisfied with the results or because there was a complication. Are you prepared for that possibility?
If, however, you decide to go through with cosmetic surgery, do your homework. Find a plastic surgeon that is board-certified, has a good reputation, and is willing to answer all your questions. And then, off course, be prepared to pay dearly. Medical aids generally do not cover cosmetic surgery. If however the surgery is deemed necessary to restore normal body function, your medical aid may cover costs in accordance with the scheme rules.
Plastic surgery should never be your first choice. In fact, the best way to look young is to prevent yourself from looking old. Taking care of your skin, eating healthy, exercising daily, and taking care of ongoing mental health issues, should always be your first option.
To be human is to be imperfect, but if concerns about how you look make you feel self-conscious and unhappy, cosmetic surgery might be an avenue worth exploring.
Source: womenshealthmag.com, plasticsurgery.org, henryford.com, sacmag.com, bbc.com, plasticsurgeoncapetown.co.za, medicalaid-quotes.co.za, fedhealth.co.za, plastics.ufhealth.org
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.