Plastic Surgery Psychological and Physical Changes

The growing approval of plastic surgery and steady growth in procedures, despite any recession, shows how much both men and women admire the effects of self-improvement. Consider that twenty or thirty years ago - or even ten years ago - there was a stigma attached to people thinking that cosmetic procedures were a quick fix for women with body dimorphic disorder. Now that surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are so prevalent in our culture, the majority of the public (former patients or not) has grown more comfortable with not only the idea, but with the actual act. In the past ten years, for example, there has even been a shift from so many surgical procedures by way of the scalpel to less invasive laser treatments with smaller and fewer incisions, and ultimately to an increasing number of non-surgical topical or injectable procedures in order to achieve similar effects.

The physical changes that plastic surgery can bring to a patient's life are evident, depending upon the type of surgery performed and on which part of the body. With the latest advents to each type of procedure, from the top of the head to repairing aesthetic injuries to one's feet, the possibilities are endless. There are plastic surgery procedures to repair birth defects and injuries from traumatic accidents. These procedures focus mainly on the skin, extremities and features in order to diminish the awkward shape, size or visible scarring that has resulted from any injuries or past procedures. This brings us to the second way that patients physically benefit from plastic surgery: revising previous procedures that were botched or ones that patients just want to have updated. The last way that patients can physically benefit from one of the many forms of surgery lies in the achievement of fundamental improvements to form. Many patients are able to smile a little wider, hear a little clearer, or wiggle their fingers or toes because of the little ways that these procedures make a big difference in how some patients get around and function each day.

The physical benefits are what most patients seek, receive and appreciate, but the positive psychological benefits are the side effect that improves a recipient's self-image and self esteem, and even helps him or her overcome the self-conscious thoughts that prevented them from academic, social and even professional achievements. The typical impact on the psyche is that once that final piece to their physical attractiveness is in place, they believe they can do all of the things they've always wanted to do. And lastly, plastic surgery can also help patients to emotionally heal from traumatic incidents. This profession works with skin grafts for burn victims and bone grafts for major surgery after an accident that has caused severe compounded internal injury. The psychological benefits aren't guaranteed, but once the surgical recovery is complete and the patient has the feature or body they've always wanted, something positive happens in their mind to support the lifestyle changes that attract more positive interactions and happenings in their lives.