Cosmetic Surgery: Is it Right for You?

Cosmetic surgery has increased dramatically in popularity over the past 10 years. With this increase in popularity, attitudes towards cosmetic surgery have changed as well. Fewer people are growing older gracefully, while more and more are accepting the cosmetic surgery alternative.

Like nearly all fields of medicine, cosmetic surgery has undergone significant technological and conceptual changes in recent years. The conceptual changes have altered the approaches to facial aging, especially as they relate to the forehead, eyelids and lower face. Technological changes include the increasing use of the laser for facial cosmetic surgery, and minimally invasive techniques for face, breast and body contouring surgery.

While any elective surgical procedure carries some risk, the advances in cosmetic surgery have translated into faster recovery and more natural appearing results.

Making the Decision

The decision to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery is intensely personal. After all, this type of surgery is completely voluntary. Unlike other necessary surgeries, we're often driven to consider cosmetic surgery from a combination of social and emotional factors. Our body images in part are shaped by society.

Although cosmetic surgery will not change your life, it may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being. Do not make this decision lightly. It will not solve personal problems or make you look like someone else. Although people have many good reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery, some people seek cosmetic surgery for the wrong reasons and should reconsider their decision.

The ideal candidate for cosmetic surgery is a well-motivated individual who has considered cosmetic surgery for some time. Most patients have seriously thought about having cosmetic surgery for 5 years or more.

Commonly stated good reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery include the following:

• "I want to do it for myself."
• "I look into the mirror and I don't recognize that person."
• "I feel young, I exercise, but I don't look the way I feel."
• "People keep telling me I look tired or angry."

Ill-advised reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery include the following:

• "My husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend is leaving me. I'm looking for a boost."
• "My husband/wife has died and I'm looking for a pick-me-up."

Why Do I Want Cosmetic Surgery?

The decision to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery is intensely personal. After all, this type of surgery is completely voluntary. Unlike other necessary surgeries, we're often driven to consider cosmetic surgery from a combination of social and emotional factors. Our body images in part are shaped by society.

Although cosmetic surgery will not change your life, it may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being. Do not make this decision lightly. It will not solve personal problems or make you look like someone else. Although people have many good reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery, some people seek cosmetic surgery for the wrong reasons and should reconsider their decision.