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Cosmetic Procedures: Choosing Cosmetic Surgery

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

Like nearly all fields, 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.

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

Why Do People Seek Cosmetic Surgery?

People undergo cosmetic surgery for many reasons.

  • They may want to look younger for professional or personal reasons.
  • They may want to change a feature they never liked.

Whatever the reason, the data doesn't lie. There were nearly 8.5 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures performed in 2001, an increase of 304% from 1997, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. And a new report shows the number of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic prosedures performed in the U.S rose to nearly 11.9 million in 2004.

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.

Setting Realistic Expectations

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.

When it comes to successful cosmetic surgery results, this is often dependent on the communication between you and your surgeon. Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and that you feel you can communicate openly and honestly with him or her.

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 patient 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."
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WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

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