Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

There is no question that cosmetic surgery is big business. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in their annual survey, a total of 1,668,420 cosmetic surgical procedures were performed by ASPS member surgeons in 2013. Furthermore, an additional 13,447,993 non-surgical cosmetic procedures (such as dermal fillers or dermabrasion) were performed that same year, bringing the grand total to 15,116,353 surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Given all of this interest in cosmetic surgery, prospective patients may want to consider the pros and cons of undergoing cosmetic surgery. On the one hand, they may be intrigued at being able to change their appearance, while on the other hand, they may have heard about a bad experience somebody else had with cosmetic surgery. This amount of confusing and contradictory information is precisely why the staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery is committed to providing patients with accurate information about the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery so that they are able to make an informed decision about treatment.

Pros of Cosmetic Surgery

Perhaps the biggest argument in favor of cosmetic surgery is that it can improve self-confidence. Whether it is a breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, the procedure may help patients feel better about themselves, which shows in their increased confidence in interactions with other people. The truth is that everyone wants to feel good about themselves, and cosmetic surgery may help some people achieve that.

Another argument in favor of cosmetic surgery is that it can provide the finishing touch to show off the effort a person has undergone to feel better about themselves. A liposuction procedure, which removes excess stubborn fat from areas that have not responded to exercise or diet, is one good example of such a procedure. A tummy tuck procedure, which removes excess skin and underlying tissue following dramatic weight loss, is another example. In both cases, patients have already dedicated themselves to living a healthier lifestyle and are simply looking to enhance their efforts.

Another reason for cosmetic surgery is the correction of a disfigurement caused by illness or injury. A breast reconstructive procedure following a mastectomy or a nose job to correct structural issues that make breathing difficult are good examples of this. In such cases, medical insurance may pay to cover the cost of the procedure.

Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

Perhaps the biggest con to getting cosmetic surgery is if a patient is at increased risks for complications or infection following surgery. Patients who smoke or drink alcohol on a regular basis are at an increased risk of bleeding, poor wound healing, and excessive scarring. Patients who smoke or drink are well advised to quit starting at least three weeks prior to the procedure.

Unrealistic expectations may be another reason to reconsider cosmetic surgery. The best cosmetic surgical procedures are designed to enhance a person’s natural features.

Patients are highly encouraged to do their own research before coming in for an initial consultation so that they have some idea of what they want. Our trained staff can then work with them to refine their goals into something that will best suit both their features and lifestyle. Cosmetic surgery is still a surgical procedure, so should not be considered lightly. We can help patients determine if cosmetic surgery is right for them.