Introduction
Plastic surgery is a group of operations used to modify or restore the body's natural shape. Although the phrase is typically used in cosmetic surgery, it refers to various useful procedures like reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn therapy, and more. Whatever the driving force, the decision to have surgery should never be taken lightly; an individual should always weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure. The likelihood of adverse psychological and social outcomes from plastic surgery is highly dependent on the patient's expectations and emotional and mental state before the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Plastic Surgery?
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Improved Standard of Living: Plastic surgery occasionally improves an individual's quality of life. For instance, by removing extra skin from the eyelids, an eyelid lift may enhance vision. Chronic back and shoulder pain may be relieved by breast reduction surgery.
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Psychiatric Advantages: A small mention of the idea that plastic surgery offers psychological advantages to individuals. Due to an enhanced attitude toward how people feel about themselves, they are more likely to socialize. Anxiety and depression are two mental health issues that some persons who are self-conscious about their appearance regularly experience. But these issues typically improve after plastic surgery or perhaps go away entirely. This is a significant perk that motivates many people to have surgery. The psychological benefits are worthwhile.
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Possess Reasonable Expectations: Plastic surgery may have beneficial effects, but it would not improve individuals' lives or solve their troubles or relationship problems. Understanding that there is no such thing is also crucial.
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Physical Fitness: Plastic surgery has hazards, just like any other type of surgery. Surgery may have unfavorable physical side effects. Individuals should take care of their health before the surgery. Do not let the desire for surgery override critical health issues.
What Are the Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery?
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Temporary Results: Cosmetic surgery frequently yields effects that are not long-lasting or permanent. Individuals may require multiple surgeries to achieve the desired look. Sometimes individual operations may not give desirable results, and they regret opting for cosmetic or plastic surgery.
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Not Always Live Up to Expectations: Another drawback of cosmetic surgery is that there is no 100 percent guarantee that one will be delighted with the results once the process is done. Even though the alterations make the body or face attractive, they might feel regret if they do not turn out or meet individuals' expectations. To avoid disappointment, individuals must always be sure of what they want, conduct their research, and express their desires to the surgeon before deciding to get the procedure.
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Risks Associated With Surgery: While there are hazards associated with each plastic surgery treatment, some dangers are severe and present with all surgeries. If it is worthwhile to opt for is an individual choice. Become informed and think about both the positives and negatives. Discuss with loved ones and family members before proceeding with the surgery. Although the hazards are unique to each type of surgery, some risks apply to all surgical operations. These dangers consist of:
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Infection
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Abnormal or excessive hemorrhage (bleeding or hematoma).
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Clots of blood.
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Seroma (fluid buildup or accumulation)
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Organ or nerve injury.
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Scarring.
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Risks associated with anesthesia (such as shock, respiratory failure, drug or allergy).
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Prolonged Recovery Time: Individuals should also be aware that the recuperation period following surgery can last considerably. Depending on the operation, this phase may last up to two or three weeks. This implies that after surgery, an individual's life comes to a complete stop while healing. As a result, individuals cannot resume their normal daily activities immediately following the procedure. Many people find this unappealing because they have jobs and would have to take a lot of time off. Pain is also noticeable during recovery, and individuals might rely on medications to relieve pain for a few days.
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Errors Can Occur: Cosmetic surgery complications are a serious concern that should not be disregarded. Due to technological advancements, this is still highly unusual and more common than the chance of death. However, for instance, a facelift may result in irreversible nerve injury that paralyzes the face. This is unquestionably a tragic outcome that must be considered before surgery. Individuals' self-esteem will already be poor due to the surgery when these mistakes are made. In some circumstances, these errors are unfixable and irrevocable. It may lead to some people being dependent on painkillers after surgery, which is a bad outcome.
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Addiction in Young People: Cosmetic surgery has a severe drawback for some people who develop an addiction. This profoundly impacts patients' mental health because it could worsen or even cause them to acquire Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), in which they are always looking for flaws. People with this diagnosis often think they can remove BDD through numerous cosmetic procedures. However, this is untrue. Surgery is not the best treatment for this kind of severe illness. Those who become dependent on cosmetic surgery and keep getting the treatments have serious repercussions. Common risks include the potential for irreversible skin and muscular damage to the individual.
How to Select the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Plastic procedures carry a risk related to the surgeon. Individuals are under a lot of pressure to pick the best surgeon possible. They must have reviews as well as experience. Finding someone they can trust with the surgery might be challenging because their life and looks are in their hands. Always select a certified and experienced surgeon, ask questions about the procedure, revise the pre and post-operative photos of individuals who got similar surgeries, and then go forward with it, pick the best surgeon. Please pay close attention to their preoperative and post-operative instructions.
Conclusion
Plastic surgery has its positive and negative outcomes. Individuals should accept how they look and should not feel low or useless because of their looks. However, conditions where reconstruction is required for the functional aspects, such as hand movements, cleft repairs, and breast replacement due to tumors, should be encouraged for individuals' well-being. Cosmetic procedures can be done if one fully knows the process and risks involved.