With the surge of popularity for cosmetic procedures and reality shows like “Extreme Makeover,” psychologists have begun assessing whether such surgeries may have lasting psychological effects. They can also play clinical roles in assisting plastic surgeons who carry out these evaluations.
Research has shown that some cosmetic surgery patients report better psychological wellbeing. However, several factors can impact these results.
Self-Reliance
Your total sense of worth or value is referred to as your self-esteem. It is influenced by many factors, including family and social life, but it also can be shaped by negative comments or events. Self-esteem can also rise and fall over time due to successes and setbacks in work, relationships, or health.
According to specific research, patients’ perceptions of their value can be enhanced by plastic surgery Bellevue, particularly in the near term. However, other research has found that the effects of a procedure fade over time.
People with low self-esteem need to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can teach patients techniques for changing negative thinking patterns and building confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, practicing healthy behaviors such as exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep is helpful. In addition, helping others through volunteerism can improve a person’s sense of self-worth. Additionally, identifying the thoughts that cause your low self-esteem can allow you to identify with them.
Self-Confidence
Those who undergo aesthetic treatments often experience a boost in their self-confidence. They can harmonize their outside look with their inner feeling of value. It can be a major confidence booster, impacting all areas of their life, from personal relationships to career success.
Researchers have also found that individuals more confident in their looks tend to enjoy better mental health. That is because they are more likely to prioritize their psychological wellbeing and take steps to address any issues that may arise.
Despite the positive benefits, cosmetic surgery can still be psychologically stressful. That is especially true for those with pre-existing mood disorders. In addition, the downtime required for recovery can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Patients are advised to seek psychological support to alleviate these symptoms in such cases.
Self-Worth
People who suffer from low self-worth often find their physical appearance negatively impacts their mental health. Cosmetic surgery is not a cure for psychological disorders, but it can help patients feel more confident about their looks and improve their overall outlook.
For example, if someone is dissatisfied with their appearance, rhinoplasty can address their aesthetic concerns, helping them develop a more positive attitude toward themselves. It can boost their self-esteem and help them feel more confident in social situations.
However, it’s important to note that plastic surgery’s results depend on several factors. For example, patients who have severe symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, a condition that causes extreme preoccupation or obsession with certain features, may experience only minor improvements in their mental wellbeing after surgery. That is why consulting with a psychologist before cosmetic procedures is essential. It ensures that the surgery is a good fit for your psychological wellbeing.
Depression
Depression is a multifaceted mental illness that can cause suicidal thoughts and has a significant negative influence on quality of life. Many patients who undergo aesthetic surgery have pre-existing depressive disorders (DDs), which can worsen postoperatively. That is especially true of facial cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, blepharoplasty, liposuction, neck lifts, and rhinoplasty.
However, some people are at high risk for developing a DD as a result of cosmetic surgery and should not have a procedure. A few of these risks include a history of previous psychiatric hospitalization, a low quality of life due to excess weight, a lack of social support, personality disorders, and drug use.