Mental Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery - Essay Example

? Does cosmetic surgery have mental health benefits Does cosmetic surgery have mental health benefits? Cosmetic Surgery in today’s world has become a necessity for many people, especially women. In its early days, cosmetic surgery was only available to the people belonging to the elite class. But now it is open to anyone who can afford it, and people have taken full advantage of this. Several people nowadays are uncomfortable with the way they look and this includes both teenagers and adults. In adults, most cases are related to the fact that many adults do not like ageing. They want to look young again, and thus they end up opting for a cosmetic surgery. This is very popular among celebrities. According to the late Michael Jackson, if all the people in Hollywood, who had plastic surgery, go on a vacation, then there will be no one left in town. This just shows us how trendy cosmetic surgery has become these days. This is because after undergoing such a surgery, a person sees himself in a whole new way. It puts the patient’s mind at ease, and he or she feels that they can now face the world. (Cosmetic Surgery by Marcia Amidon Lusted) Cosmetic surgery does benefit the mental state of a person. In today’s world, where most people, especially women, want to look thin and are having problems with their diet, cosmetic surgery comes as a viable option. It is this cosmetic surgery on which women and men spend billions because of the health benefits that it brings along with it. By health benefits it can be said that some people have an increased self-esteem because of which they can view themselves positively. And after the surgery, a very positive result that is seen in most patients is that their self-esteem increases. They tend to feel good about themselves, and feel more satisfied with their new look. Their previous issues with their body, now gone, they feel that they can now face the world. This amplifies their confidence, which manages to persist for a long time. (plasticsurgeryguide.com) Another constructive outcome of cosmetic surgery is that the patient manages to overcome his or her social anxiety. For instance, a woman who was teased because of being overweight and lived in fear, as she was embarrassed of her body. Now after undergoing liposuction, which is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from different parts of the body, she no longer would be nervous while facing her peers. It will boost her confidence and will bring about a change in her overall personality. Many patients have stated that after undergoing plastic surgery they have more self-confidence and have overpowered their social phobia. They have become gregarious and are more of an extrovert. This has enabled them to fit in today’s society like never before. Robust social activity, as we all know is effective in relieving a person of all his or her stress. It also helps in the development of our mind, and aids in countering depression. Thus, cosmetic surgery proves to be beneficial for patients. (The View on Plastic Surgery by Margarita Tartakovsky) Another positive outcome of plastic surgery, especially among teenagers, is that they feel they are able to fit in their social circle. Their peers now maintain an elevated opinion of them, and they are receiving more respect. Girls, especially who were concerned with their previous appearance, love the attention they get after undergoing a cosmetic surgery. It enhances their confidence and they are able to retain a cool attitude towards everyone. Another important aspect of post cosmetic surgery is that teenagers, who used to be bullied, do not allow themselves to be pushed around anymore. They gain a new composure and feel that they are no less than anyone else, which proves to be very useful in future. (Social Effects of Plastic Surgery by Cicely A. Richard) Although cosmetic surgery has ample psychological benefits, it can also send a patient in temporary state of depression or illness. Sometimes, the surgery does not go as planned, and the patient is not satisfied with his new look. This proves to be disastrous, as the person has to live with the new look throughout his or her life, and it becomes a constant source of disappointment for him. This intensifies the already stressful life of the patients, and it becomes difficult for them to live under the guilt of undergoing such a complicated procedure. Furthermore, many patients want to get that absolute look and when the outcome of the surgery fails to meet their expectations, they feel that they are looking worse than before. This results in a socially inept behavior, as the person feel that he or she can no longer face their peers. It also makes that particular person a crucial topic for conversation, and receiving such abnormal attention from all sides, is not what many people can handle. (Negative Psychological Effects of Plastic Surgery by Amy R. Balfour). Also many patients think that cosmetic surgery could be the solution to their troubled lives. And after undergoing surgery and even obtaining the desired results, their life remains the same as it was before. This adds to the woes of the patient. Many people have to understand that cosmetic surgery is a complex procedure. It means to alter the natural look and giving it an appearance that the patient desires. If the person has no problem in taking such permanent measures, then he or she should go with the surgery. But they should always be prepared that the result would not be always as they want it to be. However, whatever the risks are, it cannot be denied that after cosmetic surgery, people usually end up living a pleasant and stress free life. It really gives them the head start they want in today’s world, and some even complain of not taking this step earlier in their life. Cosmetic Surgery is certainly a risky process, but if it goes well, it can change a person’s life forever. The health benefits of Cosmetic Surgery cannot be ignored and they can bring about a positive change in the person’s life. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cosmetic Surgery by Marcia Amidon Lusted Benefits of Plastic Surgery The View on Plastic Surgery by Margarita Tartakovsky Social Effects of Plastic Surgery by Cicely A. Richard Negative Psychological Effects of Plastic Surgery by Amy R. Balfour Read More