Nearly 18 million people in the US get plastic surgery each year. That number has only climbed as cosmetic procedures become a more acceptable way for people to look and feel their best. Before you get a nip and tuck, evaluate the pros and cons of plastic surgery so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
When most people think of plastic surgery, they think of cosmetic enhancement. Breast augmentations, rhinoplasties, and eyelid enhancements make up a few of the most common types of plastic surgery, but you have many other options when you want to make a change to your body.
Plastic surgery involves any body repair or reconstruction via the transfer of tissue, typically for cosmetic reasons. Some examples include scar revision, tumor removal, and liposuction. The wide range of potential procedures from minimally invasive to reconstructive offers a new outlook on the pros and cons of having plastic surgery.
The Pros of Plastic Surgery
Improved Appearance
Plastic surgery allows you to bring out the best in your natural beauty. Surgeons enhance any body part you find unflattering or want to change for another reason. These changes include everything from making your lips fuller to minimizing the appearance of scars.
An improved appearance usually stands at the top when you look at the pros and cons of plastic surgery list. The physical transformation allows people to become their idealized version of themselves by providing a visual aesthetic that they may not achieve through diet and exercise.
Physical Benefits
Plastic surgery doesn’t just make you look better. It has a discernible impact on your physical health. For instance, many women with larger breasts experience frequent neck and back pain. A breast reduction restores their ability to move freely without pain or discomfort.
The same concept applies to other forms of plastic surgery. A rhinoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum, making it easier to breathe. An abdominoplasty reduces back pain and potential urinary tract problems. These procedures offer tangible corrective benefits that help individuals look and feel their best when other treatments don’t work.
Psychological Benefits
Plastic surgery comes with a substantial boost to self-esteem, giving people new-found confidence in their appearance. They no longer have to dwell on physical imperfections or the insecurities that come with them.
Cosmetic enhancements make it easier for people to socialize, too. Some people struggle with anxiety and depression, among other mental health issues, as a result of their appearance. Plastic surgery assuages these psychological hang-ups, making it easier to enjoy a fulfilling social life.
Long-Lasting Results
Plastic surgery can last a lifetime, depending on the procedure. For example, liposuction is permanent as long as you maintain a healthy weight and stay fit. The same longevity applies to a tummy tuck, rhinoplasties, and breast reduction surgeries.
Even operations with relatively short lifespans usually last over a decade. A facelift has no specific duration, though many experts say they last for seven to ten years. Breast implants require replacements every decade to ensure the breasts maintain their shape and condition. Brow and neck lifts also last for approximately ten years.
The Cons of Plastic Surgery
The Cost
Americans spent $16 billion on plastic surgery in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars almost regardless of what procedure you want. These are the average national costs for the most popular cosmetic procedures:
- – Breast augmentation – $3,719
- – Liposuction – $3,200
- – Rhinoplasty – $5,046
- – Tummy tuck – $5,798
- – Buttock augmentation – $4,356
Plastic surgery costs vary based on the procedure’s complexity and location. Many surgeons do not include anesthesia, operating rooms, or other expenses in their initial quote. Check with your insurance provider before your procedure to see how much coverage you have for plastic surgery, as many policies do not cover cosmetic operations.
Recovery Time
You’ll need to take it easy before returning to your daily routine. Your body needs time to heal after plastic surgery, though the specific duration depends on the procedure. You can expect these recovery times for common procedures:
- – Eyelid enhancement: 2 to 7 days
- – Facelift: 2 to 14 days
- – Breast augmentation or reduction: 2 to 7 days
- – Liposuction: 2 to 7 days
- – Abdominoplasty: 2 to 14 days
You need even more time to recover if you want to resume aerobic activities. Most surgeons do not allow vigorous physical activities within two weeks of the surgery. Intense exercises, like contact sports and weightlifting, require six weeks of recovery.
The Chance of Error
You face a slight chance of adverse side effects when you have any medical operation, including plastic surgery. While these effects are rare, you should consider them when evaluating the pros and cons of plastic surgery.
One of the more common outcomes is a hematoma, which is a collection of blood that resembles a bruise. Hematoma only happens in 1% of patients but can appear after almost any surgery. Other potential side effects include a 2% chance of infection and a 2.5% chance of scarring.
While plastic surgery can be expensive, investing in highly trained and qualified doctors minimizes errors. Make sure your surgeon has board certification and ASPS membership before seeking a consultation. Your safety far outweighs the cost of the procedure.
The Bottom Line
You must consider several factors when considering cosmetic procedures, and it’s not always enough to search “what are the pros and cons of plastic surgery.” Deciding whether the pros outweigh the cons and vice versa ultimately comes down to personal choice.
Millions of Americans believe the pros outweigh the cons, which is why we see a steady rise in plastic surgeries each year. These individuals want to boost their appearance while improving their mental and physical health.
Plastic surgery does have its drawbacks. Procedures are expensive, and there is always a chance for error or side effects. If you are unsure if plastic surgery is right for you, contact an expert at Soma Plastics at (855) SOMA-855 to learn more.
