Years ago, improving life quality was not one of the reasons for cosmetic surgery – it is certainly not the case today. With over 8000 clients who have traveled with us over the years, many cite the following reasons as their main driver to choose cosmetic surgery:
Though not uncommon for some clients to submit photos of celebrities or models for surgeons to emulate, it is important that to understand your main need to get cosmetic surgery.
Do You Really Need It?
In most developed nations across the globe, culture places a lot of emphasis on body weight, size, and appearance. We are conditioned from a very young age that ‘self-worth’ is derived from these aesthetic characteristics.
Our media sets unrealistic standards of what body type and weight that is considered ‘normal’. These stereotypes of being slim or fat, muscular or skinny, toned or flabby are reinforced many times over not just by the media, but by our family or friends, and even health professionals.
It’s a fact that nobody (not many anyway) look like that, not even the celebrities or models themselves. Only about 5% of people have the genetic makeup of the ultra-lean and long body type – hardly a major statistic. But that is probably the only body type that men and women compare themselves with because we really cannot underestimate the pervasive influence of the media in our lives. In our desperate attempts to conform to societal pressure, many will resort to restrictive dieting, fat burning products and/or smoking to get rid of fat and unwanted calories.
Bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyles and poor health and fitness undoubtedly reflect on weight measurements and overall body image. Choosing cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance while not improving these ingredients isn’t really going to work.
Engaging in a fit and active lifestyle has its obvious benefits. Refraining from processed foods and getting more healthy and wholesome food in your diet not only maintains your desired weight and shape but also provides more energy for fitness. Including some cardio and strength training for at least 20 minutes daily gets your heart pumping and provides overall toning. Besides, exercise releases endorphins into your bloodstream giving you the natural high for life on a daily basis.
Just How Much Do You Need?
In a Glamour magazine survey, 75% of women between 18 -35 believed they were fat, while in reality, only 25% were medically overweight – the same percentage as overweight men (Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf). This kind of exaggerated self-criticism is called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), can severely affect your self-image as you’re always obsessed with a body or facial trait. This anxiety disorder usually starts in adolescence, a time when looks can be everything and affect both men and women. BDD is real and can impair work and social functioning to a point of withdrawal or isolation.
Many times, a person with BDD may perceive a defect that no one else does. While many candidates do require multiple procedures for the physical improvement they seek, BDD sufferers go overboard for the sake of looking like someone or something else – from Michael Jackson to a tiger.
Treatment is available today for people with BDD. Recent reports show that people respond well to oral medication and cognitive therapy, learning to replace thoughts of a perceived defect with positive habits.
All The Wrong Reasons
If you begin the pursuit of cosmetic surgery on the wrong foot, chances are you will not be happy with any result:
People who are predisposed to depression, personality, anxiety disorders and other psychological issues are more likely to experience an emotional letdown. It is important to bear in mind that physical changes from cosmetic surgery come pre-packaged with emotional changes – positive or negative.
Managing Your Expectations
Not everyone is suitable for cosmetic surgery. We have to have clear guidelines to select suitable candidates and weed out those who will not benefit greatly from surgery.
Having realistic expectations is key. Do not have surgery if you want to look exactly like someone else because that fixation will probably be as fleeting as your decision to change. Though the purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve self-image, almost all people with a stronger self-image will eventually lead to an even stronger self-image and positive attitude about life.
If you wish to talk to people about the procedures you desire, talk to someone who’ve had similar work done – not with your disapproving sister, mother or friend. You may obtain pictures of the look you wish to achieve and your surgeon will advise you on the viability of your options. He/she will review your desired look and advise you how best these will fit your features and body type. So as important it is to be candid with your surgeon, it is equally important to accept his professional recommendations.
Unlike general surgery, there isn’t a valid and logical reason to have cosmetic surgery, except for accident or burn victims. However described, many who don’t condone it will always only attribute it to vanity and lack of self-worth. Do your homework, research, talk to people and get your emotions straight. After all, it is you and only you who can justify this important, (and in many cases) life-changing decision because its going to benefit or affect you the most.