What is Cosmetic Surgery? Should we go for it

 

By: Maha Kamal Cosmetic surgery:  involves medical procedures designed to improve or enhance a person's appearance. It differs from reconstructive surgery, which is typically performed to correct abnormalities or damage from injury or disease. Cosmetic surgery can be surgical (e.g., facelifts, rhinoplasty) or non-surgical (e.g., Botox, dermal fillers).
Common Types of Cosmetic Surgery:
Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
Breast augmentation or reduction
Liposuction (removal of fat deposits)
Facelift (to reduce wrinkles or sagging skin)
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Botox injections (to reduce wrinkles)
Dermal fillers (to restore volume to the face)
Should You Go for Cosmetic Surgery?
This is a personal decision and depends on several factors:
Reasons to Consider Cosmetic Surgery:
Self-confidence: If a specific feature causes distress or insecurity, surgery might help improve confidence and self-esteem.
Physical discomfort: Some cosmetic procedures, such as breast reductions, can alleviate physical pain (e.g., back pain).
Correction of physical abnormalities: It can be helpful after injury, illness, or congenital disabilities.
Risks:
All surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, come with risks. If you have obesity or diabetes, you might be at higher risk of complications. Complications can include trouble with wound healing, blood clots and infections. Smoking also raises risks and slows healing. Its is obvious that if you are going consider yourself for cosmetic surgery then before your procedure, you must meet with a healthcare professional to talk about these risks and others that may be related to your health history.
Medical complications include:
Complications related to anesthesia, including pneumonia, blood clots and, rarely, death.
Infection where the cuts during surgery, called incisions, were made.
Fluid buildup under the skin.
Mild bleeding, which may require another surgery.
Heavy bleeding, which may cause you to need blood from a donor.
Scarring.
Separation of the surgical wound, which sometimes requires more surgery to fix.
Loss of feeling or tingling from nerve damage, which may be permanent.
Reasons to Be Cautious:
Unrealistic expectations: Surgery may not fix underlying emotional or self-esteem issues. It’s important to have realistic expectations.
Risks and complications: All surgeries carry risks, including infection, scarring, or dissatisfaction with results.
Cost: Cosmetic surgery can be expensive, and it's rarely covered by insurance.
Mental health considerations: People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or other mental health issues should approach surgery cautiously, as it might not alleviate their concerns.
Keep in mind that:
Bruising and swelling go away over time. Surgical scars are permanent.
Recovery times vary by person and procedure. For some procedures, it can take up to a year to see the final results. An example is surgery to change the shape of the nose, called rhinoplasty.
Follow-up surgeries may be needed to achieve your goals. You should consider cosmetic surgery if you: Be reasonable in your expectations regarding the benefits of surgery and the potential changes it may bring about in your life. Recognize the dangers to your health associated with surgery, the physical impacts of healing, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments throughout your recuperation. Maintain good health and manage any chronic diseases. Avoid using tobacco. Alternatively, you agree to abstain from nicotine for four to six weeks prior to surgery and for four weeks following and specially avoid the products containing nicotine include gum, patches, and lozenges.
Conclusion:
Cosmetic surgery can be beneficial for those who feel that a physical change will positively impact their life and well-being. However, it’s crucial to weigh the risks, have realistic expectations, and consult with a qualified medical professional.