Plastic surgery can increase self-esteem and lessen anxiety for those with mental health conditions. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone experiences this, though.
This is especially true for those with body dysmorphic disorder, an anxiety-inducing condition that manifests as relentless cosmetic alterations.
Improved Self-Esteem
Cosmetic surgery can help boost your self-esteem by changing how you see yourself. This is especially true for patients who feel embarrassed, ashamed or self-conscious about their appearance.
A Clinical Psychological Science study found that plastic surgery patients often felt happier, healthier, and more confident afterward. These individuals also reported decreased anxiety and shyness, which helped them perform better at work and in relationships.
Some plastic surgeons like a Bellevue plastic surgeon prefer operating on people who have a high sense of self-esteem. This is because people with a higher level of self-worth are more likely to be satisfied with their results and not experience post-operative depression or anxiety.
Less Stress
Stress is a common concern for people who are considering plastic surgery.
Feeling less stressed is a major benefit of plastic surgery because it can improve a patient’s overall mental health. This can positively impact their daily lives, self-image, and social interactions.
It’s also important to remember that feelings of depression or anxiety after surgery are normal and often quite brief as long as they don’t lead to severe problems with your mental health.
If you feel that your fluctuating emotions are overwhelming or causing other problems, speaking with a healthcare specialist or GP is always a good idea. This will allow them to assist you as quickly as possible.
Less Anxiety
In addition to all the physical health benefits that plastic surgery can provide, it can also positively affect your mental health. Surgery aims to address the root cause of a patient’s self-image issues.
For example, a patient dissatisfied with her nose may feel more confident after a rhinoplasty. Patients with low self-esteem may feel more able to focus on other aspects of their lives after breast implants are placed.
However, the mental health benefits of plastic surgery do not apply to everyone. A recent study found that women who had breast augmentation reported higher rates of depression and self-harm compared to other women.
While anxiety and depression are common after cosmetic surgery, they can be mitigated through proper communication with your surgeon. Keeping your expectations realistic will also help you to enjoy your new look and reduce your stress levels post-operatively.
Better Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is important for your overall health and is even more crucial after plastic surgery. Quality sleep can help promote adequate body healing, reducing pain and swelling. It may also aid in boosting your immune system to fight off any bugs that get in the way of your post-op progress.
The best way to boost your chances of getting a good night’s sleep is to plan. Learn about your surgeon’s recommended sleep position for the procedure you’re undergoing, and practice using it to the best of your ability.
A good night’s sleep also means sticking to a regular bedtime and sleep schedule. For the best results, try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day. It’s also a good idea to incorporate exercise into your routine, whether it’s walking the dog or taking a walk in the park.
