Most studies report that, in general, people are satisfied with the outcome of cosmetic procedures, but few rigorous evaluations have been performed. However, many others argue that cosmetic surgery is empowering. In a world where beautiful people are professionally and socially rewarded for their appearance, cosmetic surgery levels the playing field. More than that, many people argue that cosmetic surgery has psychological benefits because it improves confidence and satisfaction. Why do people turn to cosmetic surgery? There's increasing pressure to look young and beautiful, especially for women, who are even more likely to be judged by their appearance, especially in the workplace.
The media are full of makeup programs that praise cosmetic surgery and celebrities who look increasingly cheerful. Subliminally and not so subliminally, our culture is changing the way humans feel they should look. People believe that they will be happier and more successful if they adjust more to these cultural norms. Figures provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reveal that cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) performed by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otorhinolaryngologists increased 119% between 1997 and 1999.2 In 1999, more than 4.6 million such procedures were performed, the top five being chemical peels (18.3% of the total), botulinum toxin A injection (10.8%), laser hair removal (10.5%), collagen injection (10.5%) 3%) and sclerotherapy (9.0%).
But does it? Regardless of your point of view, whether you think that peels are only for bananas or if you've spent more time under the operating room than a chopped salad this week, at the request of an anonymous listener, we'll address the question: “Will cosmetic surgery make me happier? Presumably, there is an underlying dissatisfaction that causes some people to resort to breast surgery and that the surgery does not resolve. It is different from reconstructive plastic surgery for, for example, burn survivors, children with a cleft lip or palate, or women who have undergone a mastectomy. A questionnaire was given to all patients at plastic surgery clinics and the results were analyzed using the probability scale of undergoing cosmetic surgery, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, the life happiness scale and the physical attractiveness scale. The ancient Egyptians performed rhinoplasties (nose operations) and the Indian doctor Sushrota performed plastic surgery and of cataracts in the 6th century BC.
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