Plastic surgery is very popular with people in St. George and elsewhere. Perhaps you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. There is nothing wrong with that; plastic surgery procedures help millions of people throughout the U.S. achieve those goals. When contemplating a procedure, it’s important to understand your true motivations and decide how plastic surgery will make you feel in the long term.

Why People Go Under the Knife

Studies have shown there are three groups of people most likely to opt for plastic surgery:

  • Those who are pessimistic, shy and insecure
  • Impulsive novelty-seekers
  • Confident people who invest in their appearance

There is no wrong reason to seek plastic surgery. It most often boils down to a simple desire to improve your physical appearance. Given data from research studies that shows attractive people tend to achieve more success in the workplace, fair or not, it’s certainly valid to want to put your best foot (or face) forward.

Others turn to plastic surgery to correct physical abnormalities that result in poor health. A deviated septum, for example, can cause breathing difficulties and may contribute to snoring or sleep apnea. Trauma victims dealing with pain from scars are also prime candidates for plastic surgery procedures.

Regardless of your reason for going under the knife, having the right attitude about your surgery will help ensure you are happier with the results. Be realistic about what you are hoping to achieve; facial cosmetic surgery will smooth out lines and wrinkles, leading to a more youthful appearance, but results are often temporary and maintenance injections may be needed every year or two. And rhinoplasty can help reshape and resize your nose, but it won’t turn you into Kate Beckinsale or George Clooney. If you’re hoping to score a red carpet invite to next year’s Oscars, you might want to tone down your expectations! Plastic surgery isn’t likely to help save a failing relationship either, and it’s not a cure for depression. But it can help you achieve a younger look and reduce symptoms associated with medical conditions or injuries. Patients undergoing procedures for these reasons are most likely to feel better post-surgery.

For more information on plastic surgery procedures, schedule a consultation with your St. George plastic surgeon today.