Positive and Negative Aspects of Plastic Surgery
Positive and negative aspects of plastic surgery
Plastic surgery is becoming more popular than ever. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 11.7 million procedures were performed in 2007, an increase of more than 400 percent since statistics were first gathered 10 years earlier. While the benefits of cosmetic surgery are widely accepted, patients should consider the positive and negative aspects of plastic surgery before undergoing any treatments.
Risks
While the risk of surgical complications during a procedure may be minimal and depend on the cleanliness of the facility and the experience of the surgeon, there are risks associated with any surgery.
The bigger the procedure, the higher the risk of complications. A patient's general health also should be taken into consideration when evaluating risks. Smoking and pre-existing vascular conditions can slow and impede the healing process. Any cut made on the skin is likely to leave a scar. Most procedures however take this into account and skilled cosmetic surgeons take great pains to hide scars in little seen areas, such as under the hair, behind ears and in skin folds. Although steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, there is always a chance that infection at the site of the incision can occur. Excessive bleeding can occur while a wound is open, and occasionally a blood transfusion may be required. Blood clots may spring up following extended periods of surgery, although walking and movement following surgery usually help to remove the risk. Finally, there are the risks associated with anesthesia that need to be talked about with the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
Emotional
A study performed by a social worker and two psychiatrists reported by the American Psychological Association showed that for the most part, patients felt better about themselves following plastic surgery. Patients reported a boost in self-image and overall well-being. The same study
Plastic surgery is becoming more popular than ever. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 11.7 million procedures were performed in 2007, an increase of more than 400 percent since statistics were first gathered 10 years earlier. While the benefits of cosmetic surgery are widely accepted, patients should consider the positive and negative aspects of plastic surgery before undergoing any treatments.
Risks
While the risk of surgical complications during a procedure may be minimal and depend on the cleanliness of the facility and the experience of the surgeon, there are risks associated with any surgery.
The bigger the procedure, the higher the risk of complications. A patient's general health also should be taken into consideration when evaluating risks. Smoking and pre-existing vascular conditions can slow and impede the healing process. Any cut made on the skin is likely to leave a scar. Most procedures however take this into account and skilled cosmetic surgeons take great pains to hide scars in little seen areas, such as under the hair, behind ears and in skin folds. Although steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, there is always a chance that infection at the site of the incision can occur. Excessive bleeding can occur while a wound is open, and occasionally a blood transfusion may be required. Blood clots may spring up following extended periods of surgery, although walking and movement following surgery usually help to remove the risk. Finally, there are the risks associated with anesthesia that need to be talked about with the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
Emotional
A study performed by a social worker and two psychiatrists reported by the American Psychological Association showed that for the most part, patients felt better about themselves following plastic surgery. Patients reported a boost in self-image and overall well-being. The same study