The benefits of cosmetic plastic surgery depend on the reasons for the surgery, as well as the personality and self-perception of the patient. The following scientific studies describe how breast reductions and face lifts affect self-esteem on certain populations. These two studies focused on small-boned women and people who take anti-depressant medications.
The Health Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
The New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the New York University School of Medicine studied the effects of breast reduction surgery on the quality of life of small-boned women. They found that these women reaped significant health benefits from breast reductions.
The women in this study reported less lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and bra strap “grooving” after their breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty). After the cosmetic surgery, the women were able to exercise more, play sports, and wear a wider variety of clothing.
“Women were also greatly relieved that they were more able to engage in healthful activities such as running or playing sports—demonstrating that breast reduction surgeries have even wider health implications,” says co-author Dr. Jason Spector, a plastic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and assistant professor of surgery (plastic surgery) at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Less Antidepressant Medication after Plastic Surgery
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a significant number of patients stopped taking antidepressant medication after undergoing plastic surgery.
“Plastic surgery patients are taking a proactive approach in making themselves happier by improving something that has truly bothered them,” said Bruce Freedman, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. “While we are not saying that cosmetic plastic surgery alone is responsible for the drop in patients needing antidepressants, it surely is an important factor.”
Dr Freedman also says, “We have just begun to uncover the various physical and psychological benefits of plastic surgery. By helping our patients take control over something they were unhappy about, we helped remove a self-imposed barrier and ultimately improved their self-esteem.”
When Plastic Surgery Doesn’t Offer Psychological Benefits
A 16-year-old girl who gets breast enhancement surgery or a face lift may not experience the same psychological benefits of plastic surgery as a small-boned woman who undergoes breast reduction surgery to reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain. Generally, cosmetic plastic surgery or facial reconstruction surgery offers benefits for people who aren’t trying to enhance their self-esteem or look like a beautiful woman (or handsome man).
Plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons – simply to look better – won’t necessarily make a person feel better about who she or he is, nor will it increase self-esteem. The best way to discover the benefits of plastic surgery for any individual person is to talk to the doctor and/or plastic surgeon. Most responsible doctors will help patients decide if a breast reduction or face lift is indeed the right decision, for the right reasons.
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Sources: Weill Cornell Medical Center (2007, September 17). Breast Reduction Surgeries Provide Health Benefits For Smaller Women.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2006, October 10). Some Patients Stop Needing Antidepressant Medication After Having Plastic Surgery.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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