It isn’t an exaggeration to say we see the positive effects of plastic surgery every single day. Patients who visit for procedures like rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and tummy tuck from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, Acworth, and other cities near Marietta often say that it’s a life-changing experience. At the same time, we understand that a stigma surrounding cosmetic plastic surgery persists, although it seems to be becoming more accepted with each passing year.
Motivations May Be Misconstrued
Some people still consider choosing to undergo plastic surgery as some sort of moral question — that physical self-improvement is somehow wrong. Others believe plastic surgery patients are pursuing some unrealistic ideal. And many are influenced by the media’s focus on sensational and, in many cases, bizarre cosmetic surgery stories.
To put it plainly: There is nothing immoral about plastic surgery. Men and women spend hours at the gym, not only for health reasons, but to improve their appearances. No one really thinks that’s immoral.
Most Want to Look Better, Not Different
The fact is that the vast majority of women and men treated at Plastic Surgery Center of the South and thousands of practices across the U.S. don’t want to radically alter their appearance. They simply want to make specific changes that can boost their self-esteem and, in some cases, help them look as good as they feel. Plastic surgery is much more about giving people natural-looking results than it is about chasing an unrealistic ideal.
Consider the Tummy Tuck
Many women visit us for tummy tuck surgery at our practice near Atlanta, GA, who exercise several times a week and eat a healthy diet, but can’t regain the flat tummy they had before having children. They are invariably self-conscious about the excess abdominal skin. As you can see in these tummy tuck before-and-after photos of a 47-year-old mother of 4, the physical transformation can be dramatic.
It’s More Acceptable to Those Who Know Someone
Not surprisingly, those who have undergone plastic surgery, or have a friend or family member who did, hold more positive attitudes about it. That’s according to research conducted earlier this year by the Pew Research Center. The study’s findings included that “85% of U.S. adults who have had cosmetic surgery say it’s an appropriate use of technology, but that share drops to 58% among those who haven’t had this type of procedure and don’t have close friends or family members who have done so.” It added, “Cosmetic surgery recipients are also more positive about its emotional and competitive benefits than those who have no direct or indirect experience with these enhancements.”
Some of that drop in acceptance is no doubt due to the public perception of plastic surgery — which, in the absence of a connection to personal experience, is inevitably shaped by sensational stories about vain celebrities.
It’s Not About Vanity
There are some that would call plastic surgery vain. However, I view it as self-pride. Our population is living longer and feeling better at older ages. It is a consistent thought to look as good as you feel. Plastic surgery can address many different types of problems. Some patients have been bothered by certain physical attributes their whole lives. They are very self-conscious about their concerns, often to the point where it affects their daily function on many levels. If a change can be made with plastic surgery and it improves the quality of their lives, then I think it is a decision worth making. This is not vain, but life changing.
There is evidence suggesting that there is less of a stigma associated with cosmetic procedures these days. More people than ever are choosing to undergo plastic surgery or nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn firsthand about the procedure’s benefits and risks, and then decide for yourself. If you have questions or want to meet for a consultation, contact us using our online form or call our office at (770) 288-5950.
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