Overcoming the Stigma Surrounding Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have always been stigmatized by society. Body modification treatments have had a bad reputation not only among the public but also among celebrities. The stigma around these procedures stopped many people from getting the correct surgery for their needs. While this was the case a few years back, the stigma around plastic surgery is declining at a rapid rate and more people are having body modification surgeries to make themselves feel better and more confident. Getting over the excessively stigmatized procedures is hard but not entirely impossible. Educating yourself about the process and approaching the right people to ask professional questions is the key to reducing the stigma around body modification procedures.

The Reason to Stop Plastic Surgery Stigma

The main reason for the stigma around plastic surgery is that people think that plastic surgery is solely a cosmetic field. It generally disregards its contribution to maintaining a person’s self-esteem, mental health, and self-confidence for a better and happier lifestyle. According to studies, people who have had some kind of cosmetic procedure reported feeling happier and more confident when they returned to their life after their procedure. This is the time to recognize the turmoil of being unhappy with the way you look and the desire to change that as being acceptable. With the number of plastic surgery procedures skyrocketing each year, it is essential to educate yourself on the prospect of the stigma around plastic surgery and why it needs to stop.

The Stigma of Plastic Surgery for Men

Cosmetic surgery offers body modifying procedures for both men and women. Despite the general view that cosmetic surgery is centered around women, more and more men are looking for ways to improve their appearance. Many men have long held a bad opinion of having plastic surgery due to the opinion of society. They are expected to be content with the way they look no matter what. A man who is not satisfied with his look and appearance can be deemed weak or insecure. This is why it can be harder for a man to come to a plastic surgeon’s clinic and discuss options about changing their appearance. With the advancement of the field and the rise in awareness among the new generation, this stigma is slowly diminishing and women, as well as men, are becoming more comfortable with plastic surgery procedures.?

Affirming Plastic Surgery's Changing Stigma

Plastic surgery was once a private and taboo discussion that was done behind closed doors for the fear of judgment from others. Our mainstream media has done a great job of reducing the negativity around cosmetic procedures. With the advancement of the internet and the public effect of influencers like the Kardashians’, plastic surgery has become part of open and casual conversations. This changing stigma around plastic surgery has opened doors for open-mindedness toward procedures like breast augmentation, gynecomastia surgery in men, liposuction, or even lip filler procedures.?

Improvement of Technologies and Techniques

Changing the stigma around cosmetic surgery can be attributed to the improvement of technologies and techniques used in the various procedures. In the last 20 years, the field of cosmetic surgery has seen many advancements. The use of microincisions for minimum scarring, silicone implants for breast augmentation, and the application of innovative strategies for more realistic results have significantly diminished the stigma around plastic surgery.?

Stronger Focus on Mental Health

One of the overlooked aspects of cosmetic surgery is its impact on mental health. Mental health awareness is rising day by day. It is hard to ignore the positive effect of cosmetic surgery on one’s mental health. According to studies, aesthetic procedures can reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence in patients. Not only that, 90% of people stated they were happier than they were before their procedure.

Availability of Education and Information

We are living in an era of information and technology. The Internet has opened doors of knowledge for everyone. People can easily educate themselves on the said topic and find the answers they are looking for with a single click. This availability of information has helped people to make an informed decision about their bodies and rise above the propagandas against cosmetic surgery.

Final Thoughts

Plastic surgery is more about what you want rather than what you need. If you are uncomfortable with the way your body looks there is no harm in considering options that can make you feel more confident and happier in your body. Consult a plastic surgeon about your options and communicate your expectations. Plastic surgery can not magically transform your body but it can certainly help you to modify your body within realistic expectations.?