Eight Common Reasons People Have Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery has become one of the most common surgery categories in the United States. What was once viewed as a vanity procedure for the rich, plastic surgery is now seen as being readily available for all. Sometimes the surgery is for cosmetic reasons while other procedures are done to correct the results of accidents or birth defects.  In plastic surgery, the word “plastic’ comes from the Greek word “plastikos” which means to mold or form or change. In general, here are eight reasons why patients decide to undergo a plastic surgery procedure:

1. As mentioned above, accidents are one of the big reasons that people have a plastic surgery procedure. Accidents can cause deformities or scars. From car wrecks to work accidents to sports injuries to animal bites, accidents can cause enough damage to the body that both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery can be necessary.  
2. Birthmarks or defects of birth are another big reason that people choose to have surgery. Deformities of the ear, cleft lips or splotchy or dark patches on the face are a few examples of birth defects that can require surgical help. The changes from the surgery can help a person achieve physical changes in their appearance as well as emotional changes.
3. Cancer is, unfortunately, a leading cause of reconstructive surgery. Women who have undergone a mastectomy often opt for reconstructive breast surgery to help them regain the appearance they had before the mastectomy. The procedure can also go a long way towards helping women regain self-esteem and peace of mind,
4. Anyone who has, for whatever reason, undergone massive weight loss will have a good amount of excess skin that does not easily shrink. The removal of the excess skin is a good way to correct any changes in appearance brought on by weight loss.
5. Sometimes it is something as simple as vanity that causes a person to have plastic surgery. While some people simply want to look younger, there are others who have long time issues with their appearance. The chance to have breast implants, a nose job or liposuction can make all the difference in the world when it comes to a healthy self-image. Some women opt to have breast reduction surgery in order to relieve back pain, the inability to play some sports and the unwanted attention they get from having oversized breasts. Improving their appearance through medical procedures can also include laser peels, laser hair removal and Botox to give the forehead a smoother appearance and less wrinkles.
6. Some patients want to turn back the hands of time. A change to the body brought on by the passage of time is something that happens to all people. Many people choose to have surgery to tighten the skin, eliminate wrinkles and restore a youthful glow to their skin.
7. Getting rid of scars from previous procedures or accidents is a very popular reason for patients who choose plastic surgery. Scar revision gives patients an opportunity to revise, or even eliminate, scars that have been on the body for various amounts of time.
8. Unfortunately, one other reason patients decide to undergo plastic surgery is to please another person. Making changes for any reason other than their own happiness or medical needs is not ideal but it does happen all too often.

Whatever the reason for having plastic surgery, patients need to consult with a board-certified doctor and weigh their options carefully. An experienced surgeon can help set realistic expectations as well as inform the patient of any possible risks from the procedure.  Once the patient and doctor are on the same page, they can move forward with achieving the results desired by the patient.

- MA