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Breast Procedures and Self Esteem
By Barbara Wells
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Everyone has a "self-image," an opinion of how others see us. Most of us fall into one of two categories: people who are happy with what they believe they project to others, and people who are not.
People who have a positive self-image are more likely to be self-confident, effective in work and social situations, and comfortable in their relationships. Those who are dissatisfied with their self-image tend to be self-conscious, inhibited, and less effective in group activities.
New clothes, new makeup, a revamped hairstyle, and even switching from glasses to contacts can offer temporary boosts to self-esteem. However, for dramatic and permanent change, nothing rivals the possibilities of plastic surgery. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, cosmetic medical procedures encourage and promote a strong, positive self-image. Even a small change on the outside can create an extraordinary change on the inside, allowing self-confidence to flourish.
Since 2006, the plastic surgeons found in the directory on BeautyforLife.com, have performed an average of more than 10 million cosmetic medical procedures per year. Two of the most popular procedures are breast augmentation—the most popular at more than 300,000 each year—and breast lift, at 100,000 per year. A recent study set out to determine how these procedures affect a woman's self esteem.
"Studying the long-term effects of cosmetic medical procedures helps us to better understand our patients, allowing us to offer them the highest quality care and outcomes," said John Canady, MD, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Over a five-year period, 325 patients were interviewed about their breast procedure(s), including questions about their satisfaction with the procedure, their self-esteem, and whether or not they would have the procedure again. Study results found that:
- 99 percent of women asked would have their procedure again
- 91 percent of patients reported improved self-esteem
- 96 percent of patients were satisfied with their procedure
- The average patient rating of their procedure was 9.2 out of 10
When asked about pain and recovery issues, patients:
- Rated the pain at 5.4 out of 10
- Used prescription analgesics for an average of 5.4 days
- Resumed driving in 5.8 days
- Returned to work in 7.5 days
- Felt "back to normal" in 27.8 days
"A patient's happiness with any cosmetic medical procedure—including surgical procedures such as breast augmentations and breast lifts—is directly related to the skills and experience of the plastic surgeon involved," said Renato Saltz, MD, President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. "It is critical to research the surgeon's qualifications, and make sure that he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and meets the highest standards of experience, education and ethics."
Whether you are interested in breast augmentation, a breast lift, breast reduction, or any other cosmetic medical procedure, working with a plastic surgeon who is a member of the Beauty for Life team is the key to ensuring the best possible outcome.
These surgeons will work with you at any stage of life, evaluating your health, medical, psychological well being, and body type to provide comprehensive advice based on your personal goals. They also will help explain the specific results a procedure can and cannot deliver and its associated risks; discuss how to choose the right course of action depending on your age, needs, and wishes; and provide illustrations of what you can expect to look like after the procedure.
Unlike other medical practitioners who may be trained in only a few cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons are educated in the full spectrum of cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical care. They hone their skills and techniques through one of the lengthiest and most comprehensive training programs in all of medicine.
To learn more about breast augmentation and breast lifts, visit BeautyforLife.com. You can find more detailed information about both procedures at plasticsurgery.org and at surgery.org.
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