If you think that you might benefit from having cosmetic surgery, take time to thoroughly research the procedure you are considering and which hospitals or clinics offer it.
Types of cosmetic surgery
As well as the more commonly known cosmetic surgical procedures, such as breast implants, facelifts and tummy tucks, there are many other types of cosmetic surgery, including:
- blepharoplasty – surgery to remove excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids to get rid of hooded eyelids or eye bags
- dermabrasion – a surgical procedure to change the texture and appearance of the skin to minimise scars and sun damage
- liposculpture – surgery to reshape areas of the body that have fatty deposits which are resistant to a healthy diet and exercise
- mammaplasty – surgery to change the shape of the breasts or repair the breasts after surgery or trauma
- pinnaplasty – surgery to reduce the size or prominence of one or both ears
- rhinoplasty – surgery to reshape the nose or to relieve blockages in the nostrils
Why do you want to have cosmetic surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery is a major decision and the effects of it can vary. It is therefore important to ask yourself why you want to have it.
Sometimes, people feel that having cosmetic surgery will help to solve a problem in their life and will make their life better. If you're feeling anxious about your relationships, social life or work, it's important not to think that cosmetic surgery will make these things better.
When considering cosmetic surgery, ask yourself the questions listed below.
- Do you expect that cosmetic surgery will change your life as well as your appearance, and how do you think your life will be better?
- Is it reasonable or likely that a change in your appearance will radically change your life?
- Are you considering cosmetic surgery for yourself or to please someone else?
- Do you think that having cosmetic surgery will improve your relationship or employment prospects?
- Is it reasonable to expect that having surgery will achieve the changes to your appearance that you're hoping for?
Read more about whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.
If you think your desire to change your appearance stems from anxieties about social situations, or from relationship or work-related problems, you should discuss this with your GP or another healthcare professional, such as a counsellor or a psychologist.
They may be able to help you to address your concerns, overcome your anxieties and build your self-confidence using ‘non-surgical’ treatment methods.
Read more about counselling and psychotherapy.
