Gain Self-Confidence and a Sense of Well-Being with Seattle Plastic Surgery

Men and women alike are becoming more self-conscious about their physical appearance and seeking cosmetic enhancement. Most studies show that people are generally satisfied with the results of cosmetic procedures, but little rigorous testing has been done. More extensive (“type change”) procedures (for example, rhinoplasty) appear to necessitate more psychological adjustment on the part of the patient than “restorative” procedures (eg, face-lift). Patients with unrealistic outcome expectations are more likely to be dissatisfied with cosmetic procedures. Despite good procedural outcomes, some people are never satisfied with cosmetic interventions. Some of these people suffer from a psychiatric condition known as “body dysmorphic disorder.” Cosmetic enhancement is becoming more popular. People are increasingly dissatisfied with their physical appearance. In a 1997 survey conducted in the United States, 56% of women and 43% of men expressed dissatisfaction with their overall appearance. 1 In line with this trend, an increasing number of men and women are undergoing cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) performed by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists increased 119% between 1997 and 1999, according to data provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2 More than 4.6 million such procedures were performed in 1999, with chemical peels accounting for 18.3% of the total, botulinum toxin A injection accounting for 10.8%, laser hair removal accounting for 10.5%, collagen injection accounting for 10.3%, and sclerotherapy accounting for 9.0%. Rhinoplasties were performed on 102 943 people (2.2% of all procedures), with 100 203 facelifts (2.2%), 191 583 breast augmentation procedures (4.2%), and 89 769 breast reduction procedures (1.9%). 2 Because there is no central registry or reporting requirements, systematic Australian data are not readily available. Furthermore, such procedures are carried out by a wide range of professionals, including cosmetic physicians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Because people seek cosmetic interventions to feel better about themselves, one would expect cosmetically successful procedures to result in increased self-esteem, mood, and social confidence. While studies spanning four decades have found that the majority of people who undergo cosmetic procedures are satisfied with the results,3,4 the outcome in psychosocial terms has received less attention. Over the years, clinicians and researchers have attempted to assess whether improvements in psychosocial wellbeing following cosmetic enhancement can be objectively verified, but few methodologically sound studies have been conducted.