Cosmetic surgery can be defined as the surgical maintenance, enhancement, or restoration of one’s physical appearance. There are many reasons why someone would consider getting plastic surgery. There are positive effects of plastic surgery as well. It can increase feelings of self-confidence and self-satisfaction.
Social Media Plays A Role
A study by Adrian Furnham and James Levitas (2012) also took into account the effect media consumption and religious beliefs have on the decision to get plastic surgery. A sample of 204 participants completed a questionnaire assessing their attitude toward cosmetic surgery. The study also addressed themes of life satisfaction, self-esteem, self-rated physical attractiveness, media consumption, and religiosity. The best predictor was dissatisfaction with their current body. Media consumption can play a large part in decision making for some people, while others are not influenced by the media. The rise in media showing cosmetic surgery also plays a role in the decision-making process.
A sample of 204 British participants completed a questionnaire that assessed their attitude toward cosmetic surgery as well as measures of self-esteem, life satisfaction, self-rated physical attractiveness, religiosity and media consumption. Two factors emerged from a factor analysis of their attitudes toward surgery: likelihood to undergo, and benefits of undergoing, cosmetic surgery.
Adrian Furnham and James Levitas (2012)
Body Image & Quality Of Life
Cosmetic surgery reality shows can play a part in decisions, and those who watch such shows frequently felt more knowledgeable about cosmetic surgery, and the reality of cosmetic surgery. It also found that those who are more religious are less likely to get plastic surgery. One study by Ching et al (2003) found that a patient’s body image and their perceived quality of life to be the most consistent and strongest determiners of surgery outcomes.
More Men Are Getting Plastic Surgery
There isn’t really a typical person who gets plastic surgery. Women are more likely to get plastic surgery than men, and younger men are more likely to get plastic surgery than older men. In recent years, more men are getting plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery can aid and improve self-perception and boost self-esteem. Plastic surgeons urge patients to have realistic goals for their surgery, which results in higher patient satisfaction after surgery.
A Lot More People Are Getting Minimally Invasive Procedures Done
In 2019, 92% of all cosmetic procedures were performed on women, and 8% performed on men. Botox was the top minimally-invasive procedure performed. Breast augmentation was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed on women. Nose reshaping was the number one procedure performed on men. Overall, men tend to get minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, fillers, and chemical peels. 40-54 year olds make up the majority of cosmetic procedures, 49% of the total in the world.
Plastic surgery encompasses reconstructive surgery as well, such as tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, and hand surgery were the top reconstructive procedures in 2019. Body contouring and loose skin removal after weight loss surgery, as well as Gender Confirmation Surgery, are also types of plastic surgery.