When we think of plastic surgery, our focus tends to be on the obvious,
external, out-there-for- everyone-to-see improvements. Examples of how
plastic surgery provides such visible benefits include a newly streamlined
nose that fits more beautifully into delicate facial features. Or a higher,
perkier bustline. Glowing, radiant skin from laser resurfacing that erases
years of sun damage. A fuller, thicker head of hair from NeoGraft hair
restoration.
When it comes to the obvious benefits of plastic surgery, the list goes on and on! But what many do not realize are the multiple, less-apparent benefits of plastic surgery, and how they can positively impact your everyday life.
Benefits of Plastic Surgery
Keep reading for five “hidden” benefits of some of our most popular plastic surgery procedures.
- Bye-bye back pain. A breast reduction is often done for cosmetic reasons. Very large breasts are prone to begin drooping and sagging even when the patient is young. Additionally, many women feel that their clothes will look more stylish with breasts that are in the C and D-cup range. However, a breast reduction can also lead to a great deal of pain relief in the back, neck and shoulders, and allow women to exercise with more intensity without fear of significant breast discomfort. One study in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that women who had breast reduction surgery experienced “improvement in musculoskeletal pain, headaches, sleep and breathing.” This study also found that there were psychological benefits to the surgery as well, including increased self-esteem, and reduced anxiety and depression.
- Easier breathing. It seems just about everyone is aware that an artistic rhinoplasty (nose job) can transform your whole face. But did you know that, in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, it can also improve greatly your breathing? While your surgeon is beautifying your profile, he can also improve your breathing by correcting a deviated septum or reducing large nasal turbinates, the fleshy mounds of tissue that can obstruct breathing and cause snoring—all during the same procedure.
- Increased confidence in your job hunt. If you’ve ever felt that more beautiful people had an easier time in life, you may be right—at least when it comes to finding a job. In a 2010 Newsweek survey, more than half of hiring managers reported that the candidates they perceive as less attractive are likely to have a harder time landing a job. Many recommended that candidates place as much importance on their looks as on their resume. While it’s doubtful anyone would suggest you get plastic surgery simply so you can ace your job interview, it may very well be an added benefit of any elective plastic surgery that you feel more confident in both business and personal interactions. We think most would agree that high self-confidence is one of the biggest assets you can bring to your job hunt.
- More comfortable “down there”: This tends to be a “hidden” benefit because it relates to a surgery many don’t feel comfortable talking about: labiaplasty. Labiaplasty is the surgical reduction of the labia minora of a woman’s genitals. While some may feel sensitive talking about this, there is no need to be embarrassed—we are performing increasing numbers of this procedure every year. The most common reason our patients report for choosing to have a labiaplasty is to improve the look of their genitals. Some are dissatisfied with the stretching they have experienced with childbirth or normal aging; others have never been happy with their appearance. However, what patients may not realize is that having a labiaplasty may also lead to more comfortable, pleasurable sex and the ability to wear more form-fitting jeans and workout clothes without the discomfort they previously experienced.
- Easing depression…and migraines. It is beginning to seem that there is nothing Botox® can’t do. It has long been used to reduce the look of crow’s feet, smooth out deep forehead wrinkles and “worry” lines, and relieve excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis). Now it is believed that Botox can also help to relieve the pain of chronic migraine sufferers. Botox treatment is FDA-approved for adults over 18 years of age who suffer from chronic migraines for 4 or more hours each day, for 15 or more days each month. Additionally, recent research has revealed that Botox may aid in alleviating medication-resistant depression. A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research examined the reactions of 74 patients with depression, half of whom were injected with Botox and half of whom received saline. Of the patients who received Botox, 52% showed significant relief from depressive symptoms. Botox may be effective in relieving depression because it freezes the facial muscles involved in frowning, meaning that our facial expressions not only reflect our mood, they may also affect our mood.
If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure in Las Vegas, remember, the benefits of plastic surgery aren’t just skin-deep. Whether you’re considering a facelift, mommy makeover, liposuction or one of the procedures listed above, the end result may leave you looking and feeling healthier, happier, and more self-confident. To learn more about a procedure you’re interested in, please call us at (702) 838-2455 to schedule a personal consultation.