Each of us has a level of self-esteem - a sense of how we are seen by others around us. People who are happy and satisfied with their appearance, most likely, will be more confident in acting both in work and in their personal lives. Those who are dissatisfied with themselves, as a rule, are less effective in their activities. It seems to them that the fault of failures is any flaw in appearance. They think: "Now if I had a" normal "chest ..." And they really think that this element of appearance can radically change their life for the better.
Since changes in the result of plastic surgery are permanent, it is important to have a clear idea of how this intervention can change you. Usually, this is thought through and discussed long before the procedure. This article will give a general idea of the psychological problems associated with plastic surgery.
Suitable candidates for surgery
If you decide on surgery, you should be honest with yourself. Why do you want to do this and what are your bets on the consequences of this operation. What do you expect from her? Do you clearly understand all the specifics of the operation, its consequences, do you accept them?
There are two categories of patients who are good candidates for surgery. The first includes patients with strong self-esteem, but who are worried about their physical characteristics and would like to improve or change something in themselves. After the operation, these patients feel good, they are satisfied with the result and continue to maintain a positive image for themselves. The second category includes patients who have physical disabilities or cosmetic defects. These patients are usually complex, they do not know exactly what they want, they put too much hope on the operation. They expect that after the operation their lives will change by themselves and suffer greatly when this does not happen. They can get used to the results rather slowly after the operation, since the restoration of trust takes time. However, sometimes the effect is striking and externally and internally.
It is important to remember that plastic surgery can create and change your self-esteem. If you want to perform surgery in the hope of attracting the attention of a loved one - this can result in disappointment. Even if friends and relatives react positively to a change in appearance, this will not give you confidence if you can not get what you want. But plastic surgery still rarely leads to dramatic changes in people. If the operation is performed qualitatively, the results are more likely to please than disappoint.
Bad candidates for plastic surgery
There are people who simply can not resort to surgery in any case. And it's not about medical problems. Who should not use plastic?
Patients in crisis. These are those who have recently experienced a divorce, death of a spouse or loss of work. These patients can strive to achieve goals that can not be achieved only by the operation. Plastic surgery in most cases is completely unnecessary solution. On the contrary, the patient must first overcome the crisis, and then take such irreversible decisions.
Patients with unrealistic expectations. These are those who want to restore their original "perfect" look after a serious accident or a serious illness. Or patients who want to rejuvenate for several decades at once.
Patients who have mental illness. Especially those who show their paranoid behavior. They may also be unsuitable candidates for surgery. The operation can be justified only in cases when it turns out that the patient's attitude to the operation is not associated with psychosis. In these cases, the cosmetic surgeon can work in close contact with the patient and his psychiatrist.
Initial consultation
During the first consultation, your surgeon will strive to understand what you think about your appearance, how you evaluate yourself, which parts of your body you do not like. Be honest with yourself and with your surgeon. It is very important. It is important to speak directly, how you might feel after a change, what would have changed in your life. At the end of the consultation, there must be a certainty that you and your surgeon understand each other completely.
Plastic surgery for children
Parents may face considerable confusion and concern when deciding on surgery for their children or when their children show a desire to change or correct their physical characteristics. For reconstructive surgeries, such as with a "hare lip," the pros and cons are, as a rule, quite obvious. Parents usually meet with doctors, psychologists and other professionals who provide a large amount of information that surgery is the best choice for their children.
However, in procedures such as otoplasty (correcting the shape of the ears) the choice may be more uncertain. If the child does not notice that he is "lop-eared," parents can be advised not to violate such changes. However, if the child feels uncomfortable, if they are teased by their peers, they should consider the possibility of an operation to improve the emotional health of the child. It is important to follow the recommendations of pediatricians and consider the feelings of the child and parents.
Some procedures can also bring significant benefits to some teenagers, provided that he or she is completely social and does not have emotional fluctuations. Parents need to know that self-esteem, as a rule, varies over time, and that cosmetic surgery should not be forcibly imposed on adolescents.
Time of the operation
The procedure of plastic surgery can not be carried out in a state of patient stress. It is important that the operation should preferably be done when you feel extremely well and do not carry any physical or emotional stress. To make sure that you are emotionally prepared for the operation, the doctor can ask several personal questions about your relationship, family life, work problems and other personal issues. Once again, honesty is essential. In general, the operation should not be planned during a period of high emotional and physical activity. Patients who have such problems can then long and hard to recover.
Getting used to change
It may take some time to recover emotionally from the operation and fully adapt to the changes. This is especially true if the procedure carries significant changes in your image. However, if you plan to correct the chest, nose, or use another procedure that may involve dramatic changes in the body, the postoperative period may take longer. Until you learn to take your body in its new form, you will feel uncomfortable.
Help is needed
It is important that someone helps you and emotionally supported throughout the recovery period. Even the most independent patient needs emotional support after the operation. Remember that the first week of recovery will be a time when you will feel depressed, swollen and quite ugly. Also note that it is not unusual for a friend or relative to say "I liked more like it was before" or "You did not need an operation". Comments that can cause or exacerbate feelings of regret or doubt are possible, this can not be avoided. Rely on the support of your doctor or someone who will help you establish your decision. Although it is difficult to focus on the reasons that prompted you to choose a surgical intervention.
Working with postoperative depression
After surgery, most patients experience a mild sensation of unhappiness. This is normal, it usually passes quickly. However, sometimes postoperative depression may be more severe. Decrease and mood swings usually appear up to about three days after surgery. In fact, some doctors call this state "the third day of longing". This can last from a few days to several weeks. This emotional state can be caused by fatigue, metabolic changes or discontent with the result. Depression can be especially stressful for patients who have undergone several procedures and the final stage of the operation when the process is completed. Patients who are most vulnerable to depression are those who were already depressed shortly before surgery. Understanding what can be expected in the postoperative period can help you better cope within a few days after surgery. It is useful to remember that the state of depression usually disappears naturally within a week. Walking, social activities, and small excursions can help to cope with the negative faster.
Be ready to criticize
With all the pros and cons of plastic surgery, you must understand that people around are different. The results of your operation will be visible to everyone, but not all will express this positively. If the reason is personal dislike or envy, then you can simply understand that it is stupid and unreasonable. Be prepared for any such situation. You can even get negative feedback from friends who feel threatened by your improving appearance.
Some patients use a standard response to criticism regarding their operation. They say: "I did this for myself and I am very happy with my results." Remember that if the results of plastic surgery make you more attractive and confident - this procedure was really successful.