Plastic Surgery and Mental Health: What Patients Should Know
Plastic surgery can do more than just change how you look — it can change how you think and feel, alter how you interact with others, and help you live a more fulfilling life. However, the relationship between plastic surgery and mental health isn’t solely positive or negative — it depends on the person.
Dr. Joseph Brown at SynergyMD Plastic Surgery consults with patients at our Tampa office before plastic surgery to ensure they’re in a healthy headspace that would allow them to benefit from surgery. Here’s how cosmetic surgery affects mental health if you have a good mindset:
Reduces Depression
Tampa, FL, patients who analyze their flaws in a mirror every day likely understand how flaws can contribute to low self-confidence and poor body image. Ultimately, these can contribute to depression.
Even a minor change with plastic surgery can be enough to allow you to accept yourself and ward off feelings of depression.
Alleviates Anxiety
Flaws like facial wrinkles, asymmetrical breasts, excess fat deposits, or flat buttocks can make us feel self-conscious in social situations, making it difficult to make new friends, go on dates, and advance in the workplace.
If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable due to something you can change, plastic surgery can help you regain a sense of control over your appearance.
Improves Self Esteem
With plastic surgery, there’s no need to fixate on your flaws any longer. It’s possible to achieve the body of your dreams or restore your body after massive weight loss or pregnancy.
If you experience distress over your appearance, plastic surgery can help improve your self-esteem and confidence.
The Potential Negative Mental Health Outcomes
While plastic surgery can help patients feel more secure and keep negative thoughts at bay, patients who have unrealistic expectations or those who are trying to fix life problems with surgery may be more likely to have negative mental health outcomes like:
- Increased depression
- Increased anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Increased risk of suicide
Dr. Joseph Brown offers thorough consultations in which he ensures patients are in a good place mentally before proceeding with surgery.
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship With Plastic Surgery
While cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or Brazilian butt lift can make you feel more at home in your body and improve your quality of life, they can only do so much. Patients must understand the limitations of plastic surgery before proceeding with it to ensure better satisfaction with the results.
If you have a serious concern like body dysmorphic disorder or severe depression, a mental health professional is the person you should be speaking to, not a plastic surgeon. Once you’re in a healthier place, you can responsibly consider plastic surgery with our Tampa team.
Ready to Make a Life Change? Contact Us Today!
If you think plastic surgery would allow you to live your life comfortably and confidently, we invite you to request a consultation at our Tampa office. You’ll be able to meet with our board-certified plastic surgeon, discuss your concerns, and determine a plan of action to help you feel more at home in your body.
