The Good, Bad And Ugly Sides Of Plastic Surgery—Explained By A Psychologist
Plastic surgery takes the saying 'beauty is pain' to a whole new level. Here's why, from a psychological perspective.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | July 30, 2024
From Kate Moss's "Heroin Chic" to the Kardashian "thick" body standard, women's beauty standards are a perennially revolving wheel. For every new ideal body standard paraded in the media, there are millions who do not fit the bill—and this isn't a coincidence.
To solve this problem, more and more people are turning to cosmetic surgery—nose jobs, breast enlargements and the like. These procedures allow individuals to enhance their appearance and boost self-confidence. For many, it seems the perfect solution to long-standing body insecurities.
However, physical transformations can also remarkably change people's lives, leading to potentially devastating mental health consequences. Undergoing invasive aesthetic procedures is always a gamble, not just for your appearance but also your mind. While you can equip yourself with information and medical precautions, there is no sure-fire way to predict if going under the knife to "improve" your appearance will go as expected, both physically and mentally.
Plastic Surgery As A Steroid For Your Self-Esteem
On the popular reality TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, a teenage Kylie Jenner admitted in 2015 to having a lip augmentation to help her with her insecurities. Many young people seemed to relate to her admission, as a 2019 study tracking google trends showed that interest in lip augmentations increased by 43% after the episode aired.
Like Kylie, thousands have attempted to address their insecurities related to physical appearance through surgery. These procedures can significantly boost self-esteem and social confidence, if all goes according to plan. A 2024 study of the rhinoplasty procedure highlights the positive impact of plastic surgery on "self esteem, body image, depression and anxiety."
The report also demonstrated an improvement in deeper psychological issues in patients who had undergone the procedure. For individuals struggling with body dysmorphia and anxiety, plastic surgery can provide relief and a sense of control over their appearance.
With advancements in medical technology and sophisticated surgical planning, one can actually achieve their dream of changing or "fixing" their appearance in the modern age. But is a successful plastic surgery all it takes to be free of body image issues once and for all?
The Dangers Of Plastic Surgery Addiction
The issue with plastic surgery aren't just the medical risks involved in the process, but also the oppressive nature of beauty standards that keep the industry thriving. When celebrities like the Kardashians speak of lip or breast augmentation and how it benefited them temporarily, the buck is then passed to other celebrities. This might explain why trendy procedures such as "BBLs" and buccal fat removal are all the rage now.
Trying to distort your body to fit a specific image is often motivated by the unrealistic expectation to look like your favorite movie stars. A 2024 Journal of Media Psychology study emphasizes managing expectations and recognizing the difference between curated Hollywood perfection and real-life outcomes.
Aesthetic procedures can be effective but one cannot expect miracles in the operating room. Celebrities are equipped with resources like dedicated make-up artists, dieticians, publicists and stylists to build the perfect image we are inundated with everyday. One must understand that the image is not real, no matter how badly the beauty industry wants us to believe it as such.
The problem gets infinitely more complicated when individuals do not achieve their desired results, leading them to pursue additional plastic surgeries to attain their ideal appearance. In 2022, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a steady increase in cosmetic procedures, raising concerns about potential addiction to aesthetic alterations. This trend underscores the importance of thorough psychological evaluations by doctors before recommending multiple or repeated procedures.
Practical Tips For Minimizing Negative Consequences
Cosmetic surgery, if used correctly, can have a positive impact on people's lives. To minimize the psychological risks associated with surgery, several measures can be implemented, such as:
- Setting realistic expectations. Set achievable goals for your results. Perfection is not attainable, and each person's journey is unique. Expecting to look like an entirely different person can lead to a cycle of prosthetic alterations, with your mental health as collateral.
- Open communication. Maintain transparent communication with your plastic surgeon and also your loved ones. Discuss your motivations, concerns and mental well-being before, during and after the procedure.
- Professional support. If you experience postoperative distress, seek professional help.
- Media literacy. Develop critical thinking skills when consuming media content about beauty standards and plastic surgery outcomes. Realize that the "perfect look" is simply an illusion.
The relationship between plastic surgery and mental health is not solely positive or negative; it varies from person to person. The role of the plastic surgeon extends beyond the operating room. By recognizing the potential pitfalls and fostering responsible decision-making, plastic surgery can become a tool for empowerment rather than a source of insecurity or dissatisfaction.
Do you think you might have deep-seated insecurities concerning your physical appearance? Take this test to learn more: Body Image Questionnaire
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.