Beyond Beauty: Reconstructive Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery

While the pursuit of beauty is one reason to consider plastic surgery, there are many others. From reconstructive surgery to rebuilding self-esteem, the cosmetic surgery industry offers more than perfect lips and enviable thighs. Here are five examples of cosmetic surgery demonstrates the perfect harmony of health and science.

  1. Reconstructive Surgery - Reconstructive procedures can be used to fix birth defects, such as cleft palates, and for treatment after a traumatic injury, such as severe burns or car accidents. Reconstructive surgery can also be used for rebuilding breast tissue after treatment for breast cancer.
  2. Tummy Tuck - Abdominolpasty can be used to alleviate irritation from rashes and skin infections caused by loose, hanging skin. Excess skin can also cause lower back pain, which can be reduced with this procedure.
  3. Rhinoplasty - A nose job can help cure breathing troubles, fix recurrent sinus problems, and help reduce snoring. During rhinoplasty, it is relatively easy to perform septoplasty (repair of a deviated septum) which is known to cause nosebleeds and headaches.
  4. Breast Reduction - In a recent study for Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Dr. Michelle Coriddi and colleagues of Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University, Columbus, found breast reduction surgery to have significant advantages for psychosocial, sexual and physical well-being, enough so to warrant being covered by insurance."The improvement in physical activity, decrease in costly chronic medical complaints and improvement in overall quality of life indicated by this survey study validates insurance coverage for this procedure."

    In addition to alleviating back pain, breast reduction can lead to significant improvements in sleep and enjoyment of exercise.

  5. Self-Esteem - Self-esteem is at the heart of how happy we are in life. In the article, "Self-Esteem Check: Too Low, Too High," the Mayo Clinic lists some of the benefits associated with a healthy self-esteem:
    • Increased ability to express needs and opinions
    • Greater confidence in making decisions
    • Improved ability to form secure and honest relationships
    • A decreased likelihood of maintaining unhealthy relationships
    • Decreased occurrence of overcritical thinking about yourself and others
    • Improved emotional resilience and a higher capability of managing stress and setbacks
    • Decreased likelihood of experiencing feelings such as hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt and shame

Whatever your motivation for considering cosmetic surgery, it can do a lot to help you feel your best, to feel at home in your skin, and feel good about yourself.

Beyond Beauty: Reconstructive Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery
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