Times have changed, and fewer people consider cosmetic procedures just for vanity. Now, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds are choosing to do procedures to improve their appearance and, in turn, their mental health.
In the US alone, the number of people getting cosmetic procedures has been increasing steadily over the past few years with no signs of slowing down. This could be the effect of cosmetic procedures being less stigmatized and more publicized with the rise of social media.
This can be a great outlook for people who may have always wanted to get a procedure done but never had the confidence to do so. It will make them feel better about themselves and improve their mental health overall. Here are five ways cosmetic procedures are helping with mental health improvements:
1. Helps with body dysmorphia
BDD or body dysmorphic syndrome is a mental condition in which someone is preoccupied with their appearance and believes they are unattractive, even when they aren’t. People with BDD can obsess over any perceived flaw, no matter how small. Some people with the condition may even avoid social situations altogether because they’re afraid of being stared at or ridiculed.
Cosmetic procedures can help people with BDD by addressing their specific concerns and giving them the physical changes they desire. In some cases, the results are so dramatic that they can completely change a person’s life for the better.
2. Increases self-esteem and confidence
Many people feel good about their appearance directly linked to their self-esteem and confidence levels. If you don’t feel good about how you look, it can be hard to feel good about yourself. Cosmetic procedures can help boost your self-esteem and confidence by giving you the physical changes you desire.
Procedures like breast augmentation, for example, can help women feel more confident. The same goes for men who undergo orthognathic surgery to fix their teeth and jaw alignment.
Even simple procedures like putting a crown on a tooth for aesthetic purposes and palate repair surgery can give patients excellent results that improve their mental well-being. These procedures may be elective, but they can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life.
3. Restores a sense of youthfulness
As we age, it’s natural to lose some youthfulness that we once had. But that doesn’t mean you should not do anything about it if you want to. With cosmetic procedures, people can restore a sense of youthfulness and vigor that they may have thought was gone for good.
Bringing back that unwrinkled skin can give you back your sense of youth. Not only that, but it can also make you feel more attractive, which can be a significant confidence booster. Looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing someone who looks young and vibrant can make a difference in how you feel about yourself.
Procedures like face lifts, brow lifts, and even Botox can help turn back the clock and make you look and feel younger. Some may see these procedures as unnecessary, but it’s not the case for those who go through them. It can help change the way they see themselves for the better.
4. Helps people cope with the visible effects of cancer treatment
Cancer treatment can be challenging, not just physically but emotionally as well. The visible effects of cancer treatment, such as hair loss and skin changes, can be devastating for some people. They may feel like they’ve lost their identity and that their appearance is no longer theirs.
Cosmetic procedures can help people cope with the visible effects of cancer treatment. For example, a wig can help restore a sense of normalcy for someone who’s lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Or, reconstructive surgery can help people feel whole again after undergoing a mastectomy.
These procedures may not be able to cure cancer, but they can certainly help people deal with the visible effects in a way that’s empowering and positive.
5. Can ease anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that can be triggered by several factors, including low self-esteem. As we mentioned, if you don’t feel good about your appearance, it can be hard to feel good about yourself. This can lead to anxiety and depression.
Cosmetic procedures can help ease anxiety and depression by giving people the physical changes they desire. The changes may be more subtle, but they can still positively impact a person’s mental health.
For example, someone who’s always been self-conscious about their nose may feel relieved after having rhinoplasty surgery. That can also ease their anxiety about how their nose looks and regain their confidence.
These are just some ways that cosmetic procedures can help with mental health improvements. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to see if it’s right for you. But for many people, these procedures can be life-changing.
