The decision to have a plastic surgery such as breast implant surgery or rhinoplasty (rhinoplasty) is not an easy decision. Psychologist Eileen Bradbury suggests 10 questions to ask yourself before deciding if you want it? Plastic surgery: is it right for you? Bradbury specializes in appearance psychology and has worked for 20 years with people who are considering plastic surgery.
She said that plastic surgery is performed for psychological and social reasons, not functional reasons, and it is important to understand the motivation for your desire to have the surgery, and whether this is something that the surgery can achieve.
Bradbury says it is very important to be honest with yourself. She also added that you will bear the results. And if you were to hasten the surgery without properly thinking about it, it could have negative consequences, even if the surgery went well.
If you feel like you have an outcast, surgery isn''t your only option!
For example, if everyone in your family has the same ears and you have had ear reshaping surgery to change the shape of your ears, you might look at the woman and feel the breakdown of family ties.
She also says that surgery should not be performed on a whim. If you have thought a lot about the surgery and the result in advance, it will be easier to deal with.
Questions you should ask yourself when considering surgery
People may seek plastic surgery to solve life''s problems, or during troublesome times in their lives when they are upset with themselves, for example, upon divorce. Bradbury warns that these are not a rationale for having the surgery.
So Bradbury recommends that everyone considering surgery should ask themselves these questions:
How long have I been considering having this surgery?
Is there anything specific that I have this desire?
What is your current life situation?
Why am I thinking about having this surgery now?
Are there other ways in which I can achieve the results I want?
Ask yourself too
Do I expect that the surgery will change my life as well as my appearance?
Am I thinking about getting plastic surgery done for me or to please someone?
Do I expect that this surgery will improve my relationships?
Do I expect that this surgery will improve my social skills and job prospects?
Can this surgery give me the look I want?
If you are concerned about your relationships, social situations, or work, do not assume that everything will become better once you have this surgery.
Instead, you should take advice into consideration. You can speak with a relationship or career counselor to help you find ways to overcome such fears and rebuild confidence in yourself. You can find counseling services near you.
Mental health issues
Bradbury says that if you are being treated for a mental disorder like clinical anxiety and depression, you can delay that decision. Because you are in a weak position at this stage, and you will not be able to make an informed decision.
If you decide to undergo surgery after asking yourself all these questions, remember that this surgery is only one aspect of your health. Like a personal trainer, you must do most of the tasks yourself. Your health includes your lifestyle, nutrition, work, and social life.
The Health Care Quality Committee - which is the independent regulator of health services in England - provides information on choosing a reputable service provider if you decide to undergo plastic surgery.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as injections, are less invasive than surgery, but still carry risks.
