In many cases, the purpose of cosmetic surgery is to enhance one’s appearance, e.g., by enlarging the size of the breasts, reducing the waist circumference or decreasing aging signs. However, cosmetic surgery procedures are also carried out by tummy tuck doctors to help improve a person’s health. Below are some of the benefits a patient may stand to gain from cosmetic surgery.

1. Improves Self-Confidence

When one looks good, they feel good too. Most people who undergo improvements to their appearance feel more confident in themselves. As a result, they have more willingness to test new things or engage in social situations. After the surgery, a person may also be willing to wear certain outfits or engage in activities they usually avoided because of feeling insecure about how they look.

2. Enhances Physical Health

Undoubtedly, some cosmetic surgery procedures help to enhance one’s physical health and appearance. For instance, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) can help to improve both the breathing and the aesthetics of the nose. Additionally, breast reduction surgery enhances the body formation, but it can also help to relieve physical discomfort e.g., neck pain, back ache, and skin irritation caused by disproportionately large breasts.

3. Improves Mental Health

Low self-esteem can cause mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and social phobia. Cosmetic surgery can help the patient to enhance their overall self-image and thus reduce the impact of those mental health challenges. Some people experience a decrease in social anxiety after surgery, because of the better self-confidence feelings their new appearance inspires. It’s common for one to feel more control over their life, or have more willingness to test new challenges. Overall, people who perceive themselves as attractive feel happier.

4. Encourages Long-Term Change

Patients who undergo liposuction or tummy tucks might find that it becomes easier to maintain a healthy weight after the procedure. The positive results of a weight-related cosmetic surgery procedure might motivate one to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Healthy weight can also promote a healthier body and decreased risk for lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.

5. Improved Quality of Life

Persons with cleft palate or cleft lips can see quick improvement in their quality of life in general after cosmetic surgery. The heightened quality of life plus new found self-esteem can give those patients the confidence and capability to do things they weren’t able to do before. Likewise, patients with sagging eyelids can have the condition rectified through Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). That usually results in enhanced vision and might even resolve dry eye problems.

6. Increases Success

Social settings, job interviews and career successes are often influenced by body image. People who appear more attractive might be more likely to receive a promotion or employment offer than others. Therefore, by undergoing cosmetic surgery, one might set himself or herself for success in other areas of their life.

7. Extends Life Expectancy

Cosmetic surgery procedures like tummy tucks and liposuction motivate patients to maintain a healthier lifestyle to avoid weight gain. As a result, they are able to lower their chances of contracting diabetes, heart disease and other weight-related conditions. Additionally, cosmetic surgery also improves one’s self esteem. Ultimately, those benefits of cosmetic surgery can prolong one’s life.

All in all, cosmetic surgery is a personal decision. The mentioned benefits should be put into consideration before making any decision. If you are still unsure, it can be helpful to consult a certified cosmetic surgeon who can explain the specific procedure you are considering and the possible results.