Why Do People Get Plastic Surgery? Insights & Reasons

Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to undergo cosmetic procedures. From celebrities to everyday individuals, it seems like everyone is getting some form of plastic surgery done. But why do people choose to go under the knife?

In this article, we'll answer the question, "Why do people have plastic surgery?"

Two Types of Plastic Surgery

Before we dive into the reasons why people get plastic surgery, it's essential to understand that there are two types of plastic surgery: cosmetic and reconstructive.

  • Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. This type of plastic surgery is done solely for aesthetic purposes. It aims to improve a person's appearance by altering or enhancing certain features.
  • Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Unlike cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery is done to improve function and correct abnormalities caused by birth defects, trauma, illness, or other medical reasons.

Why Do People Get Cosmetic Surgery?

People opt for cosmetic surgery for various reasons, many of which are deeply personal and can significantly impact their quality of life.

Here are some of the primary reasons why individuals choose to undergo cosmetic procedures:

1. To Improve Self-Confidence

Many choose to undergo plastic surgery to boost their self-confidence and improve their body image. They may have insecurities about specific features they have and wish to change to feel more confident in themselves. Cosmetic surgery can help individuals feel more comfortable in their own skin and improve their overall self-esteem.

2. To Correct Imperfections

Plastic surgery can also be used to correct perceived imperfections or abnormalities that a person may have. This could include fixing a crooked nose, reducing the size of large ears or correcting asymmetrical features. Making these changes can make individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.

3. To Reverse Signs of Aging

As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that may not always be desirable. This could include wrinkles, sagging skin or fine lines. Many people turn to plastic surgery to reverse these signs of aging and maintain a more youthful appearance.

4. Career Advancement

In certain industries, looks can play a role in career advancement. This may be especially true for those in the entertainment or modeling industry. As such, individuals may undergo plastic surgery to improve their appearance and increase their chances of success in their careers.

5. Health Reasons

Some plastic surgeries can alleviate health issues. For example, breast reduction surgery can relieve back pain.

Women with disproportionately large breasts can experience physical discomfort, including neck pain, back pain and skin irritation. Large breasts can also make physical activity challenging and cause self-image issues. With breast reduction surgery (or reduction mammoplasty), it can alleviate these symptoms by reducing the size of the breasts. 

Common Cosmetic Plastic Procedures

Some of the most common cosmetic procedures include:

  • Breast Augmentation (Breast Lift). This cosmetic surgery procedure involves the use of implants or fat transfer to increase the size or alter the shape of the breasts.
  • Age Spot Removal. Age spot removal surgery is a procedure used to eliminate age spots, also known as liver spots or sun spots, which are small dark areas on your skin. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms because those areas of the body get the most sun exposure. There are several methods used for age spot removal including cryosurgery, where a plastic surgeon freezes the age spots using liquid nitrogen.
  • Liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits to reshape specific body areas.
  • Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty). This nose surgery changes the shape, size or proportions of the nose.
  • Skin Tag Removal. Skin tag removal is a procedure that involves the removal of small, benign skin growths known as skin tags. These can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found in areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits, neck and groin.
  • Facelift (Rhytidectomy). A facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
  • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). This procedure flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles in the abdominal wall.
  • Seborrheic Keratoses Removal. This type of surgery removes seborrheic keratoses, common skin growths that can be brown or black. These growths are benign and usually don't require treatment unless they become irritated or bleed or for cosmetic reasons.
  • Split Earlobe Surgery. Split or torn earlobes can occur due to trauma, heavy earrings or through the natural aging process. The surgery involves removing the skin on the inside of the split and then suturing the ear back together
  • Dermabrasion. This procedure rejuvenates the skin by removing its outer layers, improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin, scars and other skin problems.
  • Botox. Botox injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Your cosmetic surgeon will inject small amounts of Botox into specific facial muscles to temporarily relax them and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Breast Reduction. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of large, disproportionate breasts. Your plastic surgeon removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate discomfort associated with excessively large breasts.
  • Breast Reconstruction. These types of surgery are often performed after a mastectomy (breast removal) or lumpectomy (removal of a lump in the breast). The primary purpose is to restore one or both breasts to near-normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following breast cancer surgery.
  • Keloid Scar Surgery. Keloid scar surgery involves removing keloid scars, which are raised scars extending beyond the original injury site. However, this treatment approach is often viewed with caution due to the high recurrence rate of keloids following surgery.

Does My Health Insurance Pay for My Plastic Surgery Procedure?

Health insurance coverage for plastic surgery in Canada depends on whether the procedure is considered cosmetic or medically necessary.

Procedures performed for purely cosmetic reasons, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, are typically not covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). These procedures are usually paid out-of-pocket by the patient or financed through an outside financing company. It also doesn't cover non-cancerous skin lesions because they are considered non-essential by the Ministry of Health.

However, certain procedures may be covered if they're deemed medically necessary. For example, procedures like reconstructive surgery after an accident or disease, breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, or surgery to correct a congenital defect might be covered. In any case, it's important to consult with your insurance provider and a healthcare professional to determine what is covered under your specific plan and what isn't. Be sure to understand all potential costs and financial responsibilities before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Are There Negative Side Effects of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries?

Like all medical procedures, cosmetic plastic surgeries can have negative side effects. These can range from minor complications to serious health risks. Here are some potential negative side effects of cosmetic plastic surgeries:

  • Complications Related to Anesthesia. This could include pneumonia, blood clots and, in rare cases, death.
  • Infection at the Incision Site. This is a common risk with any surgical procedure.
  • Abnormal Scarring. Excessive scarring and disfigurement are possible after surgery.
  • Blood Clots and Blood Loss. These are potential risks during and after surgery.
  • Complications of Anesthesia, Such as Respiratory Issues. Anesthesia can sometimes lead to unexpected reactions.
  • Nerve Damage. Some operations can cause temporary or permanent nerve damage.
  • Psychological Impact. The stress of surgery, lack of sleep and recuperation often include pain, fatigue and swelling, which could lead to psychological distress.
  • Unattractive or Unnatural Final Result. The final outcome might not meet the patient's expectations, leading to dissatisfaction or the need for additional procedures.
  • Organ Damage. In some cases, surgical instruments can puncture internal organs, though this is rare.
  • Delayed Healing. Certain individuals may experience slower wound healing, increasing the risk of infection or visible scarring.

Does Plastic Surgery Really Make You Look Better?

Whether plastic surgery makes you look "better" can vary greatly depending on various factors, including your surgeon's skill and level of experience, the type of procedure, your expectations and reasons for seeking surgery.

When done right, cosmetic surgery can alter someone's appearance in ways that may be considered improvements. Some studies suggest that plastic surgery not only helps make people look younger or more attractive but can also make them appear more likable, trustworthy, and feminine. Moreover, a person's rated attractiveness after facial cosmetic surgery was found to increase only slightly on average.

It's also important to note that cosmetic surgery can't create perfection, and you should avoid unrealistic expectations. While it's possible to drastically change your face with complete reshaping, many facial plastic surgical techniques aim to provide a natural appearance.

Also, for individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), cosmetic surgery is often ineffective in making them feel better about their bodies. So, whether plastic surgery makes you look "better" is subjective and can depend on individual perceptions of beauty. Having realistic expectations and thoroughly discussing potential outcomes with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial before deciding on any procedure.

Experience High-Quality Plastic Surgery at The Minor Surgery Center

At The Minor Surgery Center, our experienced and skilled plastic surgeons specialize in various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and achieving natural-looking results that enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence.

We prioritize patient safety, comfort and satisfaction at every step of your plastic surgery journey. Our state-of-the-art facility and advanced technology allow for efficient, precise and minimally invasive procedures. Our team of experts will be with you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to post-operative follow-up care.

Contact us now to schedule your consultation!

March 28, 2024