Is cosmetic surgery really worth it? In some instances it really is! Appearances play a huge role in society and our perception of ourselves. Not feeling confident in your appearance can lead to poor self-image, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Although there are debates about the necessity of some cosmetic procedures, ultimately, they can be beneficial to a variety of people struggling with various issues.
If you are unhappy with your appearance and would like to take advantage of some of the most worthwhile treatments, here are some of the most common ones that you should consider.
Dermatology Care Services
Skincare issues are one of the most commonly cited issues that people have with their appearances. From dark spots to acne scars, they can really take a toll on your self-esteem. Thankfully, there are options that are well worth the money that can help you achieve the skin you’ve always wanted using dermatology care services.
Chemical Peel
Is cosmetic surgery really worth it? A chemical peel sure is! While not necessarily a surgery, chemical peels can help improve the appearance of skin and make it smoother and less wrinkled. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, and hands, and they work by applying a chemical solution to the area which makes it blister and peel. Think of it almost like a sunburn. This treatment can help improve the appearance of lines around the eyes and mouth as well as improve the appearance of minor scarring. Dark spots, age spots, and freckles can also be reduced with chemical peels.
After this treatment, the skin can be more sensitive to the sun, and it is advised to wear additional sunscreen and limit exposure when possible. It is worth mentioning that more severe wrinkles may still persist and chemical peels won’t reduce skin acks or bulges. However, for most fine lines and unevenness, it can be a great treatment to invest in.
Acne Reversal
An acne reversal treatment is also something to consider for those struggling with scars from childhood or adult acne. Soft tissue fillers, laser resurfacing, and steroid injections are some of the most common forms of treatment and they can all help improve the appearance of scarred skin. Even chemical peels can be effective if the scarring is too severe.
For deep acne scars that are resistant to these forms of treatment, a technique called punch excision may also be used. In this procedure, a surgeon cuts out acne scars individually and repairs them with stitches or skin grafts. Another similar technique is called subcision, where needles are used to loosen fibers below the scar and improve their appearance. The treatment that is right for you will depend on the severity of the scars and their placement. For many struggling with acne, the scars left behind can often be a sore spot that leaves them feeling less attractive than they are. For them, the question, ‘is cosmetic surgery really worth it?’ is a resounding yes. If you find yourself in this category, speak with your dermatologist to see what options they would recommend for your unique situation.
Facelift
Facelifts are one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery and there can often be an unnecessary stigma around them. However, when asking yourself ‘is cosmetic surgery really worth it?’, in some cases a facelift might be. As demonstrated above, chemical peels can’t reduce deep wrinkles, eye bulges, or other more severe skin problems. In these instances, a facelift, browlift, eyelid lift, or tissue filler may be necessary to help give you the appearance you want.
A facelift can help address many of the signs of aging and give you back a youthful glow that you can feel confident in. From tightening sagging skin to recontouring your jaw and neck, there are many benefits to be had when considering a facelift. The results can also be long-lasting, meaning it’s an investment in your appearance that you can enjoy for years to come without needing frequent touch-ups.
Despite the bad name often given to facelifts, they can be highly beneficial and no one should feel shame over pursuing one. Additionally, despite many high-profile horror stories revolving around facelifts, the majority of patients’ results turn out exactly the way they want. Most don’t end up filing a personal injury claim or medical malpractice suit. The only major downside is when cosmetic surgery becomes an addiction; however, this is only really ever a minor issue.
When working with a cosmetic surgeon, communicate to them the problem area that you are struggling with most. These surgeons are trained to be able to advise you on the best procedures to fix the areas you are unhappy with. Many will even talk to you about why you feel you need the surgery to determine if there are any underlying issues that may need to be considered. For instance, in the case of people who become addicted to cosmetic surgery, surgeons will often deliberate on whether the surgery will be beneficial or harmful overall. This safety net is something that everyday people seeking treatment can feel secure about. Most people who seek facelifts only end up getting one or two treatments, as the results are capable of fixing the most common problems people have.
While insurance coverage of these procedures can vary, if they are covered at all, it’s still worth considering as the results are some of the best for what they cover. If your self-esteem is suffering from sagging or deeply aged skin, a facelift is something to keep in mind.
Cosmetic Dental Care
Cosmetic dentistry is another cog in the wheel of cosmetic surgery. Teeth can be a major cause of lowered self-esteem and it can lead to some people refusing to smile or speak out in public. In some instances, missing teeth can even pose health risks if they are not properly fixed. While dental insurance most often doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments, it is still worth considering if it can boost your self-confidence and improve your oral health. If you’re unsatisfied with how your teeth look, here are some cosmetic options that you can consider.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a great way of replacing cracked, broken, or missing teeth. Anchored via a titanium root, implants function the same as real teeth and in most cases, no one can tell the difference. As opposed to dentures that often need to be removed daily for cleaning, implants are permanent and you won’t have to watch what you eat for fear of them coming out. In many cases, they will even last a lifetime, making them a great investment for your oral health and appearance.
Dental implants can also help prevent bone loss, which can happen when teeth are missing. With missing teeth, the bone area can lose up to 25% of its volume within the first year. This can be detrimental to your oral structure and even dentures can’t prevent it. These implants can also help prevent facial sagging, which can often occur from missing teeth. This can lead to the appearance of a more pointed chin, thinner lips, and accelerated aging. Implants can prevent all of this while giving you the ability to continue eating the way you want.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can also help improve the appearance of cracked, discolored, or chipped teeth. These can often be reasons for people to hide their smiles or avoid talking in public. Veneers can help improve the appearance of teeth and give you back the smile you’ve always wanted.
They require little enamel removal, and the process is very noninvasive. In some cases, you may not even need an anesthetic. These veneers are bonded to the fronts of your teeth, as opposed to crowns or bridges that fit over the entirety of a tooth or multiple.
They can also help prevent discoloration in the future, allowing you to benefit from a pearly white smile for years to come. These veneers are also easy to take care of and all you’ll really need to do is continue brushing and flossing twice a day. With regular check-ups at your dentist, porcelain veneers can be a great option for those struggling with the appearance of their teeth. While not necessarily surgery, this cosmetic option can really be worth it.
Teeth Whitening Services
Teeth whitening services is another cosmetic treatment that people struggling with tooth discoloration can consider. Whether from smoking or drinking too much tea and coffee, tooth stains can dull the appearance of teeth and make them appear dark or brown.
Tooth whitening can be a major self-esteem boost, and with a pearly white smile, you can feel more confident opening your mouth in public. Your oral health can also benefit as removing stains the right way can help strengthen them, allowing them to last longer.
Professional whitening done at your dentist’s office is also 100% safe. At-home treatments shouldn’t be considered as they can actually damage your gums and the enamel of your teeth over time. Speak to your dentist about whitening your teeth if you are unhappy with the color and staining you’re experiencing.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening has come a long way since the days of clunky metal braces and, with options like Invisalign, people can now straighten their teeth quickly and without stigma. Misaligned teeth can cause lowered self-confidence in individuals, but they can also have health risks. From increasing the likelihood of cavities to making chewing difficult, straightening your teeth can be a medical necessity as much as a self-esteem boost.
If you have misaligned teeth, it’s likely your dentist has already recommended straightening. However, if they haven’t, consider speaking to them about your options. Invisible aligners work for most non-severe cases and they can even help improve self-confidence during treatment as well as after.
Is Cosmetic Surgery Really Worth It?
Having read everything above, it’s time to consider the worth of all of these treatments. So is cosmetic surgery really worth it? For many people it is.
Appearance plays a large part in the personal perception of many individuals. With airbrushed models in magazines and dolled-up red-carpet celebrities looking too good to be true, there’s no hiding the fact that appearances matter in the world around us. While there is a lot of debate about the mental toll that images like this create, for many people their appearance is the source of lowered self-esteem. Regardless of the ethical debates revolving around the push towards perfection, the personal perception felt by many people is real. Although it’s a nice sentiment to say that appearance shouldn’t matter, in many cases, that’s just a bandaid solution that doesn’t fix either problem.
When asking yourself ‘Is cosmetic surgery really worth it?’, consider how your self-confidence and self-image can improve from these treatments. Having a lowered self-esteem can be a major mental health concern and it can even lead to increased anxiety and depression if you feel you’re not ‘good enough’ on the outside. If seeking cosmetic surgery treatments can help improve the way you feel about yourself, then that can be reason enough for them to be worthwhile.
At the end of the day, choosing to seek cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal decision and it is one that should be considered carefully; however, it shouldn’t be discarded altogether. There’s no denying that the treatments can be beneficial for a variety of issues. In some instances, they can even benefit your physical health. In the case of a dental implant, it can help prevent bone loss and improve oral health. This is a tangible health benefit that can’t be denied.
Whatever you decide to do, consider your options carefully and work with your doctor to find out what procedures are best for you. Not all cosmetic procedures will work on the same issues, and it will be up to your doctor to advise you on the best course of action to correct your problems.
