Why Do People Get Plastic Surgery?

Need for Plastic Surgery and Reasons for Undergoing It

The aesthetic surgery procedures market in India is projected to reach approximately USD 11,567.3 million by 2030. Such studies highlight the high demand for cosmetic procedures. Some of the frequently undergone procedures are gynecomastia surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty (or nose job), and excision.

India performs approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 cosmetic procedures annually. A large number of this number also includes foreigners. This has positioned India among the top medical tourism destinations across the globe.

Six Reasons for Undergoing Plastic Surgery

There are multiple reasons why a person chooses to get plastic surgery done. This could be due to correcting some birth deformities and conforming to societal beauty aesthetics. However, here is a list of 6 reasons for undoing plastic surgery:

1. Correcting an Imperfection:

One might feel that their body does not meet their expectation, and they undergo plastic surgery to make it appear perfect. This could be in case of a birthmark, scar, or deformity. The need to opt for surgery arises from regularly observing a body part or a certain area of themselves that they find bothersome.   

2. To Boost Self-Confidence:

Each individual has an image of themselves and what they desire to look like. In pursuit of this desire, this look seems achievable by getting plastic surgery to change appearance. It boosts the self-confidence of the person because of the improvement in either their health or appearance. Undergoing surgery can help you achieve face symmetry, a smaller nose, fuller lips, sharper cheekbones, and alter the shape of your eyes.   

3. Conforming to Societal Standards:

The rise of social media and constant consumption of "perfect" pictures have led to the creation of facial and body standards. To conform to those standards, people are resorting to surgeries to change their features. There is a pattern of constant comparison with airbrushed models, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out).

4. Young Appearance:

Ageing is a natural process. However, not everyone appreciates the way in which it changes one's appearance. Medical experts try to mimic features of a youthful face through plastic surgery. This is achieved by having fuller cheeks, plump skin, an angular jawline, and a firm neckline. Procedures such as facelifts and Botox injections are given to such patients.

5. Feel Better about Themselves:

There are cases in which the individual has experienced some traumatic experience, and for them, plastic surgery is a way to go back to their normal lives. Acid attack and burn victims often opt for this procedure to gain their self-confidence. This process also helps heal from a traumatic experience and move forward.      

6. Enhancing Physical Appeal:

Achieving an appealing physical appearance could be to look younger, thinner, or have a more symmetrical face. Alteration of birth defects by medical professionals is a common practice.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you think that you are cosmetically aware and considering changing your appearance, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know Your "Why": Before deciding on plastic surgery, take time to understand the real reason behind your desire for it. Are you doing it to genuinely boost your self-confidence, or is it driven by a need to conform to societal beauty standards? Being clear about your motivation is the first step toward making an informed and healthy decision.

• Find a Seasoned Expert: Plastic surgery has some serious complications. Therefore, choosing an expert who is both well-qualified and experienced because surgery is an art. Don't fall into the trap of "the more expensive, the better, rather refer to getting recommendations, or you can reach out to someone personally to get some reference.

• Reflect on Your Desires: You have to understand your desires better before being able to communicate them effectively to an expert. You cannot go to the surgeon asking for "better skin" or "smaller breasts". Instead, try to elaborate on the look that you are trying to achieve.

• Surgery is not Magic: Medical professionals start the improvement over baseline and not a shortfall from a perfect outcome.

Considering these benefits, your goal must be an outcome of self-realisation and not peer pressure.