Last Updated on July 25, 2016 by Bharat Saini
The decision to have cosmetic surgery is a highly personal one. People often incorrectly assume that the decision is entirely driven by vanity, probably because of the associated preconceptions we all have. When we think of plastic surgery, we think of Hollywood starlets with their faces nipped, tucked and inflated beyond recognition. We think of vanity and unrealistic expectations. And we naturally think of the hefty price tag. This is an unfair assumption which can make those undergoing cosmetic surgery feel marginalised.
It’s not always about vanity
Cosmetic surgery can often be driven by health reasons as much as anything else. Cosmetic surgery can be used to treat low self-esteem, which can often lead to depression; a truly debilitating condition. Cosmetic surgery can also be used to reconstruct parts of the body following an accident, or treat burns and severe scarring. We all carry baggage from our pasts, and if that baggage is more visible, isn’t it natural to look for a way to conceal it? It’s about time we remove the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery and allow people the room to heal and complete themselves in their own way.
What’s the alternative?
There are many alternatives to cosmetic surgery that include natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms, or therapy to deal with the emotional trauma. There are endless natural skin treatments to deal with everything from scarring to uneven skin tone. Cocoa butter is a miracle ingredient for reducing the appearance of scars, and more unusual products like snail mucin can be used to treat uneven skin tone. On the more expensive end of the spectrum, there are electrical impulse treatments that will mimic the effects of a face lift.
Treat the emotional symptoms first
Treating the emotional symptoms is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. Seek emotional support before undergoing any kind of treatment with lasting results. There is often an underlying issue which needs to be addressed before making any permanent changes to the body. Your cosmetic surgeon is not the best person to offer advice or emotional support, as they have clearly vested interests.
What if something goes wrong?
Dealing with the outcome of a surgical mistake can be incredibly traumatic. These kinds of mistakes fall under medical negligence, so you should seek the advice of a qualified negligence lawyer to make a cosmetic surgery claim. When using natural alternatives, don’t assume there are no risks involved because it is natural. You may discover you are allergic to the treatment, or you might not get the desired results you were hoping for. If you suffer an adverse reaction, you should stop using the treatment immediately and seek the advice of a doctor to make sure you don’t cause any lasting damage.