When it comes to plastic surgery, most assume it is only about improving appearances. Nose, breast, eyelids, and the tummy are common areas where cosmetic procedures are often performed. But, did you know that many procedures considered to be cosmetic surgery actually provide health benefits?
Rhinoplasty, Commonly Known as a “Nose Job”
Many people have surgery to straighten or reduce the size of their nose. While that is true, others undergo rhinoplasty to improve breathing.
When a patient has a deviated septum, or other obstructive breathing symptoms where tissue in the nose narrows the nasal passage, they have difficulty breathing. By surgically straightening the septum or removing obstructions, plastic surgeons can dramatically improve a patient’s breathing. Some patients will often reduce or stop snoring, improving their sleep. These procedures also allow increased oxygen flow to the body, which can help with aerobic exercise.
Breast Surgery
Women with large breasts often suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain due to the extra weight they carry. This can also have a detrimental effect on their posture, causing them to slump forward.
Breast reduction surgery can correct these symptoms, while providing a more aesthetically pleasing look with breasts that are proportional to the woman’s stature. These patients often find it easier to participate in more rigorous physical fitness routines after having breast reduction surgery, dramatically improving overall health.
While breast augmentation surgery for women, and breast reduction surgery for men provides no known physical health benefit, the improvements to psychological mental health and self-esteem due to improved appearance cannot be discounted. The same is true for breast reconstruction, where many cancer patients claim to feel whole again after having their breasts restored.
Tummy Tucks and Liposuction
While the initial reason for having a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure is to improve appearance, there are actually health benefits to each of these procedures.
Fat cells in your body produce fatty acids. Fatty acids impair your body’s ability to break down insulin. So, by reducing the amount of fat cells in your body with liposuction or a tummy tuck, you automatically reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Another benefit is that a reduction of fat cells in the body improves both blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So, any plastic surgery that reduces the number of fat cells in the body can help reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Additionally, tummy tucks can provide for an improved posture by strengthening the abdominal muscles and reducing pain. A modified tummy tuck can even resolve hernias by providing abdominal wall reconstruction.
Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Vision
As we age, our eyelids begin to droop. The more they droop, the field of vision becomes smaller, impairing vision. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can restore normal field of vision, and also correct dry eye problems, greatly improving vision almost immediately.
Removing Excess Skin
When patients lose substantial amounts of weight, they are often left with excess skin that hangs off of their body. While removing this skin greatly improves appearance, it also allows for greater freedom of movement. This often leads to patients being more likely to exercise, improving their overall health.
Overall Health Benefits
Last but not least, the overall health benefits of any type of surgery that improves appearance cannot be dismissed. The mental health benefits and improved self-confidence impact every facet of the patient’s life. The lasting effects of many procedures depend on the patient implementing a healthy lifestyle. Increased mobility encourages more exercise opportunities. And, the healthy impact on chronic diseases like diabetes and heart ailments can help patients live longer.
If you are considering having plastic surgery to correct your appearance, keep in mind the benefit of improved health that can be associated with your surgical outcome. For more information on how cosmetic surgery can improve your life, request a consultation with Dr. Louis Iorio at Iorio Plastic Surgery & Medspa, in offices located throughout New Jersey.
