Dr Sanjay Parashar  and Dr Kriti Lohia delve into the various benefits of plastic surgery, emphasising its role in improving physical appearance, correcting congenital deformities, boosting self-esteem, and fostering mental well-being for individuals facing personal challenges

Plastic surgery is a subspecialty that focuses on the restoration, reconstruction, or enhancement of the human body and it has evolved significantly over the years. It comprises two broad specialties- Aesthetic surgery, which was once primarily associated with celebrities for beauty enhancements, and Reconstructive surgery, which encompasses a wide range of procedures that significantly impact an individual's life.

Enhancing Physical Appearance and Self-Esteem

One of the most immediate benefits of plastic surgery is the enhancement of physical appearance. Procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast augmentation, liposuction, and hair transplantation significantly alter not only a person’s looks but also help align their external appearance with their inner self-image.

This alignment is like a bullet train to a substantial boost in self-esteem. When individuals feel happy about their appearance, they most definitely experience increased self-confidence, which positively influences various aspects of not only their own lives, from personal relationships to professional endeavors but also a trickle-down effect on people in their circles.

For instance, a person who has spent the majority of their life feeling self-conscious about a prominent nasal hump or unbalanced breasts may find that correcting these issues through plastic surgery eliminates a significant source of insecurity. Other skin issues like vitiligo, acne, scars, burns, moles, warts, cysts, mulberry birthmarks, dark spots, etc can be handled through minimally invasive aesthetic dermato-surgery and improve the looks significantly. These procedures become the first step towards their newfound confidence, which encourages them to engage more freely in social situations, pursue career opportunities with greater vigor, and generally approach life with a more positive outlook.

Correcting Congenital Deformities

Plastic surgery also has a profound impact on individuals who are born with congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones), and syndactyly (webbed fingers) that are effectively treated through reconstructive surgery. These congenital issues affect not only their physical appearance but also lead to functional impairments and social stigma.

Cleft lip and palate, for example, are among the most common congenital deformities, affecting approximately 1 in 700 babies worldwide. These conditions cause difficulties in feeding, speech, and hearing, and often result in social challenges due to visible facial differences. Reconstructive surgery corrects these deformities, significantly improving an individual's quality of life or in this case, a child. When you look beyond just the physical benefits, children and adults who undergo successful corrective surgery, time and again report higher self-esteem and better social integration, as they no longer feel defined by their appearance. It is often argued that plastic surgery allowed them to redefine themselves.

Addressing Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in accidents or due to violence, can leave individuals with severe disfigurements that impact their physical and emotional well-being. Reconstructive plastic surgery repairs damage caused by burns, fractures, and other traumatic injuries, restoring both function and appearance.

Consider the case of a burn victim who has suffered extensive facial and body burns. These resulting scars can be physically debilitating and emotionally harrowing. Through skin grafts, tissue expansion, regenerative therapies, and other reconstructive techniques, plastic surgeons and trained dermato-surgeons significantly reduce the appearance of these scars and improve the functionality of affected areas. The psychological impact of such transformations is both immense and priceless.

Psychological Benefits and Improved Quality of Life

The psychological benefits of plastic surgery extend beyond improved self-esteem. Individuals frequently report a reduction in their anxiety and depression following these procedures. This is particularly true for those who have lived with long-term dissatisfaction or emotional distress related to their appearance. By addressing their concerns, plastic surgery helps alleviate negative emotions and promotes mental well-being.

(Dr Sanjay Parashar is a well-known plastic surgeon in Dubai and Dr Kriti Lohia is an Aesthetic Dermatologist and Dermato-surgeon. They are co-founders of ‘Aesthetics redefined by Cocoona,’ Gurgaon)