7 Surprising Benefits of Plastic Surgery For Women Plastic Plastic surgery provides many benefits to those who choose to undergo it. A large majority of the people who get plastic surgery are women with a small (but growing) minority of men. When considering why this may be, let’s look at seven surprising benefits of plastic surgery for women. #1: Reduces Pain Chronic pain can come from many medical conditions and ailments. Copious amounts of extra skin can put extra weight on the back, shoulders, and even legs. Removing this extra skin can sometimes reduce pain. Breast reduction patients often experience ongoing pain in their neck, back, and shoulders before their surgery. After breast reduction, patients note a significant reduction or complete cessation in their pain. #2: Improve Breathing A deviated septum is common, but a noticeable and severe deviated septum can cause problems breathing. It may also contribute to chronic sinus problems. This is surgically corrected via septoplasty. Commonly, patients choose to combine a septoplasty—usually performed by an otolaryngologist or a Raleigh plastic surgeon—with a rhinoplasty. Not only does this help improve breathing, but it can address any cosmetic concerns a patient may have. #3: Better Mental Health Plastic surgery frequently comes with improvements to mental health and self- esteem. A study from 2012 showed that plastic surgery patients experienced less depression and socially anxious behaviors. They also tended to be happier and have a greater quality of life. Plastic surgery also addresses medical concerns that—when treated properly— can lead to improved mental health. For example, breast revision, breast reduction, gender affirming procedures, and gynecomastia surgery all have been shown to have mental health benefits for many patients. #4: Prevent Skin Irritation Hanging extra skin anywhere on the body can cause rashes or irritation to the skin underneath. This is common with large breasts and the abdominal pannus, but can occur anywhere skin rubs together for long periods of time. Removing the extra skin—whether through a tummy tuck, breast surgery, or facelift—can help prevent further skin irritation and infections. Skin irritation can lead to painful rashes, infections, and chafing. If a patient is having to seek medical attention because of these concerns, they want to consider a plastic or cosmetic surgery to remove the extra skin alleviate the problem. #5: Facilitate Weight Loss Plastic surgery is not the same as weight loss surgery. However, many plastic surgery procedures can make it easier to lose weight. These surgeries can also serve as motivation for further weight loss. While it is more common for patients to seek plastic surgery after they have lost a significant amount of weight, sometimes plastic surgery is needed in the middle of the process. For example, an overhanging stomach can make it difficult to adequately work out and have a full range of motion. This limits the ability to exercise and live an active lifestyle which is vital for weight loss. A Raleigh plastic surgeon can determine what needs to be performed to help the patient exercise easier. #6: Reduce Certain Health Risks When plastic surgery removes fat or tissue, this can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing overall body fat. Certain procedures can also help prevent skin infections, correct hernias, fix breathing problems, and improve vision. While these are smaller improvements, they can overall decrease the risk of certain conditions such as urinary incontinence, and improve quality of life. Additionally, patients undergoing plastic surgery to facilitate weight loss will often see health benefits because they can exercise easier and more. They will also likely lose more weight which comes with several health benefits as well. #7: Improve Vision Occasionally, the skin or tissues of the eyelids can start to block the peripheral or main field of vision. While rare, this is one of the medical indications for upper blepharoplasty surgery. Mini facelift surgeons often perform eyelid surgeries and other facial plastic surgeries. Sometimes a brow lift will also help improve vision. Conclusion A Raleigh plastic surgeon can discuss all the possible benefits of undergoing plastic surgery. Women and men do tend to have different benefits based on certain problems not affecting one or the other sex. For women, the advantages of plastic surgery draw them to seek it out to improve the quality of their lives.