Young Women Seek Plastic Surgery for Increased Confidence, Says Survey

We all know that a tummy tuck flattens the stomach, Botox erases wrinkles and liposuction eliminates stubborn fat, but what about the intrinsic benefits of plastic surgery? According to a recent survey by Allergan, more female patients are seeking cosmetic enhancements to plump up their confidence, not just their pout.

The plastic surgery survey was one of the largest ever in recent years, including the voices of more than 8,000 women in 16 different countries. But can facial rejuvenation or body contouring treatments really help one’s self-assurance? Cosmetic surgery isn’t just about changing your appearance or fixing perceived flaws. The results of the Allergan survey, “The Changing Face of Beauty: A Global Report,” illustrate the changing motivations among women who seek plastic surgery.

Opinions on plastic surgery and beauty

Survey participants hailed from around the world, with responses from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United States.

Here are some of the survey’s key findings:

• For women who seek cosmetic surgery, 42 percent of patients feel boosting confidence is just as important as addressing sagging skin
• Nearly three quarters of all survey participants make an effort to look good solely for themselves. 37 percent are influenced by a partner, and 15 percent cite friends as a motivator.
• 63 percent of women sought treatments for general ‘beautification,’ rather than anti-aging purposes. The one exception was in China, where more than 50 percent of women sought a treatment to enhance or change a specific feature.
• The stigma attached with dermal fillers is largely gone. Some 65% of women say that dermal fillers like Juvederm are more socially acceptable, and more than half believe that the results can look natural
• 66 percent of women said of all facial features, they were most concerned about fixing under-eye bags

Motivators for cosmetic enhancements: are they healthy?

Smoothing out wrinkles and tightening the skin can give patients a vibrant, refreshed appearance, but cosmetic enhancements aren’t a quick-fix solution for deeper problems. Underlying issues that cause depression and anxiety about one’s physical features must be dealt with first. Keeping up appearances for yourself is undoubtedly healthy, but doing so just to impress your friends or mate can do more harm than good in the long run.

Before booking a plastic surgery consultation, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the motivation for your procedure? Who are you doing it for?
• What are your expectations? How do you think it will affect your life?
• Are there emotional issues or stressors that have led to your decision?

Consultation for plastic surgery in NYC

Dr. B. Aviva Preminger was recently named one of the “Best Doctors” in her field by New York Magazine. Her boutique plastic surgery practice, located on Park Avenue, focuses on addressing the individual needs of each client.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with a leading female plastic surgeon in Manhattan, please call 212-706-1900.