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In our beauty and image-obsessed culture, it can be easy to write-off plastic surgery as a superficial subset of surgical procedures that are sought out only by the vainest and Kardashian-esque individuals among us. In fact, the media loves to perpetuate this stereotype, often speculating which celebrities or cultural icons have chosen to have “work done” in an effort look younger or more attractive, often while simultaneously ridiculing other notable figures for having any noticeable flaws. It reinforces a backwards idea that women and men should not only be ashamed of their physical appearance if it isn’t perfect but should also be ashamed if they decide to be proactive about addressing their concerns through surgery. But what are the reasons beyond vanity that inspire people to go under the knife?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 17.5 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2017 alone— a two percent increase from the year prior. Of those procedures, over 5.8 million surgeries performed were reconstructive, or deemed medically necessary for the patients’ overall health and well-being. While reconstructive procedures can greatly improve the appearance of a specific body part, there is a wide range of additional benefits that these surgeries can offer, such as restoring function and normalcy to structures that have been adversely affected by disease, congenital defects, trauma or injury. The reasons for undergoing plastic surgery reach far beyond changing how you look – in some cases, it can change your life.
At South Shore Plastic Surgery, our expert staff understands that the choice to undergo plastic surgery is anything but superficial when it comes to improving your self-confidence, self-image or quality of life. Board-certified New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Vasisht isn’t in the business of vanity, but the business of improving lives and self-esteem while restoring balance and function to your body. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of a few of the most popular plastic surgery procedures we offer that don’t just alter aesthetics, but can improve your everyday life.
Breast Reconstruction and Reduction
Breast reconstruction surgery for New Jersey women has the potential to be one of the most rewarding and beneficial surgical procedures a cancer survivor may undergo. Many women who have battled breast cancer, or who are at a high-risk for developing breast cancer, will choose to undergo a mastectomy or double mastectomy, which are surgical treatments for cancer that involve the total removal of either one or both breasts from the body. While being cancer-free is reason to celebrate, survivors can often be left feeling embarrassed about the appearance of their chest, or worried that their femininity has been stripped away.
Breast reconstruction through augmentation empowers women to get their bodies back by restoring the natural size, symmetry and shape of the breasts through the use of saline or silicone inserts, or breast implants. Advancements in surgical implantation techniques and in both the consistency and longevity of implants used have allowed women to regain natural-looking, soft and shapely breasts with less noticeable scarring and risk of implants leaking. Breast reconstruction allows women to regain their curves and their confidence after a mastectomy, restoring a vital piece of their femininity.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is another surgical procedure for the breasts that have the power to drastically increase a woman’s quality of life. Large, pendulous breasts can be a constant source of discomfort and humiliation for women. From living with back, neck and shoulder pain to trying to find clothes and bras that fit comfortably – heavy breasts can cause daily frustrations and inconveniences.
The goal of a breast reduction procedure is to remove excess fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breasts to provide both physical and emotional relief to the patient. Women can enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle with smaller, lighter and firmer breasts that no longer hold them back from the things they love. Many patients report high satisfaction with the results of their breast reduction, as along with reduced pain it can improve self-esteem through a younger, perkier and more proportional bustline for your figure.
Restoring Functionality
When thinking about plastic surgery, often the last thing that comes to mind is restoring the functionality or performance of specific body part. But in addition to helping candidates look and feel their best by altering their outer appearance, plastic surgery can often be utilized for improving the way certain features work, such as with the nose and eyelids.
Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is consistently one of the most popular surgical procedures each year according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Many who undergo rhinoplasty do so because they are unsatisfied with the appearance of their nose and wish to make it smaller, eliminate bumps or make it more proportional and symmetrical with their facial features. What you may not know is that many patients undergo rhinoplasty not for aesthetic purposes, but to improve their breathing or eliminate an obstruction or deformity caused by genetics or trauma. By repositioning and reshaping the cartilage in the nose, Dr. Vasisht can clear nasal passages as well as restore the appearance of your most prominent facial feature.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is another popular surgical procedure that can be performed for aesthetic reasons or to restore functionality of the eyes. While some patients seek the treatment to make their eyes appear younger and more alert, others will undergo the procedure to actually restore their peripheral vision. As the skin around the eyes age, the eyelids become stretched, and the muscles supporting them become weakened over time. This results in heavy, drooping upper lids that can obstruct the upper and outer parts of your field of vision, and sagging lower lids riddled with puffiness and excess fat. Eyelid surgery can literally improve how you see the world around you, allowing you to open your eyes completely and eliminating hindrances for improved vision and the benefits of younger looking eyes.
Scar and Tattoo Revision
The skin is the largest external organ on the body, and will endure a lot of “wear and tear” throughout the course of your life. From unintentional scars caused by acne, injury or accidents to the intentional marks you put on your body like tattoos – many of us have at least one lasting, noticeable spot on the skin that we wish we could erase from our body entirely. Laser skin resurfacing, or skin rejuvenation, has exploded in popularity as a highly effective and non-invasive treatment for reversing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating natural collagen production to revitalize the skin.
Laser skin treatments, however, can also be used to help reduce or eliminate the appearance of scars or marks in addition to correcting pigmentation and reducing creases. Previous surgical scars, regretful tattoos, birthmarks, moles and other imperfections can make patients self-conscious about the appearance of their skin. Dr. Vasisht can help restore your confidence in the way your skin looks by determining the right laser solution for you and your goals.
There is no limit to the reasons for which a person may choose to undergo plastic surgery, but the desire to feel better about yourself and improve your outlook on life is universal. Whether your surgery is reconstructive, functional or simply a way to eliminate insecurity from your life, South Shore Plastic Surgery is here to help you take the first steps. Call 856-764-2639 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how plastic surgery can benefit you.
