Long-Term Study Reveals Plastic Surgery Makes People Happy

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

Men and women who undergo plastic surgery have increased in number over the years. As stated in a press report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were approximately 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures done for 2012. The report further revealed that there was an increase of up to 5 percent, both in surgical and minimally-invasive procedures, on the same year since 2011. In North Carolina,  Dr. Robert Buchanan performs both surgical and nonsurgical procedures such as North Carolina breast enlargement, Botox, and lip enhancement.

Plastic Surgery Makes People Happier

So how could plastic surgery make people happier? A long-term study’s results recently revealed that patients who underwent plastic surgery “demonstrated more enjoyment of life, satisfaction and self-esteem after their physical appearance had been surgically altered.” The study, with results published in the Clinical Psychological Science, investigated the psychological effects of cosmetic surgery on roughly 550 patients.

The researchers, based at the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy department of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, in cooperation with their co-researchers from the University of Basel, followed on the postoperative mood experience of 544 patients who just underwent cosmetic surgery and compared it with two groups: 246 people who considered surgery but decided against it in the end and 1,000 people who never considered plastic surgery. All 3 groups did not have significant differences in terms of life satisfaction, bouts of depression, and overall mental health.

Using the “Goal Attainment Scaling” instrument, the  results revealed (as stated in the press release):

The psychologists tested the patients before surgery, as well as three, six and twelve months afterwards. On average, the participants claimed to have achieved their desired goal, and to be satisfied with the results in the long-term. Compared to those who had chosen not to have plastic surgery, the patients felt healthier, were less anxious, had developed more self-esteem and found the operated body feature in particular, but also their body as a whole, more attractive. No adverse effects were observed. Thus, the researchers were able to establish a high level for the average treatment success of the cosmetic surgery, also in terms of psychological characteristics.

The Center for Plastic Surgery in Highlands, North Carolina

We invite you to explore your cosmetic options with us! We perfectly understand that cosmetic surgery is not just about improving the physical aspect but making you feel better about yourself, too.

Dr. Buchanan has hospital privileges at both Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.  The procedures are performed either in his office or at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.  We are located at 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 202, Highlands, NC.  Call us at 828-526-3783 or fill out this contact form to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to your visit!