How you feel about cosmetic surgery in the long-term depends on what sort of a person you are and what you expected to happen from the work.
A life-changing experience?
It's worth thinking about what you want from the surgery – before you go under the knife.
Researchers have discovered that people who undergo surgery which results in a radical change to their image such as rhinoplasty (nose surgery) or breast implants can find it hard to adjust to the change. People who undergo 'restorative' procedures such as a facelift, which does not alter their appearance but restores it to when they were younger, are more likely to adapt to the change quickly.
Researchers also discovered that people who experience changes in sensation such as a feeling of skin tightening after a face-lift, or loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation may also take longer to adjust to the surgery. It will take you a while to settle into your own skin again.
A new life?
Don't expect that the surgery will change your life either. It may make you have more self-esteem or confidence on the inside but don't plan for your life to be miraculously transformed just because of your surgery. A new job, meeting 'Mr Right' or instantly becoming a popular party guest just won't happen because of your new look. They may come along anyway, just don't anticipate everything will improve after surgery.
Also don't think that you will be able to change someone else's reaction to you through surgery. The bottom line – if you're undergoing surgery so someone else finds you more attractive or sexier – you're doing it for the wrong reasons.
Words: Caroline Sutton
