We have learned from experience that even stunningly attractive people find fault in their appearance, often exaggerating their problem when it may seem negligible to the average onlooker. It is difficult to explain the reasons for this, but it is possible that this particular group of people set themselves very high standards from an early age and are so preoccupied with their appearance that, the moment they perceive a deterioration, they immediately seek help.
Learned psychologists will attempt to explain this phenomenon as a personality flaw. Many psychologists still denigrate cosmetic surgery as unnecessary and attempt to explain any strong reaction to a blemish as a deep-rooted mental aberration. But, despite all the complex jargon and scientific research conducted in an attempt to explain it, they are unable to offer a simple treatment or cure that will satisfy those afflicted with an abnormal obsessional disorder pertaining to their physical appearance. In our experience, attempting to convince a patient that her nose is pretty when she is convinced it is not, simply does not work.
Most people we meet in our practice every day are perfectly normal individuals who simply dislike a particular part of their anatomy, and would like it improved. In the vast majority of cases, the results of surgery are very successful and the patient resumes a normal lifestyle with renewed confidence.
There is no doubt that there are those who will never be happy with their appearance no matter what. These people can usually, but not always, be spotted by the experienced surgeon, and the only ethical response is to refuse them treatment. The surgeon may then refer the patient for counselling, really the only alternative when surgery will undoubtedly prove unsatisfactory.
How successful counselling may eventually prove will depend on the expertise of the counsellor and the seriousness of the person’s condition. One thing is certain – no amount of counselling can remove a physical blemish! As to whether someone can be persuaded that they do not really have a problem, when for years they have despaired of their particular blemish, is a matter for debate. We have certainly not encountered a case where this has happened. Conversely, however, we have both seen patients who have been cured of psychiatric problems by having successful cosmetic surgery.
It is hard not to feel pressure to look one’s best. Media coverage constantly exposes women to pictures of beautiful women, and advertising for beauty-enhancement products. Add to this any active criticism of a blemish an individual may have received from those around them, and a person can feel surrounded by reminders of their physical imperfections. Realistically, adults are no different from children in this respect. We have even encountered patients who were not ridiculed as children, but only when they became adults. All this leads to an ever-increasing sense of self-deprecation.
Early Childhood
Problems can start early in life if classroom bullying and teasing is rife. A common example is the child with protruding ears. Such teasing can lead to serious consequences for both child and parents. The child will detest going to school, become withdrawn, unhappy and depressed. His or her early developmental progress at school may be seriously compromised. The parents will suffer likewise, very often at a loss as to how to solve the problem.
Ears are fully developed by the age of five and a simple operation, at that stage can alleviate a lot of potential psychological damage in the future.
Adolescence
The next stage is the adolescent going through puberty. This is the time when many teenagers experience the onset of acne, which may be quite disfiguring. Other problems that occur at this time include problems with the development of secondary sexual characteristics e.g. breast-development in girls. This is often a time of turmoil for many teenagers who constantly strive to look their best and comply with the latest fashion trends in order not to be the odd one out.
We are now operating on more younger people than before. Schoolgirls will seek breast enlargement to avoid ridicule by their peers. Some will refuse to attend sports activities because it means undressing in front of classmates and changing into sports kit. Nose reshaping is also becoming more frequent in teenagers, as is liposuction. However, we do not feel that cosmetic surgery should generally be offered to teenagers unless the problem is particularly severe.
Early Adulthood
At the age of 18, most females have reached full physical maturity. They stop growing and have fully developed sexual characteristics, facial features and body shape. This is the time when a general overhaul of aesthetic appearance takes serious priority.
In the majority, if adolescence precluded seeking or establishing a relationship with the opposite sex because of the usual restrictions, early adulthood, with its new freedoms, can make up for the shortfall At this time most will be seeking to look their best in order to attract a partner.
Cosmetic surgeons will see patients in their young adulthood who will request nearly all the commonly available procedures, apart from those specific to reversing the aging process.
Middle Age
This is the next category of self-referral for cosmetic surgery. By this time most women will have had children. The early signs of facial aging will also be taking their toll.
A woman might complain of smaller, drooping breasts; a loose, flabby abdomen, and varicose or thread veins as a result of childbearing. The more children she has had, the more pronounced the problem. In addition she will probably have put on weight and be concerned about her facial appearance, particularly if she has been a heavy smoker for many years. She may therefore be seeking facial fillers and Botox®, as well as surgery.
Over the years, we have observed that many women request a facelift at the age of 50 and satisfy themselves that by doing this at that age it will last them until old age when they will not be concerned about their appearance. Many do not realise that they will still strive to look their best even at 70 because mentally they will probably feel the same as they did at 50. We often see women coming back ten years later for a repeat procedure.
Old Age
The majority of patients at this age are women who are mostly concerned with facial and eyelid aging. In addition many will request facial fillers and Botox® even though at that age fillers and Botox® will have very limited beneficial effect By this stage many will not be physically fit for surgery or not even be particularly concerned about their appearance, electing instead to grow old gracefully. Only those who are in good health will be operated on.
Conclusion
Although the concept of beauty is difficult to define precisely, one thing is for certain: with ever-improving and developing technologies, most women can rest assured that a great deal can be achieved to enhance their aesthetic appearance and thereby bring increased self satisfaction and self confidence.
The perception of beauty is ultimately a matter of personal taste and opinion. One thing is for certain — if we all had the identical concept of beauty all men would be attracted to the same women and vice versa, leaving many disappointed individuals overlooked. It is patently obvious that we have been designed to hold diverse views and opinions on what we find beautiful so that the human race can continue to procreate and survive.
Early Childhood
Problems can start early in life if classroom bullying and teasing is rife. A common example is the child with protruding ears. Such teasing can lead to serious consequences for both child and parents. The child will detest going to school, become withdrawn, unhappy and depressed. His or her early developmental progress at school may be seriously compromised. The parents will suffer likewise, very often at a loss as to how to solve the problem.
Ears are fully developed by the age of five and a simple operation, at that stage can alleviate a lot of potential psychological damage in the future.
Adolescence
The next stage is the adolescent going through puberty. This is the time when many teenagers experience the onset of acne, which may be quite disfiguring. Other problems that occur at this time include problems with the development of secondary sexual characteristics e.g. breast-development in girls. This is often a time of turmoil for many teenagers who constantly strive to look their best and comply with the latest fashion trends in order not to be the odd one out.
We are now operating on more younger people than before. Schoolgirls will seek breast enlargement to avoid ridicule by their peers. Some will refuse to attend sports activities because it means undressing in front of classmates and changing into sports kit. Nose reshaping is also becoming more frequent in teenagers, as is liposuction. However, we do not feel that cosmetic surgery should generally be offered to teenagers unless the problem is particularly severe.
Early Adulthood
At the age of 18, most females have reached full physical maturity. They stop growing and have fully developed sexual characteristics, facial features and body shape. This is the time when a general overhaul of aesthetic appearance takes serious priority.
In the majority, if adolescence precluded seeking or establishing a relationship with the opposite sex because of the usual restrictions, early adulthood, with its new freedoms, can make up for the shortfall At this time most will be seeking to look their best in order to attract a partner.
Cosmetic surgeons will see patients in their young adulthood who will request nearly all the commonly available procedures, apart from those specific to reversing the aging process.
Middle Age
This is the next category of self-referral for cosmetic surgery. By this time most women will have had children. The early signs of facial aging will also be taking their toll.
A woman might complain of smaller, drooping breasts; a loose, flabby abdomen, and varicose or thread veins as a result of childbearing. The more children she has had, the more pronounced the problem. In addition she will probably have put on weight and be concerned about her facial appearance, particularly if she has been a heavy smoker for many years. She may therefore be seeking facial fillers and Botox®, as well as surgery.
Over the years, we have observed that many women request a facelift at the age of 50 and satisfy themselves that by doing this at that age it will last them until old age when they will not be concerned about their appearance. Many do not realise that they will still strive to look their best even at 70 because mentally they will probably feel the same as they did at 50. We often see women coming back ten years later for a repeat procedure.
Old Age
The majority of patients at this age are women who are mostly concerned with facial and eyelid aging. In addition many will request facial fillers and Botox® even though at that age fillers and Botox® will have very limited beneficial effect By this stage many will not be physically fit for surgery or not even be particularly concerned about their appearance, electing instead to grow old gracefully. Only those who are in good health will be operated on.
Conclusion
Although the concept of beauty is difficult to define precisely, one thing is for certain: with ever-improving and developing technologies, most women can rest assured that a great deal can be achieved to enhance their aesthetic appearance and thereby bring increased self satisfaction and self confidence.
The perception of beauty is ultimately a matter of personal taste and opinion. One thing is for certain — if we all had the identical concept of beauty all men would be attracted to the same women and vice versa, leaving many disappointed individuals overlooked. It is patently obvious that we have been designed to hold diverse views and opinions on what we find beautiful so that the human race can continue to procreate and survive.
No comments:
Post a Comment