Effect of Cosmetic Surgery on Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

Cosmetic surgery is the surgical and non-surgical preservation, restoration, or enhancement of an individual’s physical appearance. However, plastic surgery has a negative perception of being something that only people with low self-esteem undertake. It is considered that these people strive to improve their physical look to cover a lack of a psychological component. Regardless of what we think about inner beauty and inner personality, confidence and self-esteem are inextricably linked to appearance.

Two types of people are there who desire to have cosmetic surgery. The first category consists of people who want to strengthen their confidence and self-esteem or who have long been disturbed by their body’s specific areas. The second group is people who have problems with their self-image. Most people in the second category are unsure of their genuine motivations for seeking treatment, and they usually delude themselves into believing it is for another cause.

In the case of the latter group, we often notice no genuine improvement in self-concept since there is always something else to correct. On the contrary, the people in the former group react favorably after getting cosmetic surgery in Reno, and their self-esteem and self-concept are considerably changed.

Difference Between Self-concept and Self-esteem

The primary distinction between self-esteem and self-concept is as observed:

Self-esteem represents an individual’s overall opinion or appraisal of their worth based on social experiences or interactions. Self-concept refers to thoughts, feelings, judgments, attitudes, and perceptions that an individual believes towards themself.

As we can determine from these two definitions, cosmetic surgery would undoubtedly affect self-esteem and self-concept. However, it is evident from the concept of self-esteem that individuals, who have deeper concerns than merely disliking a portion of their body, will have increased esteem resulting from their new social standing.

How We Can View This With Mental Health in Mind

The increase in perception of either self-esteem or self-concept is, of course, a matter of the mind. Also, a common concern amongst family and friends of someone who undergoes cosmetic surgery is whether they’re looking to improve their self-concept or simply doing it to enhance self-esteem, which isn’t always the best reason for undergoing surgery.

For instance, those who choose oversized breast augmentation in Reno are generally advised to consult a psychologist first to understand the reasons behind their surgery. Such a request is very different from a small-chested woman wanting to get a little size increase. In the first case, this indicates a desire for a boost in self-esteem, but the second case suggests someone attempting to redefine their self-concept.

Wrapping Up

Unquestionably, any cosmetic operation would improve the patient’s perception of themselves in terms of self-esteem and self-concept. It is, obviously, the fascination of having body parts transformed. However, there is a significant difference between the two reactions that someone has after cosmetic surgery, and the issue remains to determine whether they are compelling enough reasons for someone to have the procedure in the first place. The response depends on how long the improvement in self-esteem lasts. People with profound concerns will experience low self-esteem immediately after accomplishing the modifications.