Why Do Women Want Surgery
There are as many reasons to have cosmetic surgery as there are patients who go under the knife. Brand New You gets under the skin of what motivates women to have surgery.
A survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery recently revealed the most common reasons why people choose to have cosmetic surgery.
Unsurprisingly, the survey found that the primary motivation is to look younger – but 17% of women are opting for the magic of a plastic surgeon to actually feel better. It is proven that physical changes in our appearance produce emotional changes, leading to an improvement in body image, self-esteem and confidence.
Many women it seems frequently resort to cosmetic enhancement in their quest for love too, and report that feeling better about their appearance has helped lead to a successful love life.
Work-related reasons for surgery also rank high. Indeed, studies have shown that good-looking people have better employment prospects than their less attractive peers.
In addition, many women opt for surgery following illness, to restore their body, or even improve it, as an important part of the recovery process.
Brand New You chats to four women with very different reasons for taking the plunge...
CONFIDENCE
Anna Agus, 34, a dental receptionist, decided to have a breast augmentation to boost her confidence. "I've always had small breasts – a size 32AA – but after having two children, they went from bad to worse, and after breastfeeding, my breasts were non-existent!"
"I hated my breasts and my confi dence was at an all-time low. I couldn't go braless, not even in the house. I would take off my padded bra last thing at night and then I would put it on first thing in the morning. "I wouldn't go shopping as I hated trying on clothes and trying to find something to fit. It also really aff ected my relationship with my husband as I felt totally unsexy."
"Two years ago I decided to take out a loan to have a breast augmentation operation. The op was a breeze for me: I had no problems, discomfort, bruises or pain – which was a good job as I had a one-year-old to look after! Th e swelling quickly went down and now I am just left with tiny scars."
"I now have much more confidence. I very rarely wear a bra as my boobs are so perky.
"I've gone from having padding every day to none at all. It's the best thing I've ever done and although I love the compliments I get on my new figure, ultimately, I had the procedure for myself."
"I feel much more womanly, so the surgery has vastly improved my relationship with my husband."
"Now I am not too embarrassed to undress in front of him and when he says I look great, these days, I really believe it inside. It's the greatest feeling and worth every penny!"
Clinic: Transform Medical Clinic
Contact: 08706 099099; www.transforminglives.co.uk
RECOVERY
Andrea Murray, 57, is married with grown-up children. She had always been fit and healthy until 2004 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After a year of treatment, Andrea felt that the strain of her illness had taken its toll on her skin and had aged her dramatically. "I had always been fit, healthy and active, so being diagnosed with ovarian cancer was a bit of a shock to say the least. After the diagnosis, I spent a difficult year recovering from cancer and aggressive chemotherapy treatment – I despaired that I was going to look ill for the rest of my life."
"I decided to have two sessions of Restylane treatment to rejuvenate and revitalise my looks. The results of the Restylane treatment are just amazing. My new appearance has given a huge boost to my selfesteem and sense of well being – I now feel and look like my usual energetic healthy self."
"All my friends and my doctors have commented on how well I look. Having Restylane has been a big factor in my recovery and restored my confidence. I am feeling so positive and well again that I have even gone back to work part-time as a London Tour Guide."
Clinic: Fiona and Marie Aesthetics at LPSA
Contact: 020 7908 3773