Plastic surgery is getting more and more popular with time. Technological advancements, as well as a never-ending quest for the fountain of youth, have all fed this growing trend. However, vanity is not the only reason people opt for plastic surgery. Here are some of the top reasons why a person might get plastic surgery.

Accidents: It is a sad part of life that accidents can occur, some resulting in scarring and physical deformities. For those who are victims of these accidents, it may be desired or even necessary to undergo cosmetic or reconstructive surgery in order to live in a more comfortable manner.

Birth Defects: Birth defects can also make people opt for plastic surgery. These can include cleft lips, ear or skeletal deformities. These deformities can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. Plastic surgery can help those born with birth defects enjoy a higher quality of life.

Cancer: Women with cancer often opt for reconstructive breast surgery. Although this is not required, it helps patients overcome trauma that may have come from the illness and surgical procedures that followed.

Weight Loss: Those who lose massive amounts of weight are often left with excess skin on their body. Removing the excess skin will make for a more attractive appearance, making the effects of the weight loss more apparent and removing the damage caused by the excessive weight.

Vanity or Self Esteem: This is probably the most controversial of all reasons for getting plastic surgery as many are judged for a radical change in their appearances. Forms of plastic surgery for reasons of vanity can range from smaller procedures to larger ones and include surgical procedures like boob jobs, nose jobs, tummy tucks, butt lifts and face lifts. Non-surgical procedures may include Botox, laser hair removal and chemical peels. People may also opt for plastic surgery for things like birth mark removal or breast reduction, in which cases, plastic surgery can also improve their quality of life.

Regardless of how people will judge you for getting plastic surgery, it is a personal decision and something you should think about if you think it will make you feel better about yourself. Many opt for plastic surgery for personal reasons including feeling sexier, being happier, looking younger, emulating someone they admire, raising their self-esteem or even for a career boost. These can all be great reasons to get plastic surgery.

On the other hand, those who are looking at plastic surgery as a way to please a partner, get back an ex, or think it’s a good way to temporarily relieve boredom or depression, should think carefully about their decisions. There is no guarantee plastic surgery will yield the desired results in these matters and in some cases, make things worse, especially if patients are not happy with their outcome.

There are many reasons to get plastic surgery and it can be a great decision for some and disastrous for others. Those that are considering plastic surgery should think carefully before deciding so that they end up happy with their results. Weigh your options and do research before making a choice that is right for you.

Dr. Andrew Ress, M.D.

Dr. Andrew M. Ress, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, practices in Boca Raton, Florida. As the founder of [liv]® Plastic Surgery, he specializes in facial plastic surgery and body contouring. Dr. Ress is also a pioneer in skin health, introducing the [liv]® AI SkinScreen, an advanced AI-powered tool for proactive skin cancer screening. Educated at Cornell University and the University of Miami, with residencies at the Mayo Clinic and Indiana University, Dr. Ress is committed to excellence and innovation. Recognized as one of Boca Raton’s Best Cosmetic Surgeons, he is dedicated to patient-centric care and cutting-edge technology.