Cosmetic surgery is one of those topics that some people tiptoe around, and feel the need to do a litmus test before voicing their opinions on the same. The subject has always felt like taboo, but in the last couple of years, it’s becoming more accepted to the point where men are also claiming their space on the aesthetic table. Still, we are not yet there, but then again everyone has a right to choose if they are willing to accept the notion of cosmetic surgery, or not.

One of the reasons why cosmetic surgery is viewed in a negative light is because it’s highly misunderstood, in addition to folks coming across botched or over-the-top procedures. To clear up some of these cosmetic surgery negativities, I picked the brain of Dr. Adnan Tahir – a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based in Dubai.

When Cosmetic Surgery Becomes a Negative Thing

According to Dr. Adnan, cosmetic surgeries become a negative thing when first, the plastic surgeon focuses more on financial gains than the well-being of the patient. Secondly, when the said doctor does not follow set aesthetic guidelines to give the best natural results and instead performs more procedures/treatments even when the patient has clearly overdone it.

“In addition, the negativity comes in when the patient develops a mental obsession of wanting to look like a certain celebrity or in search of perfection, and finally when the patient goes to non-qualified and illegal places to get the cosmetic procedure in order to save a few dollars.

Speaking of Plastic Surgery Addictions…

Yes, it does happen! Some women, explains Dr. Adnan, become addicted to cosmetic surgery when they develop a mental obsession to change their bodies to look more beautiful and perfect or resemble their favorite celebrities. “This is usually caused by a condition known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, whereby a person is obsessed with a very small flaw on their body, something a person who doesn’t suffer from this disorder would barely notice.”

This obsession to become perfect leaves the person with psychological problems, and that is when they start to have cosmetic surgeries in order to feel better. And if they have cosmetic surgery on one area that they believe is not perfect, they will move on to another area of the body that they feel is not perfect. This, adds the Doctor, becomes a continuous occurrence until the person receives the psychological help they need because plastic surgery addiction cannot be cured by having more plastic surgery; it is more of a mental problem.

“The person in question would need psychological help to realize that they do not need to go through such extents to gain acceptance in society and that someone can overcome low self-esteem without plastic surgery.”

And if You Plan on Having Cosmetic Surgery, Follow These Rules

According to Dr. Adnan, you should not decide to undergo aesthetic surgery to make yourself perfect or make your appearance perfect. In short, you should have realistic expectations of the results. Aesthetic surgery is for beauty enhancement with the aim of achieving natural results.

Secondly, you should not go for the surgery wanting to look like someone else or your favorite celebrity. “You should also be absolutely sure that you’re doing the surgery for yourself and not for someone else.”

Lastly, always go to a board-certified plastic surgeon who has enough experience and training.

How to Choose a Good Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

A good cosmetic surgery clinic should have world-class plastic and cosmetic surgery surgeons with a whole lot of years of combined experience. They should also be board-certified and should have worked with the best in the field. These surgeons should prioritize minimally invasive or non-surgical options to delay the need for going under the knife. “This is because the downtime is very short, the patient doesn’t suffer any trauma and the results are as natural as possible.”

Also, a good plastic surgery clinic should not pressurize a patient to do a procedure. The personnel should give the patient ample time to decide if they will go through with the procedure or not.

Word of Advice…

Dr. Adnan recommends that you should always do your research on a cosmetic surgery clinic before deciding to have your aesthetic procedure there. Also, make sure the plastic surgeon is highly experienced and board-certified, and that the clinic is licensed to do such procedures. In addition, always have realistic expectations of the results and never desire to look like someone else.

Don’t forget to check the plastic surgeon’s before & after photos of his previous surgeries so that you can see how good he is, and never do an aesthetic surgery procedure because someone is pressurizing you to!

“Finally, research on the cosmetic surgery procedure you want to do so that you can know what to expect after the surgery, as well as the precautions to take.”

What are your views on cosmetic surgery? Have you ever done any aesthetic procedures? Share your feelings in the comments section.