Plastic surgery: Is it only for celebrities?

Plastic surgery has recently gained a lot of popularity in India, especially among celebrities. Famous Bollywood personalities including Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma and Shilpa Shetty have undergone aesthetic procedures to attain their idea of beauty. While these celebrities have given more prominence to the science of plastic surgery, it has also given rise to a popular opinion that plastic surgery is only for celebrities!

“The simple truth for this misconception is – No. Plastic surgery is for everyone.”, says Dr Rajat Gupta. 

He adds “People believe that plastic surgery is only about beautifying but it is not just limited to aesthetics. Plastic surgery is, in fact, a wide and comprehensive field that also focuses on reconstructive surgeries for various emergencies, trauma and illnesses.”

The sudden vogue of plastic surgery is credited to some surgeries and procedures. Breast augmentation, nose job, tummy tuck and facelift have made the field very sought-after, to name a few. However, there is a group of procedures such as oral and maxillofacial surgeries, facial and body deformity correction, burn treatment and cleft lip treatment that covers the therapeutic approach as well. 

Plastic surgery for the common man 

Anyone who is medically eligible to undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery can benefit from these procedures. Whether or not you are appearing on the big screen, any person can wish to enhance their appearance. 

Plastic surgery offers a wide range of benefits for the common man. It helps uplift your self-image and creates a positive frame of mind. 

Common psychological advantages include:

• Boost your confidence and self-esteem 
• Attain your beauty and health goals 
• Enhance your natural appearance
• Improves your mental and emotional wellness
• Helps treat social anxiety and depression 

On top of the above feel-good factors, plastic surgery helps you achieve optimal well-being. There are numerous health benefits depending on the type and location of surgery. For instance, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) helps in the treatment of functional sleep apnea, tummy tuck procedure can help manage obesity and breast reconstruction can help a breast cancer patient. 

Common physical health benefits include:

• Improves overall physical health 
• Promotes quality of life
• Surgery for the nose improves breathing and quality of sleep 
• Helps control weight 
• Reduces the risk of diabetes & cardiovascular disease 
• Provides better-looking skin and reduces skin irritation 
• Relieves pain 
• Better vision 

No more a ‘taboo’ 

The branch of plastic surgery has been associated with a range of myths. The foremost on this list is that plastic surgery is a tool only for the rich and famous. However, that perception is changing. 

Dr Rajat Gupta says, “At the Plastics & Aesthetics Centre of the CK Birla Hospital, we offer a range of treatment protocols for all sections of the community. We inform and encourage our patients about the risks and rewards of surgeries so that they can focus singularly on their goals without idolising celebrities.” 

There was a time when it was believed that plastic surgery is only for women. Thankfully, this taboo has also been shed away. Men, women and children across all age groups can avail the benefits of plastic surgery.