When we think of cosmetic surgeries, celebrity stories often come to mind—tales of stars altering their appearances to fit idealized standards. However, cosmetic surgeries are much more than that.
Facial structure and features are important determinants of self-confidence. A flaw or feature that one does not like can have a negative effect on mental health. Cosmetic issues are universal and can affect anyone at any age due to their genetic structure, aging, or some features that one may not like. Thus, these features not only influence self-esteem but can also negatively impact a person’s psychological state.
Thankfully, procedures such as cosmetic surgery, including orthognathic surgery carried out by maxillofacial surgeons, hold the prospect of improving not only the basic functions but also the aesthetic value of the face. Read on further to get more information on the impact of cosmetic surgeries on an individual’s mental health, as well as their benefits in enhancing the quality of life of an individual.
Influence of Facial Flaws on Psychological Health
Facial flaws can have a significant impact on people’s mental health. Let us examine how:
- Developing low self-esteem or an inferiority complex because of their looks, affecting one’s performance in social relations and at the workplace.
- Avoidance of social interactions since an individual does not want to be judged or rejected due to their appearance.
- Constant self-criticism and dissatisfaction with one’s looks can lead to depressive symptoms.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder, which is an obsession with perceived flaws, may develop, leading to significant distress.
- Preoccupation with physical appearance and appearance anxiety may interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
- Emotional consequences such as sadness, frustration, and embarrassment because of facial flaws.
- A tendency to isolate oneself to avoid being judged or made fun of regarding looks.
Understanding Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed by maxillofacial surgeons to enhance or reshape structures in areas like the nose, jaw, cheekbones, and chin. These surgeries include nose correction, jaw realignment, chin enhancement, and upper jaw correction. The purpose of these surgeries is not just aesthetic but can also serve functional purposes.
Common Cosmetic Surgeries
Maxillofacial surgeons use a number of techniques ranging from the basic to the more complex, depending on the needs of the patient. Let us explore the most common ones amongst them:
- Maxillary Osteotomy: It is a surgical procedure done on the upper jaw (maxilla) for conditions like severe protruding or retruded jaw, open bite, crossbite, and mid-facial hypoplasia patients. The process includes the opening of the gum above the upper teeth, cutting the upper jawbone to shift it in its entirety, and then fixing it in the desired position using plates or screws. This surgery aims to correct the position of the upper jaw to enhance the functionality of the mouth and the aesthetics of the face.
- Mandibular Osteotomy: It is done on the lower jaw (mandible) in cases where it sticks out too much or too little. In this process, the surgeon makes incisions on the gum at the back of the molars, and the lower jawbone is also cut to be moved forward or backward. The adjusted position of the jawbone is then fixed in its place using plates or screws. This surgery is applied in the correction of underbite or overbite, which improves the functionality and appearance of the lower jaw and face in general.
- Bimaxillary Osteotomy: It is surgery that is done on the upper and lower jaws and is commonly used to treat severe jaw deformities that involve both jaws. This intricate process may need the use of a computer aided design software to plan the process in 3D. Some of the techniques involved in maxillary and mandibular osteotomy are applied to reposition the jaws to provide proper bite function and facial aesthetics. Bimaxillary osteotomy is most effective for patients with severe facial disharmony or both maxillary and mandibular abnormalities.
- Genioplasty: It is aimed at addressing irregularities like a receding chin. It is usually done together with mandibular osteotomy for the receded lower jaw. In genioplasty, an incision is made on the gums surrounding the lower lip, and the chin bone is then mobilized and repositioned, which is then fixed by plates or screws. This surgery increases the projection of the chin and can be very effective in correcting facial proportions.
- Rhinoplasty: It reconstructs the nose for aesthetic purposes or for functional problems such as those arising from structural abnormalities. The surgery requires cutting the skin within the nostrils or across the lower part of the nose, reconstruction of the bone and cartilage, and then repositioning the skin to cover the newly formed structure. Rhinoplasty is a surgery that can change the size, shape, and position of the nasal septum, thus improving facial looks and the nose’s functionality.
The Psychological Advantages Of Cosmetic Surgeries
Cosmetic surgery not only transforms physical appearance but also offers profound psychological benefits, contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being in many ways:
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: The first noticeable psychological effect after the surgery is the improvement of self-esteem. This newfound confidence can impact all aspects of life, be it social or personal, including performance in the workplace.
- Reduced Social Anxiety: Some people with facial defects or scars may stay away from people because they feel that they will be looked down upon or rejected. These fears can be eliminated through orthognathic surgeries since they enhance the appearance of an individual and thus decrease social anxiety.
- Alleviation of Depression: Stress and dissatisfaction resulting from facial imperfections are constant, which can lead to depression. Enhancing the looks through orthognathic surgeries can help change the perspective of life.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Orthognathic surgeries can also address problems pertaining to vital activities such as eating, speaking, and breathing, which greatly improves one’s quality of life.
- Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): For people with BDD, where there is a fixation on the imagined imperfections, orthognathic surgery is helpful. By removing physical issues that trigger such thoughts, people can attain mental comfort and minimize compulsive actions linked to their looks.
- Empowerment and Control: It provides people with the ability to manage their appearance and treat aspects that have been a cause of discomfort. It is, therefore, empowering to decide to go for orthognathic surgeries.
Conclusion
Cosmetic surgery is not only about altering one’s looks. It makes a person more confident by removing inhibitions and strengthening character.
At Gnathos Facial, our qualified maxillofacial surgeons will assist you in attaining your desired looks while respecting your current mental state. We perform minimally invasive surgeries and apply modern tools to ensure that you can get back to your daily activities as soon as possible.