While people often associate plastic surgery solely with its aesthetic benefits, many cosmetic procedures also provide a number of physical benefits, from increased self-esteem to improved posture. In this post, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Movassaghi discusses 5 non-aesthetic benefits of some of the most sought-after plastic surgeries.
1. Improve vision with eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery, clinically referred to as blepharoplasty, can remove excess skin around the eyelids, improving not just one’s appearance but also their vision. I recently had the opportunity to perform an upper blepharoplasty with a brow lift on an older pilot whose vision was impacted by sagging skin on his upper eyelids (seen in the video below). By raising this patient’s brow slightly, removing excess skin around his eyes, and tightening the tendons of his orbital muscles, he said his vision was improved by 30%.
A recent eyelid lift patient of mine said the surgery improved his vision by 30%.
2. Reduce back strain with a breast reduction
Women who have disproportionately large breasts often arch their neck and shoulders forward in an effort to “hide” their breasts, placing undue strain on these areas, as well as the lower back. A breast reduction reduces excess weight on the front of the body by removing excess breast fat, tissue, and skin, providing nearly immediate relief from shoulder and back pain issues.
A breast reduction can also make physical exercise, especially running, more enjoyable, as you won’t have to wear restrictive bras to control breast movement; your breasts will also no longer interfere with upper body mobility. The procedure can also increase self-confidence in patients who are embarrassed by having large breasts.
3. Enhance breathing with a rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a very powerful procedure capable of providing both aesthetic and non-aesthetic benefits to the nose. Many patients seek rhinoplasty to provide balance and symmetry to their face by reducing a dorsal hump, straightening a curved bridge, and/or correcting a bulbous or narrow nasal tip; however, rhinoplasty may also be performed to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing.
The patient in the above video came into my office with a curved nasal bridge, which was impacting her overall facial appearance, as well as her breathing. By straightening her bridge, reducing her dorsal hump, and defining her nasal tip, I was able to open up her nasal passages and provide a more feminine appearance to her nose. She claimed that she even noticed a reduction in her headaches just 3 months after surgery!
Rhinoplasty can correct a deviated septum and improve breathing.
4. Relieve diastasis recti and other issues with a tummy tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, clinically referred to as abdominoplasty, tightens abdominal muscles, removes excess belly fat, and smooths skin on the stomach. While the procedure is commonly sought for aesthetic reasons alone, many tummy tuck patients unknowingly suffer from diastasis recti, a condition in which the abdominal muscles have become separated after pregnancy, weight gain, or improper exercise. Repairing diastasis recti will not only restore a firmer, flatter abdomen but can also alleviate back pain, prevent hernias, and reduce urinary stress incontinence.
Excess abdominal skin and abdominal wall weakness are also associated with a forward rounding of the back (a condition called kyphosis); by repairing the abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can increase overall support for the spine, alleviate lower back pain, and help you sit and stand straighter (as seen in the “after” photo below).
Tummy tuck surgery not only makes it physically easier to sit and stand straighter, but it also can improve one’s self-image, which may contribute to better posture. (You’re more likely to stand up straighter when you feel confident about your appearance.)
5. Increase mobility with a thigh & buttock lift
Together, a thigh and buttock lift make up what’s called a “lower body lift”; this typically includes liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits in the upper thighs and derrière, followed by excision of sagging skin to restore a more youthful lower body appearance. A lower body lift can also improve the appearance of cellulite dimpling in the upper thighs and buttocks. (For further cellulite reduction, we also offer targeted treatment with Avéli.)
As well as making your clothes fit better, a thigh and buttock lift can increase mobility in the lower body. How? By removing unwanted skin and fat, I am able to free up space between the legs and tighten the waistline. This makes physical activities like running, yoga, and squats easier and more enjoyable.
Boosting confidence and making exercise easier often helps weight loss patients maintain their goal weight over time, and thereby can provide further health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other medical issues associated with having a high BMI.
Note: Here I am referring to a traditional buttock lift and not a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). The BBL is a popular cosmetic procedure that transfers fat from one area of the body (typically the waist, thighs, and stomach) to the buttocks to enhance its shape and size. A traditional buttock lift, as described here, utilizes liposuction and skin excision to restore the shape of the buttocks and lower hips, but it does not add volume to the rear.
Look and feel your best with Eugene’s Dr. Movassaghi
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi has helped men and women in the Eugene area look great and feel even better for nearly 20 years. As a former Board of Directors member for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he is highly regarded for his expertise in plastic surgery and has performed over 14,000 cosmetic procedures. Find out how plastic surgery can enhance your appearance and your quality of life by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Movassaghi online, or call (541) 686-8700 today.