Therapy is usually not required to get cosmetic surgery, but it is advised in most situations. This doesn’t mean that everyone who gets plastic surgery has a mental health issue. However, if there are underlying issues going on, you should resolve them before getting surgery. In this guide, we will explain the reasons why you may want to see a therapist before plastic surgery.
Do You Really Want Plastic Surgery, or Is That Masking a Larger Issue?
There are plenty of valid reasons to get plastic surgery. For instance, many women will go through a combination of procedures after giving birth to their last child. These ‘mommy makeovers’ reverse the effects childbirth has on a woman’s body.
With this in mind, there are many other reasons for getting plastic surgery that spawn from mental health issues. A person with body dysmorphia may seek cosmetic surgery because they see their body differently than other people see it. Even if the surgery corrects the current issues, this person will find new reasons to dislike their body. The cycle continues until they correct the source of the problem.
The same can be said about depression, low self-esteem, and more. Before you commit to a surgical procedure, work with a therapist to resolve ongoing emotional issues in your life. You may find that you don’t actually need plastic surgery – just a change of perspective.
Resolve Temporary Issues before Making a Lifelong Commitment
Low self-esteem is only temporary. By working with a therapist, you can increase your confidence and reverse negative thought patterns. As you feel better about yourself, you will appreciate your body in its current form. You may also start sleeping better or feeling more energized throughout the day, which will naturally make you look better. You may not need a surgical solution to your body image issues. Sometimes the answer lies in quality mental healthcare.
It Won’t Do Any Harm
We would have made this a list of pros and cons, but quite frankly, there are no cons. If you do not have depression, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia or other underlying issues, you will still feel the same after you get out of therapy. If you are dealing with those circumstances though, therapy can help you overcome them and feel confident about yourself. Then you can determine if you truly want plastic surgery.
To schedule an appointment with a therapist near you, contact Sherman Counseling at 920-733-2065.
