Is there a place for surgery in line with body confidence?

Body image and self-esteem are both very sensitive issues. There is a huge focus in today’s world about trying to ensure that all individuals are confident in their own bodies. With massive campaigns such as #LOVETHYSELF from bold, straight-talking fashion brand Missguided and “Love the Skin You’re In’ from global skincare company Olay, it’s evident that as a society, we are making massive movements towards spreading body positivity. 

But, when it comes to learning to love ourselves and having body confidence, can surgery help with this? Or is it a taboo and they absolutely cannot go together? If someone claims to be body confident, then can they under no circumstances have any type of cosmetic surgery, whether it be something small like Botox or something much larger and serious like breast enlargement?

Surgery and body confidence

There are many ways to boost confidence. Some may put on their swimwear, hit the beach and feel fantastic. Others may think they look sexier fully dressed, rather than just in their underwear. Everybody deserves to have a positive body image, no matter how society views the ‘ideal’ size or appearance. If a cosmetic procedure is going to help an individual to feel great about themselves, it’s completely their choice as to what they want to do to boost their self-esteem.

When individuals believe they look better, it helps them to feel better, too. If making changes to their appearance with breast enlargement surgery, Botox, a tummy tuck, liposuction or a hair transplant helps them to change the way they see themselves, they will start to carry themselves in a much more positive way and have better body confidence. 

Opting for surgery doesn’t have to mean that a person hates the way they look in the mirror and doesn’t have any body confidence – it could simply be that they want to enhance some of their features.

Feeling happier

Of course, before any type of surgery, it’s vital that an individual considers whether they are doing it for the right reasons. Questions they will need to consider include: “Will the procedure be the right step towards helping me to feel happier? What motivated me to make this decision? What are my expectations from the surgery? Will this help me have more body confidence?” Often patients that have unrealistic expectations of the outcome are more likely to be unhappy with the results. Before booking their surgery, they must ensure also that they are going through with it for them – not anyone else.