Does cosmetic surgery cause low self esteem?

Usually not.: Many people find their self esteem enhanced by correction of a perceived physical flaw or weakness. In my experience a good cosmetic outcome most usually makes healthy people feel better about themselves and their appearance. Some patients who suffer from body dysmorphic syndrome are felt to be incapable of feeling better about themselves with surgery and should avoid cosmetic surgery.

No: Typically it is the other way around....That is, low self esteem is a motivating factor for many to seek consultation and surgery to deal with an area of self concern or dissatisfaction with a body feature. Feeling self conscious about a feature or appearance leds people to seek a change to reduce or correct the perceived problem. Some patients are recommended to seek supportive psychological.

Not usually: As other surgeons have commented, plastic surgery usually does help improve self esteem because you will have an improved appearance. However, if you have unresolved emotional issue, you should not depend on plastic surgery to solve it. Plastic surgery will enhance your appearance, but it is not a cure all. You should discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon prior to your surgery!

No: Usually causes improved self-esteem.

No: Cosmetic surgery has little to do with self esteem, and certainly doesn't lower it!

Self esteem & sx: Surgery can correct a physical problem. Low self esteem is a psychological one and cannot be treated with surgery. Some people who suffer from low self-esteem due to a physical deformity can be helped from cosmetic surgery but low self-esteem from another cause will not be solved. An experienced surgeon's most important job is to figure out whether to operate or not!

Usually the opposite: Typically it causes an increase in self esteem if performed for the proper reasons in an appropriate candidate with realistic expectations and a defined goal.

Usually improves it: Self-esteem is a complex blend of how we view ourselves from psychological and physical perspective. A consultation with your cosmetic surgeon should touch upon your reasons and desires for surgery. If there is a physical need, viewed by both the patient and surgeon, combined with a realistic attitude about the outcome, by the patient, then self-esteem is usually improved. So is the end result.