Monday, August 4, 2008

The (great?) Relationship Between Breast Surgery & Life Quality

Ever since the cosmetic aspect of plastic surgery began gaining popularity, people have been trying to justify the benefits of it.

Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, a clinical assistant professor at the University Of Florida College Of Nursing, is one such person. She has been instrumental in a survey carried out on women who have had breast augmentation surgery (the findings are published in the January/March issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing).

The study established a direct relationship between breast augmentation and a marked improvement in self-esteem and sexuality found in 84 women. Figueroa-Haas says, “This procedure does change women's psychosocial issues. There are differences [in life satisfaction] between people with good and poor self-esteem.”

Placing her finger on the sexuality problem, Cynthia thinks augmenting one’s breasts simply plays the function of a feminity booster just as how Viagra does it for masculinity.

Regardless, in a vein that reiterates a professional plastic surgeon’s advice Cynthia says, “If you have underlying psychological issues, don't run out and see a plastic surgeon. These issues have to be addressed first.”

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, we impart this very same advice to breast surgery candidates who come in for a consultation. Our intense screening process checks and advises people who might have a deep-rooted emotional or psychological problem associated with their cosmetic surgery.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

My research has also confirmed the link between cosmetic surgery and sexuality. Although it might be strongest when breast augmentation or body sculpting are involved, trust me, it happens after facelifts as well!

Lois W. Stern
Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY
www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com

CSI said...

A facelift? Now that's interesting Lois. Could you elaborate a bit on that for my readers please.

I checked out your website and I must say, that's an amazing job you have undertaken. Do keep dropping by. PSI would love to know more of your views!

Anonymous said...

Sure, I'd be happy to comment further. The ASPS did a study on the relationship between cosmetic surgery and sexuality. I include a link to the article summarizing that study below. What I found particularly interesting about that study is that it was conducted shortly after a reknown plastic surgeon from that very hospital did an advance reading of my manuscript. I know he was intrigued with my book, found my research and insights "extremely interesting . . . " I suspect that my work provided the impetus for such a study from the professionals - a bit like the tail wagging the dog - but I am glad if I played a part in making it happen.

Dr. David Sarwer, the psychologist quoted in the same article, was another advance reader for my manuscript and ultimately wrote the forward for my book.

Here is the link:
http://www.surgery.org/press/news-release.php?iid=427Click%20here.

My very best,
Lois W. Stern
Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery
www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com

CSI said...

Thank you so very much for valuable insights Lois. You are welcome to share in your views with our readers anytime! Education where plastic surgery is concerned is a MUST.

This study and your book should be a good thing for all those women out there who struggle to justify their need for cosmetic surgery. It shouldn't be a shame to admit that you are having cosmetic surgery to enhance your sexuality.

What is infinitely worse, in my opinion, is when it becomes an obsession and you misuse it- ultimately abusing your body.