Plastic Surgery: A Change To Your Identity? | Allen Aesthetic Surgery (2024)

Home Plastic Surgery: A Change To Your Identity?

by Dr. Amber L. Allen

There’s a common trope in soap operas and movies, the person who has completely changed their identity through the use of plastic surgery. This has left many people wondering whether this bit of Hollywood Magic is actually possible, or if it’s all just part of the lucrative world of cinema fantasy. We’re going to take a moment to address this question and explain what is, and isn’t, possible with plastic surgery.

If there is a feature that is more recognizable than the face, we’d be hard-pressed to tell you what it was. Asking a plastic surgeon to completely erase all vestiges of who a person is through this practice is a daunting task that borders on the impossible. In order to do this, you’d have to successfully change every aspect of a person’s face to such a degree as to render it unrecognizable.

Rhinoplasties can do a lot for a person’s nose, changing a large or even misshapen nose into one that is shapely and slender by reducing its size and width. The scars that occur as part of the procedure are cleverly hidden so as to be unable to be found following the procedure.

Chins are another thing that plastic surgery can alter. If you have a particularly prominent chin, then your surgeon can reduce it. If you have no chin at all, then there are implants that exist to enhance it. Even minor changes in this area can have dramatic effects on a person’s overall appearance.

The cheeks can be altered as well. Chubby cheeks can undergo a reduction, those without dimples can have them added, and thin cheeks can be plumped up, which can make a distinct change to someone’s features. The lips are another feature of the face that can easily be changed with a few procedures, some permanent, some temporary.

With all these options of changing our appearance, it is theoretically possible to change your appearance so much that those who don’t know you well wouldn’t be able to recognize you. That being said, it would require an immense amount of surgery to actually completely change your face. But with surgery to change your ears, eyebrows, cheeks, lips, nose, dimples, and more it is within the realm of possibility.

For the most part, however, these kinds of procedures are best kept to the realm of movies and cinema rather than reality. That being said, there’s a lot that can be done to enhance problem areas and make you feel great about your new look.

If you’ve got questions about plastic surgery and what can be done to change or eliminate some of the imperfections that bother you, give Dr. Amber Allen a call at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. With her expertise and artistry, she’s been serving the Raleigh, NC community for all their cosmetic surgery needs. It doesn’t take a full alteration of your face to make a positive impact on your appearance.

Plastic Surgery: A Change To Your Identity? | Allen Aesthetic Surgery (2024)

FAQs

Can plastic surgery change your identity? ›

Putting your trust in a plastic surgeon to remove every trace of your unique identity is a tall order that is almost physically impossible. You'd need to be able to completely alter a person's appearance to the point where it's unrecognizable.

What is the difference between aesthetic and plastic surgery? ›

Aesthetic plastic surgery is performed to improve someone's appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgery, on the other hand, helps improve both the appearance and the functions of the face and body. It can address inherited deformities, traumas or revisions after surgeries, including mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Is plastic surgery considered aesthetics? ›

Plastic surgery is a broad field that encompasses both cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures and reconstructive procedures.

Can plastic surgery change your appearance? ›

Plastic surgery is a special type of surgery that can change a person's appearance and ability to function. Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body.

Does plastic surgery affect face ID? ›

For plastic surgery patients, procedures involving the center of the face are more likely to change the front view and subsequently may more likely affect facial recognition. The human brain processes facial recognition by looking at the central face.

Does plastic surgery lower self-esteem? ›

Self-esteem and body image obtained from cosmetic surgery can help solve the distressing long-term effects of childhood trauma. The perceived sense of beauty obtained from cosmetic surgery adds to self-esteem in the short term. It encourages appearance-enhancing behaviors while increasing the distress of others.

What are the risks of aesthetic surgery? ›

Infection at the incision site, which may worsen scarring and require additional surgery. Fluid buildup under the skin. Mild bleeding, which may require another surgical procedure, or bleeding significant enough to require a transfusion. Abnormal scarring due to skin breakdown.

What are the side effects of aesthetic surgery? ›

Risks of plastic surgery
  • pain and discomfort.
  • bleeding.
  • infection.
  • scarring.

Is a breast lift cosmetic or aesthetic? ›

A breast lift, medically know as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed to rejuvenate breasts that have a somewhat saggy or droopy appearance and return them to a more youthful and attractive position.

What are the two types of plastic surgery? ›

The field of Plastic Surgery can be broken down into two main categories – reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures.

How can plastic surgery change your life? ›

There are procedures that can help to gain greater feature balance, symmetry, better skin texture or body harmony, and these improvements can attribute to better self-confidence and esteem. Having plastic surgery, can do wonders for your confidence, especially if you are happy with many other aspects of your life.

What surgery changes your face the most? ›

The facelift (Rhytidectomy)

The procedure that offers arguably one of the most effective changes to the face is the well-known facelift.

What is the most popular face surgery? ›

Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, which is commonly referred to as “a nose job,” is the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure, averaging around 225,000 surgeries annually. This surgical reshaping of the nose can reduce the size of a larger nose as well as reshape the tissue and bone.

Does plastic surgery ever look natural? ›

Unfortunately, many people equate plastic surgery with unnatural, distorted looks because that's what they have seen in the news. But the vast majority of patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery don't look unnatural.

What is the best age for face plastic surgery? ›

In most cases, a facelift works best for people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s when signs of aging begin to become prevalent. Deep lines, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin are the result of the aging process and can be best corrected through surgical techniques rather than non-surgical ones.

Can you keep plastic surgery a secret? ›

Many people choose to not broadcast their plastic surgery procedure because they consider it a private matter. You are entitled to your privacy! Keep in mind that it will be easier to keep some procedures a secret compared to others.

Who is not a good candidate for plastic surgery? ›

Finally, unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, using drugs or having a high body mass index may preclude you from having surgery. Before plastic surgery is performed, you should stop smoking or using drugs and be at or close to your ideal weight with a BMI of less than 30.

What is the regret rate for plastic surgery? ›

Encountered complications – 24% Don't feel the side-effects were fully explained –17% Feel less confident/comfortable now than before the surgery – 13% Regret spending the money and/or am now in debt as a result – 8%

Is plastic surgery linked to mental health? ›

The most prevalent in people seeking cosmetic procedures is body dysmorphic disorder. In the general community, around 1-3% of people will experience body dysmorphic disorder, but in populations seeking cosmetic surgery, this rises to 16-23%.

Are you happier after plastic surgery? ›

The results show that plastic surgery patients say they feel better about themselves after surgery. This boost in self-confidence and positive body image in turn equips the patient to enjoy a better quality of life.

What is the most harmful plastic surgery? ›

Here are three procedures that have the most substantial risk.
  • Body Lift. Because it is actually several procedures in one, the body lift is considered the most risky for patients. ...
  • Liposuction. Liposuction, or “lipo,” is thought by many to be a quick fix for excess body fat. ...
  • Facial Reconstruction.

Which is the most painful cosmetic surgery? ›

Full abdominoplasty
  • making a large incision across the lower abdomen, from hip to hip.
  • making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it.
  • separating the skin from the abdominal wall.
  • realigning the abdominal muscles.
  • removing excess fat and skin.
Jan 6, 2021

What are the most painful cosmetic surgeries? ›

  • Breast Augmentation. Pain Rating: 3 to 5/10 Unlike a breast lift, breast implants are inserted into the body either over or under the chest muscle. ...
  • Liposuction. Pain Rating: 3 to 6/10 “Like any surgery, liposuction can hurt because it involves tissue injury. ...
  • Tummy Tuck. ...
  • Eyelid Surgery. ...
  • Rhinoplasty.
Nov 4, 2019

What is the least risky plastic surgery? ›

Liposuction — removing fat via suction — is a common procedure and one of the safest.

How long does aesthetic treatment last? ›

Anti-wrinkle treatments tend to last 4-6 months. The exact timescale varies from person to person as some people will break down the active ingredient quicker than others.

Is cosmetic surgery worth the risks? ›

For most people, the benefits of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery outweigh the risks. There's a lot you can gain from pursuing these procedures, including: Better quality of life.

How long do aesthetic fillers last? ›

They fill lines and wrinkles and add volume to areas such as your lips or cheeks. Fillers are not permanent. How long they last depends on things like the type of filler and where it's injected. They usually last between 6 and 18 months.

What is vampire breast lift? ›

A vampire breast lift (VBL) augments your breasts without surgery. Providers inject platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve skin texture and make your breasts appear fuller. Side effects are minimal, but may include bruising, swelling and tenderness, and there's no downtime.

Do breasts look bigger after a lift? ›

It's essential to keep in mind that, unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift won't increase the size of your breasts. In fact, after your operation, you may notice that your breasts appear smaller than they had before surgery due to the removal of excess skin.

Can plastic surgery fix saggy breasts? ›

Breasts may lose elasticity and sag over time because of age, pregnancy and weight changes. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is surgery to lift, reshape and tighten them. It can also improve asymmetry and other imperfections. Breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction.

What is the hardest part of plastic surgery? ›

In actuality, rhinoplasty is widely regarded as the most difficult of all cosmetic procedures.

What are the disadvantages of plastic surgery? ›

These include the risk of bleeding, blood clots, or infections. Patients also have to deal with side effects of the surgery, which often include discomfort, bruising, and swelling. The best safeguard you can take to lower the risk of complications is to work with a highly qualified Baton Rouge plastic surgeon.

What are 3 interesting facts about plastic surgery? ›

Cool Facts About Cosmetic Surgery
  • The First Recorded Plastic Surgery Occurred in 600 B.C. ...
  • Barbers Used to Perform Plastic Surgery. ...
  • The First Plastic Surgeons Were Certified in 1938. ...
  • Cosmetic Surgery is Becoming More Popular. ...
  • Cosmetic Surgery is Becoming Less Invasive.

What are 3 facts about plastic surgery? ›

Cosmetic Surgery Facts

One of the first recorded facelifts occurred in Berlin in 1901 and was performed by Eugen Hollander. The first textbook on facelifts was published in 1907. The first breast augmentation was performed in 1895. A new breast was created by using a graft from the patient's back.

Does plastic surgery improve body image? ›

According to the results, 1) undergoing cosmetic surgery can enhance self-confidence, reduce body dissatisfaction, resolve inner conflicts, and somewhat relieve psychological distress; 2) self-esteem and body image obtained from cosmetic surgery can resolve the distressing aftereffects of childhood trauma that occur ...

What surgeries make you look younger? ›

Surgical Options for Looking Younger – cosmetic plastic surgery to help you look 10 years younger
  • Eyelid Lift Surgery – Blepharoplasty. The eyes are one of the first places that begin to show the signs of ageing. ...
  • Mini Facelift. ...
  • Browlift / Forehead Lift. ...
  • Face Lift. ...
  • Neck Lift. ...
  • Neck and Chin Liposuction.
Jul 24, 2021

What surgery makes your face more feminine? ›

Facial feminization surgery encompasses a broad range of procedures to change the shape of the face to look feminine. Examples include having the hairline moved to create a smaller forehead, having lips and cheekbones augmented, or having the jaw and chin reshaped and resized.

What surgery makes eyes look younger? ›

A blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelift, can enhance and revitalize the appearance of the eyes. Saggy or drooping eyelids can be an age-defining feature, causing you to appear older than you are. Many people are turning to eyelid surgery to restore a more alert and youthful appearance.

Who has the most face surgery woman? ›

In total, Jackson has had 52 cosmetic procedures, a world record for the most procedures ever undergone by one person. "I didn't set out to break, to set a world record, it was never my ambition, it's just that I had so much done," she said.

Can plastic surgery change evolution? ›

Plastic surgery does not change the DNA of the cells, not even the cells in the places that are operated on. Plastic surgery also does not change any of the epigenetic markers that could pass on information. Even if it did, those cells have nothing to do with your cells in the egg/sperm making areas.

How does plastic surgery affect body image? ›

Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery Enhances Self-Confidence and Body Image. One of the most obvious benefits of cosmetic surgery is perceived improvement in appearance. People with a pleasing appearance tend to have high self-confidence and a more positive body image.

What are the negative effects of plastic surgery on self esteem? ›

1) Cosmetic surgery can make someone feel less confident as they will always be thinking that others like a 'fake version' of them. This is not the true reflection as nature intended and it can lead to a person feeling even less in tune with themselves.

How does plastic surgery affect mental health? ›

Many times, symptoms of poor mental health can worsen after the operation. Some may be temporarily satisfied with their results but fall back into thoughts of depression and worsening low self-esteem.

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