The psychology behind aesthetic procedures (2024)

4 mins

Dr Usman Qureshi (aka Dr Q) has a deeper look at growing old gracefully

The drive to stay young and attractive can be strong, and it’s important to assess the reasons why people decide to get cosmetic treatments. Unfortunately, many individuals who have them done are viewed by the public as vain, but the truth is far more intricate. Recently, more and more people have been opting for these procedures, from non-invasive botulinum and filler treatments to surgical interventions such as facelifts and breast augmentations. What causes people to pursue these treatments?

DESIRE FOR SELF-CONFIDENCE

For many people, the motivation for seeking out cosmetic treatments is borne out of a desire to promote their own self-confidence and self-expression. Ageing gracefully can take various forms, including taking control of one’s own look and narrative. Someone might choose to have a facelift not to alter their appearance, but to recapture the confidence they felt in their younger years. Through cosmetic treatments, individuals can bring their outward physical appearance in line with their internal self-image, and thus feel more authentic and secure.

SOCIETAL INFLUENCES AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN REDEFINING BEAUTY STANDARDS

Society and culture have a significant influence on the cosmetic treatments that individuals choose. Different cultures have unique ideals of beauty, which can lead to different procedures being sought after. Media also has a strong bearing on our perception of beauty, as it provides unrealistic and retouched images of models and celebrities. These images give people a sense of pressure to undergo cosmetic treatments to try and achieve these impossible standards. It is essential to recognise the role of the media in setting beauty standards and to encourage a more realistic and inclusive representation. The relentless chase of youth and perfection can put significant pressure on individuals to conform to these strict expectations. However, cosmetic treatments can provide people with an opportunity to redefine beauty on their own terms. By undergoing procedures like lip fillers or body contouring, people can have control over what beauty means to them and make a bold statement against the limited definitions of beauty enforced by the media and society.

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY – THE MOTIVATION FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

As time goes on, it is normal for our bodies to experience changes that can affect how we look. Signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and reduced volume are common, and everyone has their own way of dealing with them. Many people choose to accept the ageing process while others might decide to take advantage of aesthetic treatments to address those visible changes. Ageing gracefully is not only about physical appearance; it’s also about sustaining self-esteem and a good self-image as we get older. For some, this process can be damaging to their self esteem, as they struggle to accept the changes in their bodies.

The desire to remain youthful is a motivating factor behind many of these cosmetic procedures since individuals want to maintain their self-image and feel more confident as they age. It is important to note that these choices should not be associated with vanity, as this oversimplifies the complexity of human psychology and underlying motivations. Generally, people who opt for these treatments have realistic expectations and the intention is to improve their self-image rather than chase a beauty idol.

PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND CONFIDENCE

Cosmetic treatments can help to boost confidence and reduce any anxiety related to growing old. Feeling better about one’s appearance can have a significant influence on overall mental health and well-being, allowing people to age with more assurance and satisfaction.

Undertaking a cosmetic process can have a powerful emotional influence on people. For many, the choice to pursue cosmetic enhancements is very personal and comes from a wish for self-improvement. The improvements in their physical appearance can lead to increased self-esteem, self-worth, and joy. It is important to be aware that the emotional impact can differ from person to person, and it is vital to have reasonable expectations and to discuss any apprehensions with a competent medical professional before going through any cosmetic treatment.

The decision to have cosmetic treatments generally has to do with psychological well-being and assurance. Experiencing positive feelings about one’s appearance can have a constructive effect on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and overall life contentment. When individuals take charge of their look through cosmetic procedures, they are usually in a better place to confront the difficulties that come with ageing. Enhanced self-confidence and emotional well-being can better their quality of life and let them age more gracefully in the most authentic sense.

CONCLUSION

There are far more intricate and assorted motives for selecting cosmetic treatments than the shallow label of vanity indicates. Maturing gracefully includes the liberty to make decisions regarding one’s outward appearance and self-esteem. It’s about understanding the complex interactions between societal pressures, self-image, and personal preference in the search for joy and self-assurance.

Ultimately, people who opt for cosmetic treatments are exercising their autonomy to live life on their own terms, ageing with assurance, and embodying their genuine selves. Rather than disregarding these choices, it’s critical to acknowledge the authentic motivations that propel people to undertake cosmetic procedures and respect their individual paths. Cosmetic procedures can have a positive impact on individuals’ self-confidence and overall well-being, enabling them to feel more comfortable and content with their physical appearance. They allow individuals to address the mismatch between their perceived or desired inner image and the external picture. This conflict acts as a constant reminder to some of perceived problems restricting them from carrying out their goals. As a society, we should strive to cultivate a culture of self-acceptance and inclusivity, recognising that beauty comes in many forms and that everybody deserves to feel assured in their own skin.