By Dr. Glenn M. Davis
While the most obvious effects of cosmetic surgery are physical, there’s no denying that these procedures can have a psychological impact as well. The best plastic surgeons recognize that addressing this factor with patients is an important part of the entire surgical process, from consultation all the way through recovery.
Motivations and Expectations
Being uncomfortable about any physical aspect of your appearance has a psychological component, whether it’s feeling hyperaware of smaller (or larger) breasts, frustrated over love handles or unhappy about looking older. Men and women ultimately pursue cosmetic procedures in an effort to feel better about their self-image, which is a mental construct, even if the vehicle for getting there—cosmetic surgery—is itself a physical one. When appearance concerns have been present for years or even decades, it’s no wonder that finally taking action to address them can result in a very positive emotional state.
In fact, recent research shows that patients who undergo plastic surgery report higher satisfaction with their physical appearance, increased self-esteem and greater enjoyment of life overall compared to control groups. Perhaps most importantly, data indicate that the majority of patients had realistic expectations about their procedures; they didn’t expect surgery to completely change their lives, yet they still felt positive about having made the commitment even over the long-term.
The most apparent changes after plastic surgery may be visual, but most patients agree that how they feel and think about themselves afterward is by far a highly rewarding aspect of pursuing cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Glenn M Davis knows that not every patient has the same goals, and applies his years of experience and extensive education to create results that are personal and natural. Focusing mainly on facial plastic surgery procedures in the Raleigh, NC area, Dr. Davis also offers a selection of enhancements for the body and breasts, including abdominoplasty, liposuction, and combination breast lift and augmentation.
Dr. Davis received his medical doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and trained in general surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. After refining and focusing his surgical technique in a plastic surgery residency at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk, VA, Dr. Davis developed his skills as Assistant Chief of Plastic Surgery at the National Naval Medical Center. Dr. Davis is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is committed to utilizing the most up-to-date and successful techniques for each of his patients, and serves in leadership roles in multiple local and national plastic surgery organizations. A past president of 3 medical surgical organizations including the Raleigh Academy of Medicine, Dr. Davis has also chaired a number of committees for the American Society of Plastic surgeons, and continues to serve as Clinical Associate PRofessor of Plastic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
