Breasts Augmentation Boosts Self-Esteem, Study Finds
March 23, 2007
Breast implants are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. Since 2000, the number of patients undergoing breast augmentation surpassed 300,000, a soaring 476 percent increase. These statistics raise an important question: Does size matter.
A new study indicates that it does. Lead researcher and professor at the University of Florida’s College of Nursing, Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, was interested in evaluating patients’ perceptions of sexuality and self-esteem before and after cosmetic breast augmentation.
Study Findings
According to the results of the study—which included 84 female participants between 21 and 57 years of age—the average self-esteem score went from 20.7 to 24.9, an increase of four points on the broadly accepted 30-point Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Researchers also discovered that the average sexuality score—based on the 36-point Female Sexual Function Index—also raised by a few points from 27.2 to 31.4. More specifically, study participants experienced a significant increase in arousal (81 percent), sexual desire (78.6 percent), and satisfaction (57 percent).
Best Candidates for Breast Enhancement
Despite the results of the study, Figueroa-Haas does caution against perceiving plastic surgery as the cure for self-esteem and sexuality problems.
“There may be patients who will never be satisfied with their bodies no matter how much surgery they receive or feel that their life will completely change after plastic surgery,” she said. These are not ideal candidates for surgery and should seek further counseling to address their underlying physiological issues.”
The ideal candidates for cosmetic procedures are people who want to improve specific physical areas. For these people, “plastic surgery can be a very positive experience,” Figeuroa-Haas said.
Considering breast augmentation? Please click here to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.
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