A year after receiving cosmetic surgery, 87% of the patients were satisfied with the results. The satisfied patients gained a more positive feeling about the body part altered, as well as a more positive overall body image. As a result, they enjoyed an increase in self esteem and self confidence. In some cases the patients experienced a boost to their quality of life. This is not surprising; researchers have noted that physically attractive people often receive preferential treatment and are perceived by others as more sociable, mentally healthy, and intelligent.

Unfortunately, not all patients were satisfied with the results of their surgeries, and the researchers identified a few predictors of dissatisfaction. In general, most patients who were dissatisfied with the outcomes held unrealistic expectations of the outcomes of the procedures, either in their resulting appearance or in the resulting effects on their lives.

Other patients who were likely to be dissatisfied with the results were those with BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), which is characterized by a preoccupation with an aspect of one’s appearance to the point of obsession. Those who suffer from this disorder often ask for multiple procedures on the same body part. Often plastic surgeons receive special training to help them identify this psychological issue in a prospective patient.

Depending on the reason for dissatisfaction, patients may experience depression, social isolation, family problems, self-destructive behaviors, or anger towards the surgeons or their staff.

Thus, it is important for a surgeon to act to increase the likelihood that her patients will be pleased by the results of the cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Usha Rajagopal, a board certified plastic surgeon with over 17 years’ experience, accomplishes this in a few important ways. First, when visiting Dr. Rajagopal, either in person or on her site (www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com), the patient will see realistic before and after photos. The people in these photos are not supermodels; they are former patients, ordinary people you might run into at your local supermarket.

Dr. Rajagopal also makes sure that she and her prospective patients understand each other before any procedures are schedules. She asks patients to meet with her for a free consultation, in which Dr. Rajagopal gets to know her patients, ascertaining what the patients wish to have changed. She listens carefully to their questions and clears up any misconceptions they may have.

So if you wish to enjoy the many benefits of cosmetic surgery, you should make an appointment to meet with Dr. Rajagopal for a free consultation. Simply visit her site at www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com.

If you wish to see what other patients have said about their experiences, checkout Dr. Usha Rajagopal’s Yelp Reviews.