Everyone has to get to grips with the fact that the way we look is always in a state of flux. Whether it’s wrinkles and bagginess brought on by the passage of time, or sudden shifts caused by serious injuries, it’s a universal part of the human experience.
There’s also the often-overlooked truth that even appearance changes that we actively pursue, such as due to weight loss or cosmetic surgery, can have uncertain psychological repercussions.
With all that in mind, here’s a look at what influences our mental state in this scenario, and how to get through tough patches… and love yourself compassionately.
When your appearance changes significantly, it can shake up your sense of identity. This is more than just skin deep – it hits the core of who you believe you are. While as few as 10%-15% of us have self-awareness, a shakeup to the way we look will have ramifications for the vast majority of people.
There are two main factors at play here:
Think about undergoing a major cosmetic surgery. Suddenly, the mirror reflects someone new. It’s like moving into a new home, mingling feelings of the familiar with the strange.
Of course, new looks can offer confidence boosts, which is why getting a procedure like a Neck Lift is appealing to many people as they age. They also require mental adjustments to integrate them into our established sense of self, so you can’t expect this to be as simple as flipping a switch and feeling psychologically content immediately post-op.
Facing a new version of yourself post-cosmetic surgery can be both a blessing and a stumbling block, as discussed. This is a situation in which 7.4 million people find themselves in each year. Thankfully there are ways to manage this transformation without it being a long-term psychological burden.
First, give yourself time. Adjusting doesn’t happen overnight. You need patience as you adapt to your changed appearance. And don’t be hesitant about turning to:
Engaging in positive self-talk is crucial too. Remind yourself why you chose the procedure and focus on the benefits it brings rather than dwelling on unfamiliarity. Integrating daily affirmations into your routine is a good way to anchor your new self-image in a positive way.
Additionally, document the process through journaling or photos. This visual progress helps in coming to a gradual state of acceptance over time.
Moreover, you can take advantage of support groups online or locally where others share similar experiences. Hearing others’ stories will normalize feelings you’re having and give you access to other coping strategies that worked for them.
Lastly, engage in activities that boost confidence, like exercise or hobbies that make you feel good about yourself overall – not just physically but emotionally too. It’s all about building a holistic sense of well-being alongside those physical changes you’ve embraced.
Basically, if your appearance changes quickly for any reason, you have to be prepared for the psychological fallout. And most importantly you don’t have to face this alone, so gear up to reach out for help and support rather than fighting solo.
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