Abstract
During the 21st century, the interest in cosmetic surgery has dramatically increased. Aesthetic plastic surgery can improve self-esteem and self-confidence, enhancing appearance, social relations, and sexual life. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of aesthetic plastic surgery with sexual, social, and romantic lives in Cyprus. Questionnaire data from 128 cosmetic surgery patients, from a plastic surgery clinic in Nicosia, were obtained approximately 1 week before and 3 months after surgery. The questionnaire was developed by the authors for the purpose of this study and consisted of measures on body image, social life, relationships, and sexuality. Pre- and postoperative values were compared. The majority of participants were women (81.9%), and respondents' mean age was 35.35 years. One of 2 participants reporting had undergone breast augmentation (47.6%). One of 2 participants reported feeling self-confidence after treatment, and the majority of respondents reported a positive influence in all 3 realms: sex life (54.7%), social life (64.4%), and romantic relationship (49.5%). Those who underwent breast augmentation were 4 times more likely to report that their sex life had been positively affected than those who did not undergo breast augmentation. The study provides evidence of improvement in an individual's satisfaction with his or her body image and self-confidence after cosmetic surgery. The study demonstrates the positive impact of cosmetic surgery to social life and relationships, especially breast augmentation surgery to sexuality.