Body Image & Its Effect On Our Lives
Nov 17, 2017 | Body, Body Lift, Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, CoolSculpting, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck
We hear about body image in the media, at school and online almost constantly. The phrase is repeated so often, it almost loses its meaning for many Americans. Although you may not have a firm grasp of the concept of body image, you have probably felt its effects, both positive and negative, without even realizing it. With the holidays quickly approaching and much of the season’s traditions revolving around not-so-healthy foods and drinks, it’s important to recognize your own body image and do what you can to appreciate the skin you’re in.
What is Body Image?
Body image is the perception or assumption you hold about your body, how it appears to you and how others may see you. Although the term often has a negative connotation, “body image” can refer to both positive and negative perceptions.
At some point in life, everyone is overly critical of their body. Whether you’re too tall or too wide or your feet are too tiny, almost every person makes a negative comment or two about their own body. Although this practice of self-deprecation is fairly common, it’s an unfortunate hallmark of a negative body image. An occasional bad day isn’t necessarily a sign you wholly dislike and should change your body, but if those dissatisfied feelings persist, you may want to consider making a change.
If you have a positive body image, on the other hand, you may feel happy with your body. In individuals with a positive body image, they often look at what others may see as flaws and appreciate them for their uniqueness. The way you view your body is dependent on your own state of mind and the environment in which you were raised.
Why Does Body Image Matter?
Nowadays, with the advent of social media and continued elevation of stick-thin models and celebrities as the peak of human beauty, negative body images are now developing in childhood and persisting throughout life. Constantly being bombarded with images of the “ideal” body can destroy your self-esteem, especially if you struggle to achieve that same appearance.
The way you view yourself has a direct connection to your mental well-being. In other words, your body image can increase or decrease your self-esteem, or vice versa. A negative body image can lead to decreased self-worth, which may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or depression. The process is a vicious cycle that may send your mental health into a spiral, so it’s always in your best interests to try developing a more positive body image.
Cosmetic Surgery in Vancouver, Portland and the Tri-City Metro Regions
Ready to love the skin you’re in? Michael Workman, M.D. and his friendly, knowledgeable staff of cosmetic professionals can help you transform your body into a source of happiness rather than shame. Our state-of-the-art office offers the most non-invasive procedures available in the industry, including the revolutionary CoolSculpting process.
CoolSculpting helps you shed inches off your waist, thighs, and arms without the pain and recovery time you expect of liposuction. This entirely non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure freezes the fat cells you can’t remove with diet and exercise alone, allowing you to enjoy a slimmer, sexier body within weeks of the procedure! All you have to do is keep up with your healthy lifestyle to keep that extra weight off. To learn more about our CoolSculpting procedure or to schedule a consultation today. Patients can contact our Vancouver and Portland office at (360) 896-6000 or schedule Happy Valley CoolSculpting services at (360) 614.2537.
How a Doctor Can Help
If you’re struggling to achieve your beauty goals through traditional methods, there are still options that can help you improve your body image. For many, dieting and exercising just isn’t enough to meet their expectations of the ideal body. Luckily, cosmetic surgery provides an opportunity for those struggling with a negative body image to finally love what they see in the mirror. From CoolSculpting to reconstruction procedures, cosmetic surgeons specialize in the creation of a beautiful body you can be proud of.
