Plastic surgery is an incredible tool for improving body image and self-confidence. When people love how they look, they stand up taller and feel more comfortable navigating life. This can have ripple effects throughout their lives, including greater professional success because of the confidence that radiates in job interviews and high-stress presentations.
However, plastic surgery can also improve body performance and is an important tool for athletes. Even minor aesthetic changes can have a big difference in success on the field or in the gym. Learn more about the connection between plastic surgery and athletic ability to see how various procedures improve the lives of people every day.
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Plastic Surgery for Injury Recovery
Plastic surgeons are often some of the first people to treat athletes who are injured during a game. Players need their injuries triaged quickly so they can return to the field or the court. While padding and protective equipment have come a long way, players often get cuts and scrapes on their bodies mid-game — especially in intense sports like hockey and football.
After the game, athletes work with plastic surgeons to address these injuries delicately. They don’t want significant scarring on their face because of their cuts and bruises. Plastic surgeons can handle the delicate tissue and help players restore their faces to a similar appearance as before.
For a few examples of athletic recovery procedures, consider eyelid surgery, which is important after a player is hit in the face. Plastic surgeons can also treat nose, mouth, and jaw issues caused by contact during a game.
Cosmetic Procedures to Aid Performance
Not every meeting between an athlete and a plastic surgeon is the result of emergency injuries. Some people seek out cosmetic procedures that can enhance their appearance and performance together. Here are a few common procedures that plastic surgeons offer to help athletes do their best.
Nose Jobs
Cosmetically, rhinoplasty improves the appearance of the nose by modifying its size, shape, or contours. An athlete might get a nose job so they feel more confident — especially for bodybuilders who need to look their best on stage. However, rhinoplasty can also address breathing problems by opening the nasal airways. Athletes can breathe deeply and more comfortably, which allows them to perform at their best.
A similar procedure is a septoplasty, which straightens the bone and cartilage between your nostrils. This can also be cosmetic after an injury or necessary to improve breathing.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a common procedure for female athletes. Studies show that women with large breasts participate in fewer high-intensity exercises and tend to work out less overall. They report high levels of breast pain along with embarrassment because of “excessive breast movement.”
Female athletes often opt for breast reduction to lower their pain levels while making them more nimble on the field or court. They don’t have to worry about their breasts getting in the way of their performance. This can improve their abilities while making the game more enjoyable.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the process of removing fat from specific areas of the body. It is usually used to target areas that aren’t responsive to diet and exercise. An athlete might be physically fit, but a few stubborn fat stores might affect how their body looks.
Spot liposuction can be used to address small problem areas — like fat underneath your chin — while minimally invasive VASER liposuction sculpts the body. This procedure can sculpt muscles while slenderizing the arms, stomach, and chest.
Along with its cosmetic benefits, this procedure can be used to lower body mass index (BMI). It can help athletes speed up on the field or increase their chances of qualifying for specific weight classes in the case of boxing.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty is commonly known as a tummy tuck. This occurs when doctors remove excess skin around the abdomen. If an athlete lost a significant amount of weight or a female athlete recently gave birth, they might have loose skin around the stomach area. In some cases, the skin can hang down and cause a pannus stomach, known as an apron belly.
Not only is this skin unsightly, but it is hard to move with. It can limit mobility or create an uncomfortable feeling. Doctors perform the abdominoplasty so athletes can move with ease while also loving how they look in the mirror.
Non-Invasive Contouring
Modern advances in plastic surgery mean there are multiple alternatives to liposuction. You can meet with a surgeon to talk about your specific needs and they can make recommendations based on your preferences.
CoolSculpting is another option for athletes who need to remove stubborn pockets of fat. This process freezes fat cells without damaging the other tissue in your body. Your fat cells die in the freezing process and your body then removes them through urine, just like any other naturally dying cells in your body. This is a non-surgical option that is often painless for most patients.
Like liposuction, this procedure can help athletes lower their fat levels and potentially lose weight that isn’t responsive to diet and exercise. It is incredibly helpful for bodybuilders who want to look their best ahead of show season.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal isn’t just a cosmetic procedure — it’s also an important tool used by swimmers. Shaving before each match can take a long time and can irritate the skin when not done carefully. This is frustrating and potentially painful when shaving burns come into contact with chlorine in the pool.
To save time and ensure a positive swim experience, some athletes invest in laser hair removal. With this procedure, they can spend more time training for swim meets and less time shaving before a big contest.
Skin Treatments
There are multiple plastic surgery procedures that might not have a direct impact on performance but can help athletes feel good. Confidence can help people as they train for important matches and give them the ability to focus on performance, not just their looks.
Two common skin treatments that athletes seek are Botox, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your face, and facial fillers. Targeted fillers can eliminate lip lines and plump thin lips, while also improving the appearance of the cheekbones and jaw lines. Plastic surgeons work with patients to discuss their specific concerns and recommend procedures that meet their needs.
When people think about athletic performance, they often focus on physical fitness, cardio, and strength. However, comfort and confidence often play important roles in performance as well. When an athlete doesn’t feel their best, they can’t reach their highest potential. Plastic surgery gives athletes the power to feel good and look good, which helps them do their best in any arena they enter.