Cosmetic surgery in Tanzania has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many women seeking procedures to improve their appearance regarding shape, face, and beauty. However, there are risks associated with cosmetic surgery, and some women have expressed regret after undergoing procedures. For example, a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that the rate of complications from breast augmentation surgery in Tanzania was 20%, significantly higher than in developed countries.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 17 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2020. Of these, there were over 250,000 complications. The most common complications were infection (11%), bleeding (9%), and scarring (8%).
The Risks of Cosmetic Surgery
One of the risks of cosmetic surgery is dissatisfaction with the results. This can be due to several factors, such as unrealistic expectations, poor communication between the surgeon and the patient, or simply the natural healing process. According to a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, up to 30% of women who have undergone cosmetic surgery are dissatisfied with the results.
Infection
This is the most common complication of cosmetic surgery, and it can occur in any part of the body that is operated on. Infection can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and discharge from the incision site. In some cases, the disease can be severe and require hospitalization.
Scarring
Cosmetic surgery can cause scarring for several reasons. First, any surgery that involves an incision will inevitably leave a scar – the formation of spots, a normal part of the body’s healing process. When the skin is cut, the body’s natural response is to produce collagen, a protein that helps to repair the wound. This collagen forms a scar, essentially a collection of tightly woven fibers.
Some people are more prone to scarring than others due to several factors, including genetics, age, and medical conditions. For example, people with a family history of keloids are more likely to develop keloids after surgery. Keloids are raised, thickened scars that can be very unsightly.
Blood Clots
Cosmetic surgery can cause blood clots because surgery involving an incision can damage blood vessels. This can lead to blood clots forming at the site of the incision. This happens because cosmetic surgery often requires patients to stay in bed for some time after surgery. This can lead to blood clots forming in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The risks of cosmetic surgery are even more significant for women in Tanzania. This is because the country has a limited number of qualified plastic surgeons, and the quality of care can be variable. In addition, the cost of cosmetic surgery in Tanzania is often out of reach for many women. This means that some women may choose to undergo procedures with unqualified practitioners, which can increase the risk of complications.
The Regret of Cosmetic Surgery is also a problem for Tanzanian women. This is because there is a lot of pressure on women in Tanzania to conform to Western beauty standards. As a result, some women may feel like they need to have cosmetic surgery to be attractive. However, after surgery, some women may realize they were unhappy with the results. This can lead to fear, low self-esteem, and even depression.
The Reasons Why Tanzanian Women Choose to Have Cosmetic Surgery
Cultural Influences and Societal Norms
One of the main reasons is culture, which influences individuals’ perceptions of beauty, often dictating the ideal physical characteristics highly valued within a society. In Tanzanian culture, as in many other organizations, specific beauty standards are reinforced through media, advertisements, and traditional beliefs. Lighter skin, fuller lips, and more Westernized features have traditionally been associated with attractiveness. As a result, some Tanzanian women may choose cosmetic surgery to align their appearance with these perceived ideals, aiming to enhance their self-esteem and societal acceptance.
Globalization and Media Influence
The rise in cosmetic surgery among Tanzanian women reflects the country’s changing social and economic landscape. As Tanzania becomes more globalized and westernized, so do the beauty standards that Tanzanian women aspire to. Cosmetic surgery can be a way for women to feel more confident and attractive to conform to these changing standards. However, it is essential to remember that cosmetic surgery is not a magic bullet and cannot solve all women’s problems regarding their body image. You must have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can achieve and ensure that you do it for the right reasons.
Doing Your Research Before Having Cosmetic Surgery
Choose a Qualified Surgeon: The surgeon’s qualifications are essential to your decision. Make sure they are board-certified and have experience performing the procedure you are interested in. You can find a list of board-certified surgeons in your area by visiting the American Board of Plastic Surgery website.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon questions about the procedure, the risks and benefits, and what to expect during your recovery. It would be best to ask for photos of the surgeon’s work before and after.
Get a Second Opinion: If you are still unsure whether cosmetic surgery is right for you, getting a second opinion from another surgeon is a good idea. This will give you another perspective on the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Be prepared for the Risks: No matter how skilled the surgeon is, there are always risks associated with cosmetic surgery. These risks can include infection, scarring, and complications from anesthesia. It is essential to be aware of these risks before you make a decision.
Have Realistic Expectations: Having realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can achieve is essential. Cosmetic surgery can improve your appearance but cannot change your entire life. If you hope that cosmetic surgery will solve all your problems, you will be disappointed.
The rise in cosmetic surgery among Tanzanian women is a complex issue with several contributing factors. While some women may choose cosmetic surgery for purely aesthetic reasons, others may be motivated to conform to Western beauty standards or improve their social and economic status. It is essential to be aware of the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery before making a decision and to ensure that you are doing it for the right reasons.