When we look good, we feel better. It is an undoubted thing. And we can not deny the influence of physical well-being on an emotional level. Therefore, it is not surprising that aesthetic medicine has become a tool that helps to improve confidence and self-esteem in us. The data must be taken into account: the number of medical-aesthetic treatments has increased by 5.4% since 2016, according to data from the SEME. And, without a doubt, the main reason for the increase in demand is to achieve a neat, natural and healthy look. But it is also far from a matter of vanity or pride, aesthetics is a concept closely tied to our self-esteem. Feeling comfortable when we look in the mirror fills us with confidence. This is the opinion of Dr. Cristina Villanueva, a professional with more than 25 years of experience in the field of aesthetic medicine, with whom we have talked about the value of aesthetics in our way of seeing ourselves and confronting us on a day-to-day basis, as well as the role that this medical discipline can play in this, that is, in the self-confidence of people who need or simply decide to get treatment.
Read also: Body image and self-esteem: this is how I look and this is how it affects me
To what extent do you consider it important to achieve physical well-being to maintain our emotional well-being as well?
Our physical well-being is not only the absence of disease, the fact that we see ourselves well influences our mood and it is for this and other benefits inherent in each account, that we are careful with our diet, we value physical exercise as a source of health and well-being as well as others ways to take care of ourselves like meditation, the full attention or aesthetic medicine for the care of our body and being able to find the best version of oneself. Feeling good makes us more confident in ourselves.
Not feeling good about our physique can cause significant self-esteem problems, doesn’t it? Do body image and self-esteem go hand in hand today?
I believe that body image influences our self-esteem and that is why it is important to take care of it, but we must not forget other factors such as social or psychological that also significantly influence and focus only on physical appearance can lead us to a excess treatments and loss of naturalness.
Do you think there are people who overestimate her image, who may become obsessed with it?
Yes, that’s what I said in the previous question, self-confidence, so important is based on many pillars, feeling good about our education, our family, our work, knowing how to enjoy art , rest, music, friendship and love, all these are indispensable factors to have self-confidence and although undoubtedly our appearance is important, focusing everything on our appearance can be a pathology and lead to an excess of cosmetic treatments. Aesthetic medicine contributes to our emotional well-being but it is by no means the only way.
Do you consider aesthetic medicine to be a tool capable of improving self-confidence and self-esteem?
Yes, undoubtedly. The advancement of aesthetic medicine treatments, both in techniques and products, means that we can prevent or delay aging, treat it in a way appropriate to each age and personality and also help with body treatments both to lose weight and improve the quality of skin, hair, etc.
But we need to keep in mind that we need to undergo treatments always with good advice, as we need to learn to value ourselves and know what we really need, don’t you think?
Of course, putting yourself in the hands of experienced doctors is essential to have good advice that allows us a good diagnosis and, therefore, a good treatment, which will lead us to patient satisfaction and loyalty. , that is, that we can always accompany him in this task of taking care of himself in the most reasonable and safe way.
Read also: This is how what you eat influences your self-esteem
Are there occasions when the patient seeks to resolve deeper conflicts with aesthetic medicine, such as emotional pain or personal dissatisfaction?
Yes, this also exists, our experience as doctors should allow us to realize what is happening to this patient, because if this is what happens, our treatments will not solve the problem, although many times, well focused, they can help initiate other supportive treatments for your emotional problem.
What is the role of an aesthetic doctor when you encounter situations like this?
The role of an aesthetic doctor on these occasions is usually to say no to unnecessary treatments or that they are not going to solve the problem. Advising the patient on other professionals who can help him and often act together. The important thing is that the patient does not lose his naturalness or undergo treatments that will deform him because he never looks good or never has enough, the lip, to give an example, it is very important to know how to say no.
Read also: What are the most common reasons for wanting to have cosmetic surgery?
What value does aesthetics have on our way of seeing ourselves and facing ourselves on a day-to-day basis?
Not only today, although it is now available to more people, throughout the history of mankind people have valued aesthetics and the Egyptians were already performing skin treatments and plastic surgery, giving- we got an idea of the importance of the image, also the Greeks and then during the Renaissance it became clear with the use of the golden ratio the importance of beauty in art, today we use this proportion to create harmony in the our faces.
Taking care of ourselves and feeling good about ourselves helps us to improve our self-esteem and self-esteem is the basis of confidence, so having self-confidence, knowing how to recognize our strengths and empower them. it helps us cope better with any situation.