How Plastic Surgery Can Enhance Health
Aesthetic Surgery Is More Than Skin Deep

Plastic surgery is most often associated with improvements in appearance, but the benefits go beyond what the eye can see. For many, the decision to have plastic surgery is about improving comfort, and function, while reclaiming control over their bodies. Whether repairing abdominal muscles after childbirth, improving vision or breathing, or correcting damage from an injury, plastic surgery can have a profound impact on physical well-being.
Furthermore, choosing to make a change for yourself can also have deeply positive emotional impacts! Whatever your reasons — whether you pursue surgery or not — they are valid and deserve to be respected.
This article discusses some of the not-so-obvious but very life-changing functional impacts of various plastic surgery procedures.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
In an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) extra skin is removed, a new belly button is fashioned, surgical scars (i.e. cesarian section scars) are removed and the rectus abdominus muscles are repaired (also known as diastasis rectus [DR] repair). DR is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate from pregnancy or weight fluctuations causing core instability that can lead to back pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction and difficulty performing movements that require core strength. Repairing the muscles recreates core stability and improves muscle function, which can alleviate the various ailments that stem from DR.
Additionally, a surgeon can also remove or minimize the appearance of a C-section scar by excising the scarred tissue if a patient finds it beneficial.
Rhinoplasty
Difficulty with nasal breathing can have multiple underlying causes. During a rhinoplasty, changes can be made to the septum and other nasal structures to open the airways and improve nasal breathing. Visible deviations, whether developmental or traumatic in nature, can also be corrected. This is why we say that rhinoplasty is more than just a “nose job.”

Labiaplasty
Enlarged or asymmetrical labia are the result of changes in hormones with puberty or childbirth or sometimes are just “the way you’re made.” The excess tissue can cause irritation during physical activity, discomfort and embarrassment during sex. It may also cause “tangling” in clothing while increasing the risk of some vaginal infections. A labiaplasty removes excess tissue which alleviates these issues and allows for greater comfort. The procedure can be performed while you’re awake under local anesthesia, and is almost easier than a trip to the dentist’s office!
“Labiaplasty is one of my favorite operations! The issues women experience from enlarged labia are usually invisible to the outside world but have deep & personal daily impacts — & the fix is relatively simple. This procedure has a 99.9% satisfaction rate, & is a personal win for so many women!”
-Dr. Michelle Sieffert, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
As we age, drooping brows and eyelids can start to obstruct vision, fatigue our eyes and, sometimes, cause headaches from straining. As our brows and eyelids descend, the forehead muscles spend a lot of time lifting the eyelids, which is where facial fatigue and headaches can stem from. Eyelid surgery (also known as “blepharoplasty“) and brow lifting restore the normal field of vision and take the strain off the forehead muscles.
Of course, headaches and eye strain can have other causes, but lifting the brows and lids has the potential to improve these symptoms and provide a more refreshed and awake appearance.
Breast Augmentation
In some cases, breast augmentation isn’t just about increasing size; it can also correct congenital conditions such as tuberous breasts and congenital asymmetries helping women achieve a more natural shape and symmetry.

Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts can contribute to chronic neck, shoulder and back pain, along with a whole host of additional concerns like:
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Grooving in the shoulders
- Increased risk of infection
- Difficulty finding undergarments & clothes that fit
Breast reduction surgery immediately improves these problems while enhancing mobility and overall quality of life. Patients in the recovery room say they feel lighter, can sit up straighter and breathe better immediately after surgery. This surgery is not only effective in improving functionality in everyday life but is also substantially easier to recover from than ever before. Most women who have a breast reduction take pain medication for a couple of days to a week and will take a week off from most jobs.
Liposuction
By reducing stubborn fat deposits, liposuction can lower BMI, relieve excess strain on joints and support a more active lifestyle. While not a weight-loss procedure, it acts as a catalyst for better mobility, greater comfort and a healthier lifestyle.
Nipple Repair
Inverted or misshapen nipples can cause everyday discomfort, chafing and sensitivity issues. Corrective nipple procedures help alleviate these concerns and allow patients to feel more comfortable in their clothes — especially after breastfeeding.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Protruding or irregular ear cartilage can cause discomfort, especially for those who wear glasses or headwear regularly. Otoplasty (sometimes called “Ear Pinning”) reshapes the ears for a more natural contour, reducing pain and irritation.
Body Contouring Procedures
After significant weight loss, excess skin can create issues with irritation, chafing, and infection in skin folds, as well as cause functional limitations with exercise and everyday activities. Body contouring procedures like arm lifts (or Brachioplasty), thigh lifts and body lifts remove excess skin to improve comfort, hygiene and mobility. These surgeries are best performed when individuals are within 15 lbs. of their goal weight, and their weight has been stable for at least 3 months. These procedures often need to be “staged” if multiple body areas need to be treated.

“The best part of body contouring is it helps patients fully appreciate & embrace the results of their hard work!”
-Dr. Michelle Sieffert, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Solutions That Have Functional Benefits
Many non-invasive or minimally-invasive solutions we offer provide minor relief for chronic conditions, pain and skin concerns, as well, helping patients feel better with close to no downtime.
Botox & Neuromodulators
Beyond wrinkle reduction, Botox is an incredibly versatile and powerful treatment for conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraines and TMJ disorders by offering temporary pain relief and muscle tension — especially in the trapezius muscles.
Microneedling
This highly customizable, collagen-stimulating treatment improves the texture of scar tissue, reducing discomfort and restoring flexibility to affected areas. Microneedling is particularly beneficial for those with post-surgical or acne-related scarring.
Professional Acne Treatments
Severe acne isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it can lead to painful inflammation, infections and long-term scarring. Medical-grade acne treatments address the root cause of these blemishes, helping to manage breakouts, reduce bacteria and prevent future damage.
About The Author
Dr. Michelle Sieffert is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for her patient-centered approach and meticulous surgical expertise. As a mother herself, she understands firsthand the physical changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth — an experience that deepens her commitment to helping patients regain strength, comfort and confidence in their bodies.
Whether repairing core muscles after childbirth, alleviating pain from excess weight or correcting structural nasal concerns, Dr. Sieffert believes plastic surgery is about more than physical enhancements — it’s about empowerment.

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