Let’s put on our lab coats, ladies. Things are about to get scientific.
A 2006 study from the University of Pittsburgh asked women who’d just gotten plastic surgery about their sex lives before and after – and guess what? After going under the knife, women reported having better, more frequent and more enjoyable sex.
Sounds brilliant. Right?
In a way this isn’t surprising. Good sex isn’t really about having ‘the boobs’ or ‘the butt’ or ‘the stomach’. It’s about confidence. Dr Benjamin Norris, of Silkwood Medical at Bondi Junction in Sydney, explains:
“Well done aesthetic surgery will definitely boost self esteem and confidence, which has a positive effect on all aspects of a woman’s life – her sex life included.”
So if you’re looking for a spike in your sex life, should you rush out and get something plumped or sucked? Perhaps – but let’s look a bit closer.
Plastic surgery is about aesthetic improvement, sure. However, it’s also about underlying issues. People often don’t get breast implants simply to have bigger breasts – they want to feel able to wear more provocative clothing, feel sexier, have more femininity or improve their self-esteem.
I’m no foe to plastic surgery. It’s every woman’s personal choice. If you think it automatically spells great sex, though, you’re not necessarily right, and here’s why.
For one thing, there’s the problem of thinking ‘I’m only sexy because of my breast implants/tummy tuck’. Some women after plastic surgery report a feeling of disassociation with their new attractiveness, and almost regard it with resentment – it’s not natural, and so they can’t claim credit for or enjoy it.
This can get you into some real trouble in the bedroom. If you feel like your sexiness comes from something exterior rather than yourself, you’re going to feel more insecure and ‘incomplete’ than ever.
If you don’t address the desires and beliefs that led you to get plastic surgery in the first place, your sex life might not rev up in the way you wanted. Worst case scenario? You may be stuck in a Heidi Montag-like cycle, pursuing sexual acceptance without hope for fulfilment. (Heidi is pictured above for those who didn’t recognise her!)
For another, there’s the risk of side effects. Far too many women do not do enough research into these before undergoing surgery. Some breast implant patients report the partial or total loss of sensation in their nipple area, lasting anything from a few weeks to years. There’s also the possibility of scarring and infection, and the almost inevitable onset of bruising.
‘Delicate’ sex after plastic surgery is often necessary in the first few weeks, anyway. You can’t expect to feel like Raquel Welch immediately.
The bottom line? Plastic surgery is a pretty excellent medical innovation – but bedroom magic? Don’t count your chickens, Pittsburgh researchers.
Lady Friday xx
Taking the pillow talk out of the bedroom, every Friday…
Image courtesy of Starpulse.com