More Surgery, Same Insecurities? What Our Data Reveals
Many people choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to feel more confident about their appearance. While these procedures are intended to increase satisfaction with how you look, our findings suggest that this is not always the case in practice. In some situations, other approaches can play an equally important role in building a healthier relationship with your body.
To learn more about these issues, we surveyed 1,468 people in our Body Perception Survey to understand how they feel about their appearance and what influences their body image. These figures gave us the opportunity to explore the connection between cosmetic procedures and dissatisfaction, and highlight lifestyle factors that could be worthwhile alternatives to surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is increasing, but is body satisfaction?
In April 2025, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported an overall 5% increase in cosmetic surgery trends for women across 2024. This rise reflects a growing interest in procedures aimed at enhancing or altering appearance, particularly facial rejuvenation and body contouring treatments.
Yet despite more people choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery, concerns about body image continue to rise. Among respondents to our survey who had cosmetic procedures, 86% reported that surgery either made no difference to their perception of their body or made them feel worse. These findings highlight that while surgery can change physical features, it does not always improve self-esteem or overall satisfaction with appearance.
Lifestyle changes to attempt before surgery
Cosmetic surgery is an extremely personal choice which should never be taken lightly. Ideally, other options should be considered before making any final decision about undergoing a procedure. Exploring lifestyle changes first may have a positive impact on how you feel about your appearance and overall wellbeing.
Healthy diet and physical activity
Of those who answered our survey indicating they were unhappy with their appearance, 78% believe that lifestyle changes such as weight loss and improving diet have a positive effect on body perception. This shows that many people are aware of the benefits a healthier lifestyle could bring to the way they see themselves, but sometimes they may simply need that bit of support to take the first step.
There are strong links between the nutritional value and diversity of your diet and depression. A more balanced, varied diet can improve your mood and support better mental health overall.
Regular, healthy physical activity also reduces the risk of many illnesses, helps maintain a healthy weight, and contributes to better emotional wellbeing. Consistent exercise can help you feel more in control of your health and appearance.
Sports and active hobbies can improve your mental health and overall outlook on life by providing a sense of community, releasing endorphins and offering an opportunity to focus on positive achievements. This can be particularly helpful when working towards feeling better about your body.
Limit social media and curate your feeds
Of those who answered our survey indicating they were unsatisfied with their body image, 54% believe that social media influences them to want to change their appearance. Within this group, 73% use social media multiple times a day, and 36% feel that AI editing has affected their body perception and made them more critical of themselves.
Despite this awareness, many continue to engage frequently with content that leaves them feeling inadequate. In fact, 56% recognise that social media overall has an impact on how they see their bodies. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and the algorithms adapt to show you more of what you look at, even if it promotes unrealistic standards.
Limiting how often you use social media can have a significant positive effect on how you feel about yourself. Curating your feeds by following accounts that promote body positivity, diversity and authenticity can help counteract negative influences. At the same time, filtering out content that relies heavily on AI editing or heavily retouched images can support a healthier mindset about your appearance.
Stepping back or even removing social media from your daily routine altogether can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and overall wellbeing, helping you to focus on what genuinely matters and feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Mindfulness and psychological factors
Mindfulness can play a valuable role in improving how you perceive your body and how you feel about yourself overall. By practising mindfulness, you can learn to stay present and observe your thoughts without judgement, helping to reduce the critical patterns that often fuel negative body image. In fact, research has shown that mindfulness can positively influence body perception, supporting a healthier and more accepting relationship with your appearance over time.
Another helpful approach is body neutrality. This perspective emphasises that you do not need to feel your body is beautiful or exceptional in order to value yourself. Simply existing is enough - your body does not have to meet any particular standard to be deserving of care and respect.
Practising gratitude alongside mindfulness can also help shift your focus away from how your body looks and towards an appreciation for everything it enables you to do each day. Noticing and acknowledging moments of comfort, strength or enjoyment can gradually build a more balanced and compassionate view of yourself.
Support groups and community
Speaking with others who understand what you are going through can be a powerful way to feel less isolated and more supported. Connecting with people who have similar experiences can help you share feelings, learn coping strategies and gain reassurance that you are not alone in how you feel.
It can be helpful to speak to your doctor about support groups available in your area. You may also find it useful to explore reputable online resources to learn more about additional services and ways to access help. The NHS offers guidance on body dissatisfaction support and mental health resources that can provide further information about treatment options and where to find help.
How Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help
At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have extensive experience in helping people who have experienced negligent plastic surgery to claim compensation for the damage and financial losses they have endured. We understand how difficult and distressing it can be when a procedure does not go as planned, and we are here to guide you through the process with clear advice and dedicated support.
If your surgeon failed to follow their obligations to you at any point during your surgical journey - whether through inadequate care, poor planning, or avoidable errors - you could be entitled to make a claim. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you are under no obligation to pay anything unless your claim is successful, at which point our fees will be taken from your final compensation payment.
To find out how we can help you, get in touch by calling 0808 256 1301 or filling out our , and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.
