The plastic surgery may be an option to raise self-esteem and to fight against the depression of people dissatisfied with the own body.

San Francisco (EUA), Oct 8 (EFE).- A significant number of patients stopped taking antidepressants after undergoing cosmetic surgery, confirms a study presented today at one of the plastic surgeon conventions in San Francisco (California).

According to a research study, people who undergo plastic surgery seem to be "happier no that something that was bothering them has been improved ", explains Bruce Freedman, research director.

"We are not saying that cosmetic surgery alone is responsible for the decrease in the number of patients who take antidepressants, but it is an important factor ", states Freedman.

The study analyzed the cases of 362 people, mostly middle-aged women that undergo some kind of cosmetic surgery, such as breast implants or liposuction.

Among the patients, 17% (61 patients) took medication for depression. Six months after the operation, this number reduced 31%, in other words, to 42 patients.

On the other hand, 98% of the people who were studied said that the operation had improved their self-esteem."

We have just discovered some physical and psychological advantages to plastic surgery ", said Freedman during a conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.