The Correlation of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery With Sexual, Social, and Romantic Life in Cyprus.

During the 21st century, the interest in cosmetic surgery has dramatically increased. Aesthetic plastic surgery can improve self-esteem and self-confidence, enhancing appearance, social relations, and sexual life. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of aesthetic plastic surgery with sexual, social, and romantic lives in Cyprus. Questionnaire data from 128 cosmetic surgery patients, from a plastic surgery clinic in Nicosia, were obtained approximately 1 week before and 3 months after surgery. The questionnaire was developed by the authors for the purpose of this study and consisted of measures on body image, social life, relationships, and sexuality. Pre- and postoperative values were compared. The majority of participants were women (81.9%), and respondents' mean age was 35.35 years. One of 2 participants reporting had undergone breast augmentation (47.6%). One of 2 participants reported feeling self-confidence after treatment, and the majority of respondents reported a positive influence in all 3 realms: sex life (54.7%), social life (64.4%), and romantic relationship (49.5%). Those who underwent breast augmentation were 4 times more likely to report that their sex life had been positively affected than those who did not undergo breast augmentation. The study provides evidence of improvement in an individual's satisfaction with his or her body image and self-confidence after cosmetic surgery. The study demonstrates the positive impact of cosmetic surgery to social life and relationships, especially breast augmentation surgery to sexuality.

Chios mastic, a natural supplement for zinc to enhance male sexuality and prostate function.

Mastic is a natural resin extracted from the stem of the evergreen tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia (Duham) (Anacardiaceae). For a long time, mastic has been esteemed for its aphrodisiac properties. To test this hypothesis, the trace element zinc was determined while the quantity released after a certain time of chewing was studied. For comparison, three commercial chewing-gums were analyzed as well. A portion of natural mastic or commercial gum was uniformly chewed for 1, 2, 3, and 4 h and the zinc content measured. The zinc content of mastic from P. lentiscus var. Chia was compared to that of other natural resins from the same genus (Pistacia terebinthus L.) or conifer [Pinus halepensis Mill. (Pinaceae)], having a different secretion mechanism and also used as an additive in human nutrition. Secreted resin and plant tissues from the above trees were sampled and the zinc content was determined. Zinc concentrations in the resin were lower than in the plant tissues. The Chios mastic showed a slightly greater zinc content compared to the other analyzed specimens. Among all gums studied, only the Chios mastic released a small amount of about 0.7 mg kg(-1) zinc in the mouth and gastrointestinal system after 4 h chewing time. With commercial gums, the zinc content increased to a large degree (up to 2 mg kg(-1)) after the same treatment, a fact which was attributed to the zinc uptake from salivary secretions, indicating zinc deprivation for the human organism.