Introduction
Cosmetic surgery has globally gained too much attention from people, especially women. People undergo this procedure to enhance their physical appearance. It is essential to understand psychologically the decision toward cosmetic surgery and the factors influencing it. The most common factors influencing decision-making are negative body image and dissatisfaction with physical appearance.
Other factors that influence patients to undergo cosmetic surgery are social media and society. Communication between the cosmetic surgeon and the patient during the surgery also plays an important role in the psychology of cosmetic surgery. The various aspects of cosmetic surgery can be explained in sociology, psychology, feminist scholarship, and cultural studies. The decision to seek cosmetic surgery may vary from patient to patient, depending on the individual’s characteristics.
How to Understand the Psychology of Cosmetic Surgery?
The psychology of cosmetic surgery can be understood by knowing the reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery, the potential psychological risks, and the importance of a thorough psychological evaluation.
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The Reasons for Seeking Cosmetic Surgery: Patients seek cosmetic surgery because some may want to look younger and more attractive, some may want to correct flaws and deformities in the body, and others may want to treat medical problems such as chronic pain or breathing difficulties. There are various reasons for choosing cosmetic surgery, and it is essential to understand the patients psychologically regarding which factors drive them to seek cosmetic surgery.
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The Potential Psychological Risks: Though the procedure has many benefits, it has some psychological risks associated with it, like body dysmorphic disorder, which is a condition associated with a negative perception of body image, depression, lower self-esteem, and anxiety.
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The Importance of a Thorough Psychological Evaluation: As the procedure tends to have some psychological risks, it is important to evaluate the patient psychologically prior to the procedure. A qualified mental health professional with experience working with cosmetic surgery patients may evaluate the patient’s medical history, a detailed psychological assessment of the patient, and the patient’s motivations and expectations toward cosmetic surgery.
What Are the Psychological Characteristics of Patients Seeking Cosmetic Surgery?
Patients seeking cosmetic surgery may have different psychological characteristics from person to person. Some patients may have body image dissatisfaction, especially those with body dysmorphic disorder who tend to obsess over their physical appearance and are dissatisfied, which may propel them to seek surgery. In contrast, others tend to seek surgery to enhance their self-image. Despite the risks and costs associated with the surgery, patients who want to improve their physical appearance are referred to as doers. Some with positive body image and body image satisfaction also tend to seek cosmetic surgery.
What Is the Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Cosmetic Surgery?
Body image dissatisfaction is a leading factor for patients seeking cosmetic surgery, and the dissatisfaction with their body image may vary among individuals. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder have significant dissatisfaction. They are characterized by perceived physical defects that can lead to seeking cosmetic surgery, while others with higher satisfaction with their body image also undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their self-esteem further and are considered to have body image as a part of their self-esteem.
Body image is significantly associated with cosmetic surgery, and patients who prioritize body image as a measure of their self-esteem tend to seek cosmetic surgery mostly. Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by individuals with perceived physical defects who avoid social contact. They often make the patients check their physical appearance in mirrors and groom them excessively. Patients with this disorder may seek cosmetic surgery to correct their perceived defect, which is often ineffective and may worsen the condition.
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The Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Cosmetic Surgery: Patients seeking cosmetic surgery are mostly dissatisfied with their body image and have low self-esteem and confidence. Cosmetic surgery is not a cure for poor body image and low self-esteem. Hence, a strong association between body image and cosmetic surgery will exist.
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The Importance of Addressing Body Image Concerns: Cosmetic surgeons must work closely with mental health professionals to know the patient’s beliefs and opinions about body image and cosmetic surgery. It is important to address the underlying body image concerns of the patients before the surgery.
What Are the Potential Psychological Changes After Cosmetic Surgery?
The psychological changes after cosmetic surgery may vary among patients. Some patients may have increased self-esteem and self-confidence with reduced dissatisfaction with their body image after cosmetic surgery, while others may not have any psychological benefits. Sometimes, patients may have negative psychological effects with increased depressive symptoms after surgery. So the psychological changes after cosmetic surgery might be neutral, positive, or negative based on the individual’s characteristics and the surgical outcome.
What Are the Roles of Cosmetic Surgeons in Improving the Psychological Aspects of Patients Seeking Cosmetic Surgery?
Choosing a qualified and ethical cosmetic surgeon based on their skills and working experience with patients with varied physical and psychological concerns is important. It is also essential to evaluate the patients psychologically by working closely with mental health professionals to ensure the patients are ready for surgery both psychologically and physically and to address the psychological concerns, potential risks, and benefits associated with the surgery to patients before the procedure and also about any available alternative options for the patients before the procedures.
Conclusion
Cosmetic surgery can be a powerful tool for improving one's physical appearance and self-confidence, but it is important to recognize the potential psychological risks associated with these procedures. By understanding the psychology of cosmetic surgery, including why people seek these procedures and the potential psychological risks, individuals can make informed decisions about whether or not to undergo cosmetic surgery. With the help of qualified and ethical cosmetic surgeons, as well as mental health professionals, individuals can work towards achieving their desired physical appearance while also addressing any underlying psychological concerns.
