Plastic surgery: Weighing the advantages, disadvantages, and guidance for consultation
Cosmetic and plastic surgery have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people seeking to improve their appearance and boost their confidence. However, it's essential to understand that these procedures come with their own set of risks and potential mental health implications.
Positive Mental Health Effects
For some individuals, cosmetic surgery can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. Procedures such as breast augmentation can help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance, leading to improvements in social and professional interactions. [3]
Potential Mental Health Risks
On the other hand, cosmetic surgery can also pose significant psychological risks, particularly for those with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or similar underlying mental health conditions. Heightened anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction with surgical results are common in such patients who may develop obsessive concerns about new or existing perceived flaws after surgery. [1][5]
Persistent psychological distress, such as suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, compulsive behaviors focused on body checking or grooming, and delusions about body image, can also occur. [1] Temporary mood swings, vulnerability, or doubts during the recovery period are also common, although they are generally considered a normal part of healing. [3]
Additional Concerns
Unrealistic expectations, fueled by idealized media images, can lead patients to feel disappointed post-surgery, as cosmetic procedures often cannot deliver the "perfect" outcome imagined. [1][3] Some patients may develop or worsen addiction-like patterns toward cosmetic procedures, related to coexistence with mental disorders. [2]
Recognition and screening for underlying psychological issues like BDD before surgery are crucial to avoid poor outcomes, as surgery rarely resolves underlying self-esteem or body image disorders. [1][4][5]
Making an Informed Decision
Before undergoing cosmetic or plastic surgery, individuals should take time to consider the risks and benefits of the procedures, speak with a healthcare professional, look for surgeons with extensive experience and training, and have realistic expectations of the results. [5]
It's important to note that cosmetic surgery is elective, meaning that a person chooses to undergo the procedure rather than doing so at the recommendation of a healthcare professional. [5] Health insurance may not cover cosmetic surgery without proven medical reasons. [5]
Special Cases
Plastic surgery can also help people align their bodies with the way they want to look, potentially improving body confidence, self-esteem, and symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. [5] In cases where individuals have severe burns, congenital disabilities, or have undergone a mastectomy, plastic surgery can be life-changing, helping them regain a sense of normalcy and self-worth.
For those who believe they may have BDD or another mental health condition, it's crucial to address this condition before undergoing cosmetic surgery. [5] Major procedures will require recovery and downtime, and people may need to take time off from work and may need assistance from others with everyday tasks. [5]
In conclusion, while cosmetic surgery can have positive mental health effects when expectations are realistic and psychological status is healthy, it carries significant risks of exacerbating mental health problems, particularly for those with body dysmorphia or other psychiatric conditions. Careful preoperative mental health evaluation and management can help mitigate adverse effects. [1][3][4][5]
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. [2] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2019). Plastic surgery statistics. Retrieved from www.plasticsurgery.org/media/statistics [3] Grover, R. (2017). The psychology of cosmetic surgery. International Journal of Aesthetic and Restorative Surgery, 4(1), 1-5. [4] International OCD Foundation. (2019). Body dysmorphic disorder. Retrieved from iocdf.org/about-ocd/types-of-ocd/body-dysmorphic-disorder/ [5] Mayo Clinic. (2019). Cosmetic surgery: Nose surgery. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nose-surgery/about/pac-20394909
- Facial cosmetic surgeries, such as breast augmentation, can improve self-esteem and confidence in some individuals, but they can also pose significant psychological risks for those with medical-conditions like body dysmorphic disorder.
- Heightened anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction with surgical results are common in patients with underlying mental-health conditions following cosmetic surgery, potentially leading to severe psychological distress, including suicidal thoughts.
- Unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of cosmetic procedures, often fueled by idealized media images, can lead to disappointment post-surgery and may cause some patients to develop or worsen addiction-like patterns toward such procedures.
- CBD, a wellness product derived from cannabis, may help manage anxiety and other symptoms related to mental-health conditions, and its use could be a viable alternative for individuals considering cosmetic therapies and treatments.
- Prior to undergoing cosmetic or plastic surgery, it's crucial to have realistic health-and-wellness expectations, address any underlying mental-health issues like body dysmorphic disorder, and consider the potential risks and benefits.
