Psychiatric experts urge plastic surgeons to include mental health evaluations as part of the consultation process before a patient undergoes surgery. A thorough psychological evaluation can help identify individuals who may benefit from alternative approaches and therapy instead of surgery. People who seek cosmetic surgery often feel dissatisfied with a specific physical feature. In some cases, these individuals struggle with a mental health condition like body dysmorphia that makes them see flaws in their appearance that others do not perceive.
Self-Esteem
Many people who get Bellevue plastic surgery feel better about themselves after the procedure. However, this is only the case if their expectations are reasonable. According to studies, as many as 12% of post-surgical patients have unrealistic hopes for their procedures. This can lead to unsatisfactory results. Psychologists play an essential role in helping patients avoid such pitfalls. They help them ensure they are mentally prepared for surgery by performing psychological evaluations before and after surgery. These evaluations help identify possible psychological risks, such as body dysmorphic disorder and unrealistic expectations. In addition to that, psychologists also help in determining whether someone is seeking cosmetic surgery as an attempt to mask deeper mental health issues. If this is the case, they may advise the patient to seek professional treatment instead of cosmetic surgery. This will help them find other ways to cope with their insecurities and boost their self-esteem. It will also help them avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.
Self-Confidence
Plastic surgery can boost your self-esteem by making you feel good about yourself if you’re dissatisfied with a body part due to age-related changes, an injury, or some other cause. In one study, patients who reported high levels of satisfaction with their results were likelier to have better relationships and experience greater happiness in life, even two years later. However, some people may experience poorer psychological outcomes after cosmetic surgery. Those with unrealistic expectations and a history of specific mental health disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), are more likely to be dissatisfied with their results.
Relationships
People with pre-existing mental health or self-esteem issues can sometimes have an even worse time after plastic surgery. This is especially true for individuals with psychological problems tied to their dissatisfaction with a particular body part, such as those suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). These people may continue seeking cosmetic procedures to address a perceived flaw in appearance, which can lead to more depression and anxiety. However, most studies indicate that people tend to feel happier about their appearance after cosmetic surgeries if their expectations are reasonable and if a reputable surgeon performs the surgery. Patients who get results that exceed their expectations experience more positive emotions about their appearance in social situations up to two years after their procedure. In addition, specific cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty and breast augmentations, are associated with more significant increases in feelings of self-confidence and confidence than other procedures. This is likely because these surgeries change a more noticeable aspect of the face and body.