Psychological Effects
Plastic surgery is interconnected with psychology, and it is not a merely medical procedure for only medical reasons, as psychology has played a great role in the patients’ decision to perform plastic surgery, especially in patients with burns, birth defects or trauma survivors.
Plastic surgery can help individuals with low self-esteem, and it has
been confirmed through previous surveys that individuals who had
undergone plastic surgery have felt better self-confidence and improved
self-image. (Yang 2023) This has helped them achieve their personal or
professional goals. (Yang, 2023) Patients shared that the top reasons to
get plastic surgeries were mental and emotional, and social well-being.
However, it is not a cure for low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction.
This is especially for individuals struggling with body dysmorphic
disorder which is a mental disorder where the person is obsessed with
the flaws in their appearance, therefore performing surgery may have
temporary results and will not be the solution to their underlying
problem.
Plastic surgery can have a positive outcome on patients suffering
psychologically, if approached with a realistic expectation and done
with long term considerations. It is recommended that patients’ mental
well-being is being assessed to ensure their motive and expectation from
the surgery.
In a study conducted in 2011 it was found that British teenage girls
received flattering on their appearance through their social network
sites, hence individuals are very influenced by how they are perceived
online and are willing to do procedures to improve their appearance
online.