subject: Cosmetic Surgery - Research Evidence Suggests That It May Not Leave You Any Happier [print this page] Some psychologists are planning to probe the upwelling in cosmetic enhancement procedures and examine whether these surgeries have any long-lasting psychological disadvantages. In addition to research, psychologists may perform roles in assisting patients too, such as helping surgeons administer psychological assessments. For instance, they can assist cosmetic surgeons to distinguish patients who may find it difficult to make the necessary psychological or emotional adjustments after cosmetic surgery.
Studies spanning four decades have shown that most people undergoing cosmetic enhancements are satisfied with the result. But what has been neglected is the outcome in psychological terms. Researchers feel that the answers to one burning question may help to fill in the gaps.
Many people do end up feeling good about themselves after seeing how much better they look after cosmetic surgery. A recent analysis of studies on patients' psychological profile and emotional performance prior to and after cosmetic surgery, suggests constructive results in patients that include body image improvements and a possible boost in their quality of life. But the same research also found several predictors of flawed outcomes, more noticeably in patients with depression or anxiety history, as well as those who have unreasonable expectations.
A study administered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicated that 75% of the respondents chose cosmetic surgery to obtain improved looks and a more vibrant lifestyle. Also, 70% alluded to psychological merits and emotional rewards after surgery, with significant contentment and rehabilitated self-confidence and self-esteem. Also quite impressive, is the 45% who said they enjoy the daily advantage of being more attractive.
Outcomes of some studies showed that psychological status forecast changes in both body image and self-esteem evaluation. Patients that did not register any problems on the scales displayed greater progress in body image and self-esteem evaluation than those with psychological issues. There was a stark negative link between pre-operative emotional problems and contentment with surgical outcomes.
Findings of a study at the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Md. show that there's a larger tendency for women with breast implants to take their own lives. It's one of several studies that have recurrently revealed an escalation of suicide risk among women with surgical breast implants. Findings show that women who have had surgically augmented breasts are three times more likely to commit suicide. Researchers fail to clarify the suicides and the big question remains a mystery: Are women who have suicidal tendencies more liable to decide on having breast implants; or is the cosmetic surgery itself the leading cause of the suicide?
Some researchers allege that recipients of surgical implants display a host of psychosomatic problems that put them in grave danger of imminent suicide. Whether this is the only rationalization or whether post-surgery discontentment is also involved, has not yet been clarified.
