Psychological Disorders Are a Non-negligible Factor in Medical Aesthetic Disputes

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Jan;50(1):435-446. doi: 10.1007/s00266-025-04940-7. Epub 2025 Jun 5.

Abstract

Background: Psychological disorders play a crucial yet often overlooked role in medical aesthetic disputes. Patients with underlying psychological conditions may have unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction and legal conflicts.

Objectives: This review aims to explore the impact of psychological disorders on medical aesthetic disputes, analyze their prevalence, and discuss strategies to mitigate associated risks.

Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on the relationship between psychological disorders-such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anxiety, and depression-and medical aesthetic disputes. Key factors influencing patient satisfaction and dispute resolution were examined.

Results: Psychological disorders are significantly associated with higher dissatisfaction rates and increased risk of conflicts in aesthetic medicine. Inadequate psychological screening and poor communication between practitioners and patients contribute to these disputes. Implementing thorough psychological assessments and improving patient selection criteria can help reduce conflict and enhance treatment outcomes.

Conclusions: Understanding and addressing psychological disorders in aesthetic patients is essential for reducing disputes and improving patient satisfaction. Integrating mental health evaluations into aesthetic practice, along with better communication strategies, can help prevent conflicts and optimize clinical outcomes. Collaboration between aesthetic professionals and mental health specialists is recommended to ensure comprehensive patient care. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Keywords: Aesthetic medicine; Body dysmorphic disorder; Doctor–patient communication; Medical aesthetic disputes; Patient satisfaction; Psychological disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders / psychology
  • Dissent and Disputes*
  • Esthetics / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders* / psychology
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Surgery, Plastic* / psychology