The Psychological Health Benefits of Aesthetic Surgery

Abstract

Heightened rates of psychological distress and mental health disorders are observed in aesthetic surgery populations and are frequently cited as motivating factors for the pursuit of such procedures. Although mental health disorders are often considered a contraindication due to the risk of adverse outcomes posttreatment, the therapeutic benefits of aesthetic surgery are well documented and can lead to the resolution of distress and disorders. This paper presents a literature review of the psychosocial health outcomes for such populations and the associated clinical guidance for clinicians. A review of the literature indicates that although for a minority of patients the presence of psychological or a mental health disorder can increase the risk of poor posttreatment outcomes, the majority of aesthetic surgery patients achieve positive psychosocial and psychological outcomes. These include the resolution of depression, anxiety, and eating disorder and personality disorder symptomatology, as well as enhanced functioning in several key life domains and improvements in body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life, indicating that aesthetic surgery provides a significant therapeutic function. This literature review concludes that the presence of a psychological or mental health disorder is not necessarily a contraindication for aesthetic surgery and should not automatically preclude patients from treatment. Psychological screening, informed by validated assessment measures developed for aesthetic surgical clinics and general hospital settings, should be an integral aspect of pretreatment processes. This ensures prompt identification of those at elevated risk for poor posttreatment outcomes, enabling timely referral for comprehensive psychological risk assessment and treatment.