Part of the problem or part of the solution? Plastic surgeons and body image dissatisfaction

Nichola Jane Rumsey,Phillippa Diedrichs

doi:10.34239/ajops.v1i2.46

Nichola Jane Rumsey, Phillippa Diedrichs

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.v1i2.46

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Abstract

The prevalence of body dissatisfaction amongst people of all ages is increasing year on year. A substantial body of evidence now attests to a range of negative impacts on psychological wellbeing and on key areas of living, including health, education, work and relationships. This article considers why this social issue is worthy of attention from plastic surgeons and their teams and outlines ways in which the profession might contribute to a collective response. Suggestions include education to enhance understanding of the psychological factors involved in seeking and responding to appearance-enhancing surgery, training to improve standards of clinical practice (including patient selection, assessment and follow-up; promoting fully informed shared treatment decision making; the routine collection of pre and post procedural data) and the adoption of socially responsible business practices.

Highlights

An estimated two-thirds of children and adults experience body dissatisfaction.[1,2] A substantial body of evidence charts the negative impacts of body dissatisfaction on psychological wellbeing and on key aspects of living, including health, education, work and relationships.[3]
Ways in which plastic surgeons might contribute to a collective response are considered, Rumsey and Diedrichs: Part of the problem or part of the solution? Plastic surgeons and body image dissatisfaction
Armed with a better understanding of key psychological factors, plastic surgeons and their teams will be better placed to increase the probability that patients receive the treatment and care most appropriate to their needs

Summary

Introduction

An estimated two-thirds of children and adults experience body dissatisfaction.[1,2] A substantial body of evidence charts the negative impacts of body dissatisfaction on psychological wellbeing and on key aspects of living, including health, education, work and relationships.[3]. The proliferation of workshops at cosmetic surgery conferences and journal articles discussing commercial business practices (for example, ways of maximising turnover and profit despite fluctuating patterns in demand) would suggest that at least some surgeons are driven, at least in part, by maximising profit rather than the best interests of the patient.[41] several aspects of cosmetic practice in the private sector are regarded by others, both from within and external to the medical profession, with considerable scepticism Supporting this view are cases of breaches in patient safety involving special offers on procedures that a patient has not hitherto considered,[41,52] undue pressure to make quick decisions to undergo treatment through the use of incentives or discounts,[53] a cursory approach to patient assessment and selection (for example, by receptionists lacking the necessary expertise)[44] and aggressive marketing techniques, including the use of idealised and frequently digitally enhanced photographic images of ‘clients’, that promote false expectations of outcomes.[41,54]. Training in the psychological aspects of plastic surgery could better equip surgeons and their teams to effectively manage unmet expectations, dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes and postdecisional regret should these occur.[76]

Improve treatment protocols

Implement routine audits and contribute data to research

Findings

Conclusions