Psychological Issues Associated with Breast Augmentation

Abstract

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that 329,396 women have undergone breast augmentation in the United States, an increase of 55% between 2000 and 2006, making it the most frequent US surgical cosmetic procedure for 2006 (). Although many studies have explored psychological aspects of this type of surgery, the consistently dramatic increase in numbers of breast augmentations, some that result in adverse psychological outcomes, remains a serious concern for health care providers. Surprisingly, very little is known about either the psychological characteristics of cosmetic surgery patients or the psychological impact of the surgical procedures. This literature review focuses on psychological issues in relation to breast augmentation procedures, including recent suicide findings related to this procedure. Conclusion of this review supports the necessity by health care providers to consistently screen patients for psychological disorders, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), prior to conducting cosmetic surgical procedures, specifically breast augmentation.