September 06, 2011 | Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery In The Media
2 minute read
Not only can plastic surgery improve the way you look, but a new study shows it can actually have a long-term positive impact on the way you feel about yourself.
The study, which was published by the ASPS, examined the psychology of plastic surgery on a group of Norwegian patients over five years. While most studies on the psychology of plastic surgery only examine a short timespan, this study aimed to learn about the lasting effects.
For the study, 130 Norwegian women took a questionnaire both prior to and following plastic surgery. These questionnaires intended to find out about the patients’ psychological state, satisfaction with appearance, level of self-esteem and how they felt about the results of the surgery. The data was compared with a sample of more than 800 Norwegian women.
After analyzing the data, the team found positive results. Five years after undergoing their respective plastic surgery procedures, the women were pleased with the body part operated on and happy with their overall appearance. Some of the women also showed a small increase in self-esteem. Patients who had psychological problems including low self-esteem prior to surgery did not exhibit the same improvement, however.
These positive findings on the psychology of plastic surgery are welcomed news for patients and plastic surgeons alike. Many patients in a positive psychological state before surgery can look forward to long-term satisfaction with the outcome. Likewise, plastic surgeons who have determined a patient is fit for surgery will experience the benefits, as well.