Why Psychological Evaluations Are Necessary for Cosmetic Surgery - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com
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By: KDivine
Added: 28-06-14
- Plastic surgery has become a huge business as a result of sheer number of individuals seeking cosmetic procedures. In 2009 alone, nearly 10,000,000 individuals sought cosmetic procedures within the U.S. alone (Sclafani, 2010). With this growing interest and amount of people seeking cosmetic procedures, it's got also become crucial that you evaluate the patient's motives and know very well what they think plastic surgery can do for the kids. Unrealistic expectations or impure motives can bring about problems for both individual undergoing the task, as well as the doctors involved with performing the surgery. It is with this very purpose that lots of individuals are now being referred for psychological evaluations before cosmetic procedures are decided upon. And in instances when patients might not need formal evaluations, cosmetic surgeons are trained to be a little more aware of what to consider in applicants for plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery is one of the only surgical treatments considered elective, these types of this surgeons need to be wary of who they develop, and why they do it (Sclafani, 2010). While a less reputable surgeon may opt away from psychological evaluations, this section of the surgical procedure is extremely important for both patient and doctor. This same principle applies to lose weight surgeries, although most of the people consider them essential, in lieu of optional. In fact, a 2007 CBS News Health Watch report stated that nearly one inch every five applicants for bariatric procedures were disqualified. Several of the reasons listed with this denial were "overeating to manage stress or emotional distress, using an eating disorder, and uncontrolled mental problems, like depression" (CBS, 2007).
While other cosmetic procedures, such as face lifts, might not seem exactly the same, they may be. Surgeons, psychologists and psychiatrists look for the identical sorts of emotional and mental health signs to qualify or disqualify someone for a cosmetic procedure. According to Med News (2005) "body image dissatisfaction can often be associated with decreased self-esteem, self-confidence and psychological well-being" which could all be huge triggers for reluctance in after a procedure. One might ask why the need to improve one's appearance is such a bad thing, however the bigger issue this is actually the psychology behind the desire for improvement. If someone is seeking improvements in order to feel better about themselves, improve their self-confidence, and self-esteem, then their reasons aren't actually positive reasons. "some research has shown that extensive cosmetic plastic surgery may make psychological issues worse" (Med News, 2005). This is because the main issue isn't receiving treatment, and instead patients are hoping an easy physical change changes who they are. In reality, cosmetic procedures could only change your appearance, and psychological issues and insecurities have to be addressed and remedies prior to beginning surgery.
So, exactly how do surgeons and mental health care professionals evaluate patients for cosmetic plastic surgery? What do they try to find? And how do they know whether plastic cosmetic surgery is right or wrong for the particular patient or condition?
In any social meeting, first impressions are incredibly important; exactly the same is true in meeting with a plastic surgeon. Surgeons are encouraged to look for signs in demeanor, dress, and speech. For example, a cosmetic practitioner will search for the way an individual carries themselves. Are they at ease with only reasonable amounts of nervousness about the process? Do they seem anxious? Are they making eye-to-eye contact when talking, or looking around the room or at the ground? Are they easily excitable or overly shy? How could they be dressed? Are they wearing an extremely revealing manner, or overly conservative (Sclafini, 2010). Each of these things will give the doctor Las Vegas Plastic Surgery a fantastic view of who this individual is, and whether they may have underlying social and psychological issues that they may be trying to fix through cosmetic surgery.
While it's impossible for the plastic surgeon to correctly diagnose someone with a psychological issue, the earlier mentioned cues can clue them in to whether a deeper evaluation is necessary. For example, body dimorphic disorder is often a serious concern for responsible cosmetic surgeons. Individuals with this disorder find fault with their bodies in several ways, even if there is nothing wrong. Individuals such as this have a preoccupation with body image, and so are at risk for cosmetic surgery addiction as they are always seeking to further improve upon their body image hoping to finally satisfy their expectations. As earlier mentioned, there are very few instances by which this need occasion to actually be met, as plastic surgery cannot solve psychological issues. It would seem entirely unethical to complete the surgery on somebody like this since expectations linked to the surgery are unrealistic and unattainable. The truth is, bodies are flawed. We can have procedures done to further improve them, but those seeking cosmetic procedures also need to understand that nobody is ever perfect, and surgery cannot make sure they are attain perfection. This is especially true in those with mental illnesses that prevent them from ever being satisfied with their body image, or those who refuse to address deeper psychological anxieties, depression, etc.
Another division of concern is available in with gender differences in plastic surgery procedures and expectations. In contrast to popular belief, males tend to present more risk than females when performing cosmetic plastic surgery. Sclafini (2010) notes that males are generally less specific about what these are looking for when discussing a cosmetic procedure, and they are more likely to desire to undergo plastic cosmetic surgery because of psychological issues. While males do often seek cosmetic procedures less often, it is crucial that you properly conduct evaluations while confronting men in order to avoid a barrage of problems.
Whether male or female, proper motivation for the procedure is essential. WebMD as well as the Cleveland Clinic (2011) noted that good reasons for plastic surgery include: doing the work for yourself, not others in your own life; the need to feel younger as a result of discord with all the way one feels and also the way one looks; and dissatisfaction with aging (although with the realization that aging is natural). Furthermore, exactly the same source advises that individuals consider the surgery for the decent timeframe, noting that most successful cosmetic plastic surgery patients have considered having the procedure done for "5 many years of more" (WebMD & Cleveland Clinic, 2011).
Poor reasons behind surgery are doing it for another person, doing it so that you can make oneself feel great after a break-up or death, and doing it in order to boost one's professional or career outlook (Sclafini, 2010). Even patients who seek plastic cosmetic surgery to correct scars, burns, or another accident injuries ought to pass these evaluations showing that they know very well what sort of realistic results they are able to expect. For example, somebody with PTSD will not be able to improve their psychological trauma by reducing the scar; however, with realistic expectations and proper psychiatric treatment, these people may be prime candidates for positive plastic surgery.
When seeking cosmetic surgery, or some other cosmetic procedure, it is vital that you be honest with oneself. Answer honestly the reasons you want the surgery, and take an excellent amount of your energy to think about it. Your motivation, and also the amount of your time you've thought about the process are both things your personal doctor will ask you, so be sure to give both some thought before trying to find a doctor and facility. Don't allow yourself to be pressured into cosmetic plastic surgery. Even if you're capable of undergo the task, many times you are extremely dissatisfied while using results, and results are not able to be reversed. Lastly, be sure you're taking time to take into account the results as well as the possible risks and consequences. Even the most minor procedure can be risky, listen to the surgeon to make sure you determine what you're in for.
Some people often scoff at the need for psychological evaluation before elective surgery, but in reality it really is an essential part of the surgical procedure and benefits the two doctor and also the patient. With more cosmetic procedures being performed than previously, along with the greater demand on body form and image, it is extremely important people are getting procedures for valid reasons, instead of in a pursuit of impossible the way they look and other unrealistic results. Cosmetic surgery, whether breast augmentations, facial surgery, or bariatric procedures, cannot solve mental issues, and if you're experiencing these seek psychological help before trying to find or considering searching for a more serious option like cosmetic procedures.
References:
Med News (2005). The Psychology Behind Cosmetic Surgery Decisions.
WebMD Medical Reference & Cleveland Clinic (2011). Choosing Cosmetic Surgery.
Sclafani, A.P. (2010). Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery. MedScape Reference.
Von Soest, T. Kvalen, I.L. & Skolleborg, K.C. (2009). The Effects of Cosmetic Surgery on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Problems. J Plast Reconstr Aethet Surg, 62(10); 1238 - 44.
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