Cosmetic surgery could boost mental health, but not always

The demand for cosmetic procedures is higher than ever

From breast augmentations to ‘tweaks’ such as lip fillers and botox, more and more people around the world each year are undergoing procedures to change how they look.

There are many reasons why cosmetic procedures may be on the rise, from falling costs and less stigma to social media and Instagram filters.

But a major reason behind the decision to undergo cosmetic procedures remains a desire to improve body image – the way we think and feel about our bodies.

Research also shows that people who have low self-esteem or who have been teased about their appearance are more likely to have cosmetic surgery.

Many people who have cosmetic surgery expect it would bring mental health improvements. But does it actually?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t clear-cut – and the outcome depends on many factors, including some that are outside our control.

BODY IMAGE IMPROVEMENTS

A number of studies have found that cosmetic surgery patients do experience improvements in their body image following a cosmetic procedure.

For example, one study showed that participants who’d had botox, felt they were more attractive, were less self-conscious and felt more satisfied with their appearance up to three months later.

Cosmetic surgery may also improve feelings about the specific feature that was altered. One study of women who had undergone breast augmentation found they generally reported greater satisfaction with breast appearance up to four years post-surgery.

Another study of people who had had rhinoplasty (what’s often called ‘a nose job’) found they were generally satisfied with the appearance of their noses several months afterwards – and were more satisfied with the overall appearance of their faces too.

These body image improvements aren’t short-lived either, with some studies showing improvements enduring even five years after surgery.

OTHER MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

The effect that cosmetic surgery has on other psychological outcomes is less clear, however.

Some studies looking at the impact of cosmetic surgery on self-esteem have shown cosmetic procedures only improve it in the short term.

But other studies have found cosmetic surgery doesn’t improve self-esteem at all.

This is particularly true when researchers look at things in the long term, finding that any improvements in self-esteem immediately after a procedure have faded after several years.

Researchers have also looked at the relationship between cosmetic surgery and symptoms of depression. For example, a study of people who had had rhinoplasty found that while some reported lower symptoms of depression after surgery, most showed no change – or even a worsening of symptoms.

A separate study of Norwegian adolescents also found that symptoms of depression and eating problems worsened in those who had cosmetic surgery, compared to those who had not.

Even patients with little to no depressive symptoms don’t report experiencing a boost in their psychological well-being after cosmetic surgery.

In other words, there’s a risk cosmetic surgery may worsen existing mental health problems for some people. This is especially concerning as some research shows people who seek out cosmetic surgery are more likely to have experienced mental health problems, compared to the general population.

WHAT AFFECTS OUTCOME?

Many factors can determine what outcome you may experience after having a cosmetic procedure.

One of these is the degree of post-operative complications. A study of women who’d undergone breast augmentation found that those who’d experienced post-operative complications – such as leaking implants and infections – had smaller improvements in body image following surgery.

Healing time may also be important, with studies finding patients who took a long time to heal often show only small improvements in well-being.

Research has also found that people with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder – a preoccupation or obsession with some aspect of appearance – don’t see improvements to psychological well-being after surgery.

Likewise, patients who are experiencing high levels of psychological distress – including severe symptoms of depression and anxiety – may not experience any benefit from cosmetic surgery.

Relationship factors can also affect whether cosmetic surgery is beneficial to your well-being.

For example, people who are motivated to have a procedure because they think it would save their relationship often report poorer psychological outcomes. The same may also be true when partners disagree on the need to have a procedure.

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is not to be taken lightly. Any procedure – even minimally invasive ones – can come with a risk of complications. If you’re considering one, it’s important not to rush into anything.

Ask yourself why you want to have a procedure and whether you want the procedure for yourself or to please someone else.

It’s also important to do your research, thinking not only about the costs, but also the impact any procedure may have on those around you.

Find out as much as you can about the procedure you want, talk to experts, and – if you do decide to go ahead – make sure you choose a qualified practitioner.

– The Conversation

– Viren Swami is a professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.