Wellness and Pathology in Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a branch of medicine that is primarily focused on the reconstruction, restoration, and enhancement of the human body through surgical and non-surgical procedures. Over the years, the field of plastic surgery has evolved to include various procedures that are designed to correct a wide range of deformities, injuries, and aesthetic concerns. While plastic surgery has been shown to provide a range of benefits to patients, it is also associated with a number of wellness and pathology issues. This paper explores the wellness and pathology issues associated with plastic surgery, including mental health concerns, body dysmorphic disorder, and addiction, and provides an overview of strategies that can be used to minimize these risks.

Introduction:

Plastic surgery is a rapidly growing field that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), there were over 11 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed worldwide in 2019 (ISAPS, 2019). While plastic surgery has been shown to provide a range of benefits to patients, including improved self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life, it is also associated with a number of wellness and pathology issues.

Body:

Mental Health Concerns:

Plastic surgery is often perceived as a way to enhance one’s physical appearance and boost self-confidence. However, studies have shown that some patients who undergo plastic surgery may experience negative psychological outcomes, such as depression and anxiety (Sarwer et al., 2007). These psychological issues may arise due to unrealistic expectations, post-surgical complications, or a failure to achieve the desired results. Therefore, it is important for plastic surgeons to provide pre-operative counseling to patients, to ensure that they have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one’s physical appearance. Studies have shown that patients with BDD may seek out plastic surgery in an attempt to correct perceived flaws or defects, even if they are not actually present (Crerand et al., 2006).

This can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and a desire for further surgery, even if the original procedure was successful. Therefore, it is important for plastic surgeons to be able to recognize the signs of BDD in patients and refer them to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

Addiction:

Plastic surgery addiction is a behavioral addiction that is characterized by a compulsive desire to undergo multiple plastic surgery procedures, even if there is no medical need for them (Veale et al., 2014). While the prevalence of plastic surgery addiction is not well documented, studies have shown that individuals who undergo multiple procedures may be at an increased risk of developing addiction-like behaviors (Grossbart et al., 2016). Therefore, it is important for plastic surgeons to screen patients for signs of addiction, and to refer them to appropriate resources if necessary.

Conclusion:

Plastic surgery can provide a range of benefits to patients, but it is also associated with a number of wellness and pathology issues. Mental health concerns, body dysmorphic disorder, and addiction are all potential risks associated with plastic surgery.

Therefore, it is important for plastic surgeons to provide pre-operative counseling to patients, to recognize the signs of BDD and addiction, and to refer patients to appropriate resources for evaluation and treatment. By taking these steps, plastic surgeons can help to minimize the risks associated with plastic surgery and promote the overall well-being of their patients.

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