Psychosocial Changes after Cosmetic Surgery: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: Most studies examining psychosocial changes after cosmetic surgery have short follow-up periods and therefore provide limited information about long-term effects of such surgery. Moreover, studies that identify whether preexisting patient characteristics are associated with poor psychosocial outcomes after cosmetic surgery are lacking. The current study provides information about both of these issues. Methods: Questionnaire data from 130 female Norwegian cosmetic surgery patients were obtained before and 5 years after surgery. The questionnaire consisted of measures on appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, psychological problems, and patients' evaluation of the outcome of surgery. Data from a representative sample of 838 Norwegian women, aged 22 to 55 years, were used for comparison purposes. Results: Analyses revealed an improvement in both general appearance satisfaction and satisfaction with the body part operated on 5 years after surgery. A small increase in self-esteem was observed as well. High rates of preoperative psychological problems and low self-esteem were related to more negative changes in some of the psychosocial measures after surgery compared with patients with better psychological health. Furthermore, factors associated with the actual decision to undergo surgery were related to changes in psychological health and patients' evaluation of the outcome of surgery. Conclusions: This study indicates that cosmetic surgery has positive long-term effects on appearance-related variables. However, surgeons should be particularly aware of patients with psychological problems, as these may compromise patient satisfaction with the effects of cosmetic surgery. Factors affecting the decision itself to undergo cosmetic surgery may also be relevant for subsequent psychosocial outcomes. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 128: 765, 2011.)