Psychological aspects of cosmetic surgery

Introduction According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over fifteen million Americans underwent a plastic surgical procedure in 2003. The majority of plastic surgical procedures consisted of relatively new, minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures. These numbers, while familiar to many plastic surgeons, are often staggering to other medical professionals and lay persons who have little idea of the number of Americans who turn to medicine to enhance their physical appearance. Nevertheless, these numbers likely underestimate the number of procedures performed annually, as they do not account for nonplastic surgeon physicians who offer these treatments. In particular, the preceding numbers do not reflect the surgical activity of either the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons (AACS) or the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (ASDS). The growth in popularity of cosmetic surgery and related treatments can be attributed to several factors. Changes in the medical and surgical communities, including improvements in safety and direct-to-consumer marketing, have likely contributed to the growth. The mass media and entertainment industries have long championed cosmetic surgery, perhaps no more so than during the current era of “reality-based” television programs such as “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan.” The virtually inescapable bombardment of mass-media ideals of beauty, coupled with the discontent that many people, particularly women, experience with regard to their physical appearance, have likely contributed as well.