Cosmetic Surgery is Usually Successful!

The results of a study published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science said that people who undergo cosmetic surgery do indeed enjoy life more and have higher self esteem than people who considered it and then decided against it. In this interesting study done by researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and the University of Basel, subjects who had undergone appearance enhancing surgery (544 first time patients) were compared with two other groups of subjects: a group who had wanted cosmetic surgery but decided against it (264 people), and a group that had never considered it at all (1000 people).

The reason the researchers decided to do the study was to find out if there were any basic differences in the psychological make-ups of people who had cosmetic surgery and those who did not. Using what is called a Goal Attainment Scale test (GAS), it was found that there was no real difference between people who had cosmetic surgery and those who did not at all. In categories of mental health, physical health, and life satisfaction, all three groups scored comparably. The psychologists did find that 87% of the patients were women, and that most were younger people with slightly higher than average incomes. This study also showed that most patients have realistic expectations from cosmetic surgery; only 12% tested moderately unrealistic.

The results also showed improvement in life satisfaction as well as lasting self esteem for the patients. Psychologically, the patients who had cosmetic surgery still felt better a year later. The researchers followed these patients and the group who decided against surgery for a year, and those who had undergone cosmetic surgery were less anxious, and generally felt better when tested. So all in all, it was shown that in most cases cosmetic surgery enjoys a high level of physical and psychological success.

This is good news! At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, we have noticed that most of our patients have realistic goals. We have also noticed that most are quite happy with the results of their cosmetic procedures. But this was anecdotal evidence, not scientific at all. It’s nice to know that researchers have found that our observations were correct.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda, my Patient/Surgery Coordinator to set up your consultation. 501 227-0707