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Psychology

Understanding body image from a psychosocial stance: how this connects with patients requesting cosmetic procedures

02 April 2020
Clinical
02 April 2020
Volume 9 · Issue 3

Abstract

There are many patients requesting cosmetic procedures who also struggle with mental health issues. These can include body dysmorphia, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. If aesthetic practitioners are able to recognise mental health, it will go some way to protect those for whom cosmetic procedures may not be the most appropriate course of treatment. This article will discuss the factors that contribute to the development of body image. The hope is that it will help practitioners question their own knowledge and understanding of mental health and how it can be connected with requests for cosmetic procedures. Practitioners may also identify areas where they need additional training and or understanding.

Cosmetic procedures have a twofold impact, firstly, on the external part of the body that is shown to the world, and, secondly, the internal part, which is the individual's psyche and includes self-esteem, body image and confidence (Auer, 2018). Therefore, it is paramount for aesthetic practitioners to consider both the physical and psychological wellbeing of their patients. The risks of aesthetic procedures are often minimised by the way it is portrayed in the media. This causes patients to think it may be a ‘quick fix’ to more deep-seated psychological issues.

The key to understanding why specific individuals request cosmetic procedures lies in understanding how relationships with the body and body image are developed. Body image development is a complex psychological and physical process. It is impacted by a number of different factors from peer, parental and media influences.

Figure 1 indicates which factors contribute to body dissatisfaction, these can then lead to a patient seeking cosmetic procedures (Auer, 2018).

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Body dysmorphia
Appearance-related concerns
Body image
Cosmetic procedures
Screening