Over the years plastic surgery has become more acceptable, and the psychological explanations mirror this change. In the past, someone’s desire to have plastic surgery was described as neurotic or narcissistic behavior. However, these perspectives began to change in the 1970s when psychologists found that most people who sought plastic surgery were relatively normal.
Although the desire to have plastic surgery no longer indicates psychological problems, there are still psychological aspects attached to plastic surgery since the ultimate success of the surgery depends on the the patient’s perception. The doctors must differentiate the good candidates from the bad candidates. Someone who is a good candidate for plastic surgery has realistic goals; a bad candidate comes in and says, “Make me look like Brad Pitt.” Also, a bad candidate would be someone who is hoping for a major life change. For example, as described in the article, a man consulted with a doctor for a nose job and proceeded to explain that his goal was to become more sociable and attract more women.
Doctors must ask their patients specific questions such as, “Why do you want this done?” and “Why do you want this surgery at this time?” It is a doctor’s responsibility to figure out his patients’ motives. The patient’s answers to these questions along with the doctor’s intuition will help differentiate good candidates from bad ones. A good doctor is one who is willing and believes it is necessary to turn some patients down.
Article: Beauty quest- psychological aspects of cosmetic surgery http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1175/is_n5_v22/ai_6622823/pg_1
