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Is It a Good Idea to Talk to a Psychologist Before Getting Plastic Surgery?

asked 7 months ago by Doug Downunder
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 153 times

Is It a Good Idea to Talk to a Psychologist Before Getting Plastic Surgery?

7 answers to Is It a Good Idea to Talk to a Psychologist Before Getting Plastic Surgery?

+1

Tummy Tuck - Is It a Good Idea to Talk to a Psychologist Before Getting Plastic Surgery?

Not necessarily. Realistic expectations are critical for the success of any plastic surgery and, along with the ability to understand why the surgery is being done, and to participate safely in the recovery, are important elements. If there is any question as to the patient's motivation for having the surgery (including expectations) or any other aspect of the surgical process or recovery, I would not hesitate to involve the patient's psychiatrist or psychologist, or to... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is It a Good Idea to Talk to a Psychologist Before Getting Plastic Surgery?Answer:

And with some patients, after surgery too!!! Sometimes we wish we could send our patients to a psychologist before surgery but most really do not need any counseling before surgery. They have a very healthy outlook as to why they are having surgery and most of the time, have very realistic expectations…And most of us are pretty good at weeding out the ones that don’t!
John J. Corey, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Psychologist pre surgery

Most patients don't require psychologic consultation but some do. Surgery does not solve psychologic issues or make unhappy lives happy. It can improve a feature or body part which can't be improved by good health and exercise. Most patients are seeking correction of their physical issue which is causing them distress, and if they succesfully go through surgery experience a sustained sense of well being because their particular physical problem is improved... more
Howard Webster, MBBS, MBA

Melbourne Plastic Surgeon

www.arcplasticsurgery.com.au

+1

Plastic surgery and psychology

Thank you for your question. Most people do not seek advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist prior to undergoing elective cosmetic plastic surgery. If someone has a history of an eating disorder or body dismorphic disorder, then getting the advice of a psychologist or psychiatrist prior to undergoing surgery may very well be a good idea. Also, if you have a therapist that you currently see for other life issues, then it may be good to bounce it off him/her to see what... more
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

The psychology of plastic surgery

In general, it is not necessary to speak to a psychologist prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery. Most patients have reasonable requests and realistic expectations and therefore a psychologist won't necessarily have anything to contribute. In my practice, if I am unsure as to the patient's motivations or suspect underlying psychiatric illness/distress I may refuse surgery outright or have the patient consult with a mental health care professional. If you're... more
Elan B. Singer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Talking to a Psychologist before Plastic Surgery

It is not usually necessary. For most patients we see, there is a definite issue/problem the patients asks help for. Occasionally the surgeon will ask the patient to consider seeing a Psychologist if s/he thinks the patient has significant emotional/psychological issues. However, as a patient, if you are not sure about your motivation about why you wish Plastic Surgery, that may be a reason.
Anindya Lahiri, MBBS

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Psychologist before Plastic Surgery

Thank you for the question. Generally it is not necessary or required for patients to speak to psychologists prior to plastic surgery. However, if there is any question in regards to a person's motivation to undergo the plastic surgical procedure it may behoove the patient and/or surgeon to request psychological evaluation prior to the procedure. The best surgical candidates are patients who are self-motivated (doing a procedure for themselves) and realistic... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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