In the last 8 years, cosmetic surgeries have increased by 215% without any evaluation of the patients’ mental health.
Cosmetic surgeries have experienced a remarkable increase in recent years, reaching a 215% increase in eight years. years, reaching an increase of 215% in eight years, according to a studyaccording to a study presented by the Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE).
Alarming number of cosmetic surgeries in Spain
During the year 2021, a total of 204,510 cosmetic interventions cosmetic interventions in Spain, covering procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and liposuction.
According to the data presented, 85% of the aesthetic treatments were performed on women, while 15% corresponded to men. However, SECPRE highlights an increase in the interest of men and young people in this type of intervention.
Women come mainly for breast enlargement or liposuction, while men seek treatments to correct gynecomastia, as well as nose and eyelid reshaping. nose and eyelid reshaping.
This upward trend in cosmetic surgery is not limited to Spain, but is also observed in other advanced countries. In the United States, for example, there was a 54% increase in the number of cosmetic surgeries performed. surgical interventions between 2020 and 2021according to data from The Aesthetic Society. In this case, 94% of the treatments were performed on women.
However, this growing popularity of cosmetic surgeries has raised concerns among some psychiatric professionals and cosmetic surgeons. There is concern about whether this increased interventions may be related to mental health issues associated with dissatisfaction with body image. Although SECPRE does not refer to this possibility in its study, experts such as Ángel Juárez, a cosmetic surgeon, recommend providing psychological support instead of performing surgical procedures if patients’ expectations are unrealistic.
What is the main concern of specialists after the increase in cosmetic surgeries?
One of the points of concern for specialists and health professionals is the lack of psychological evaluations of patients before cosmetic surgery is performed.. Isabel de Benito, president of SECPRE, admits that surgeons do not usually perform tests that assess patients’ mental health.
Although he emphasizes that most of the people who undergo these procedures do not have any pathology and follow the specialist’s indications, he recognizes that there is a small percentage of people with self-perception disorders. percentage of people with self-perception disorders.
Studies show that patients who undergo cosmetic surgery may experience an improvement in body image and mood. However, there is also research indicating an increase in mood disorders among those who undergo cosmetic procedures compared to other surgeries. In addition, there has been observed a relationship between body dysmorphic disorder and those who seek and those seeking aesthetic interventions.
In view of this situation, experts such as Rafael Tabares, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Valencia, suggest the need to study the mental state of people who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery and to establish contact with mental health services. undergo cosmetic surgery and establish contact with mental health services. to rule out possible disorders. It is also important to perform psychological evaluations prior to aesthetic treatments to ensure patient satisfaction and well-being.
In summary, the 215% increase in cosmetic surgery in Spain in the last eight years raises questions about its impact on patients’ mental health. Although more research is needed, there is growing concern among psychiatric professionals and some cosmetic surgeons about possible disorders associated with body image dissatisfaction.
The lack of psychological evaluations prior to cosmetic interventions and the need for and the need to establish contact with mental health services are aspects that require attention in the future.
