PLASTIC SURGERY AND SELF-ESTEEM: AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF AESTHETIC SURGERIES ON PATIENTS' SELF-IMAGE

Abstract

 Introduction: The misrepresentation created by social networks has had serious health consequences for the population. Research has shown that about 70% of adult women and 60% of adult men report being dissatisfied with their bodies, leading to the development of depressive and anxiety disorders, especially among the female public. Aesthetic procedures, especially plastic surgery, have become tools to contribute to a better quality of life for these people, since the demands of beauty could be met, minimizing the suffering caused by the non-acceptance of reality. Studies prove that cosmetic surgery is a resource capable of improving the quality of life of its patients in the physical and mental aspects, especially with regard to self-esteem, regardless of age, gender or race. The present study aims to combine the results found through the research carried out to correlate the influence of aesthetic procedures on the self-esteem of patients. Methodology: The article in question is an integrative literature review. The sources of bibliographic data that will be used are the Medline and Lilacs databases through Pubmed. Results and discussion: Studies have shown greater adherence to plastic surgery to improve self-esteem among women, regardless of age. In addition, the types of procedures adhered to or desired are varied: facial surgeries, body surgeries, such as abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty and mammoplasty, aesthetic genital surgeries, reconstructive surgeries. With regard to the quality of life of individuals after reconstructive surgeries, it was possible to perceive improvement in the results in all domains, but especially in the emotional aspects. However, some people create unrealistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure, and when they are not met, they end up not improving or even negatively affecting the patient's self-esteem.