THE IMPACT OF PLASTIC SURGERY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH OF LONG-TERM PATIENTS

Abstract

Plastic surgery gained much recognition after the First World War, when it proved to be essential in the recovery of wounded soldiers, whether to reestablish bodily function or to provide better aesthetic and psychological outcomes. The aesthetic aspect is fundamental to a healthy life, as high self-esteem is one of the pillars of well-being, contributing to personal identity and a positive self-image. This research investigated, in students from a private university in western Paraná, if the results of plastic surgery cause any significant difference in the mental health of long-term patients and what that impact would be. The study was conducted using pre-existing questionnaires combined that were made available online. It showed that the vast majority of patients exhibited an increase in their questionnaire scores, with all interviewees showing an improvement in at least one of the parameters analyzed. Thus, it was concluded that plastic surgery does indeed have a positive impact on the mental health of long-term patients.