Abstract
Plastic surgery, including cosmetic procedures, breast reconstruction, gender affirming surgery and craniofacial surgery, is associated with increased self-esteem, improved body image, and greater life-satisfaction. However, individuals with significant psychological difficulties, including low self-esteem or low self-confidence, problems regulating their emotions, and poor interpersonal functioning, may not experience the anticipated psychological benefits from cosmetic surgery. The pre-operative consultation should provide an in-depth discussion between the patient and the surgeon to assess psychological stability, discern motivations and expectations, and convey risk associated with surgery.
