Addiction to Cosmetic Procedures: A Scoping Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Surgery
• Psychology
• Behavioral Addiction

Background:

• Cosmetic procedures have surged in popularity over recent decades.
• This rise is accompanied by concerns regarding extreme cosmetic practices and potential "addiction" to these procedures.
• The precise definition and diagnostic criteria for "addiction" to cosmetic procedures are currently underspecified in existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and explore existing literature that defines "addiction" to cosmetic procedures.
• To identify key characteristics associated with the concept of "addiction" to cosmetic procedures as reported in the literature.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
• Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for English-language articles published between January 2000 and January 2024.
• Inclusion criteria focused on articles describing characteristics related to "addiction" to cosmetic procedures.

Main Results:

• Only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, indicating a scarcity of research on this topic.
• The reviewed literature utilized diverse terminology to describe "addiction" to cosmetic procedures.
• Identified characteristics include "excessive" use, preoccupation with procedures, hazardous use, and psychological dependence.

Conclusions:

• This review is a crucial step in understanding the concept of "addiction" to cosmetic procedures.
• Further conceptualization and investigation are needed to determine if "addiction" to cosmetic procedures should be recognized as a distinct behavioral addiction.
• The findings highlight the need for clearer definitions and diagnostic frameworks for this emerging concern.