Drivers Aesthetic Surgery Patient Satisfaction: Moderating Role of Physician-Patient Dissonance

Patient satisfaction in aesthetic surgery may be driven by multidimensional relational factors. This study evaluates whether physician-patient trust and physician-patient bond predict satisfaction, and whether physician-patient dissonance moderates these relationships.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 406 patients undergoing cosmetic surgery in the cities of Iquique, Copiapó, Santiago, Talca and Concepción in Chile, using systematic probabilistic sampling. Hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling implemented in AMOS (SPSS v.26), assessing direct effects of trust and bond on satisfaction and interaction effects of dissonance.

Structural models indicated that physician-patient trust and the physician-patient bond are significant, positive predictors of patient satisfaction in aesthetic surgery. Multi-indicator constructs for trust and bond showed robust associations with satisfaction. Physician-patient dissonance exerted a negative moderating effect, attenuating the positive influence of both trust and bond on satisfaction. Model fit indices supported the proposed multidimensional assessment.

Trust and a strong physician-patient bond are key drivers of satisfaction after aesthetic procedures, while dissonance undermines these effects. Interventions that bolster physician charisma, facilitate patient cooperation, and improve access to care can strengthen the bond and trust, enhancing satisfaction. Managing patient dissonance is also critical to treatment adherence and overall perceived quality of care.

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