The psychology of aesthetic plastic surgery

Aesthetic plastic surgery and psychology are closely linked, as the aesthetic plastic surgeon is dealing with people's emotional, psychological, and social needs and aspirations. This article presents an overview of the relationship between the two professional disciplines. The minority of patients with psychiatric or psychological problems is described, and their treatment is considered in relation to both disciplines. We then move on to discuss the psychological and social issues that underlie mainstream aesthetic surgery in the context of the psychological theory of stigma. The role of the psychologist within aesthetic surgery is discussed.