The psychology of cosmetic surgery: a critical overview of the literature 1960-1982--Part I.

In this communication I attempt to clarify some of the important concepts in the psychology of cosmetic surgery by providing an overview of American and European literature with special emphasis on controlled studies. A brief survey of the literature is presented and critically discussed. Topics include the personal impact of a deformity, differences between subjective and objective assessment of the cosmetic defect, the patient's personality, sex differences in relation to outcome, external versus internal motivation for surgery, severity of cosmetic defect and postoperative psychological results, postoperative patient satisfaction, and psychological complications. Finally, the question is addressed as to whether surgery or psychotherapy is the more appropriate treatment modality.