Self-Esteem and the Influence of Aesthetic Body Models in Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery. Asunción, 2024
Keywords:
self-esteem, body image, cosmetic surgery, social media, aesthetic models, mental healthAbstract
Introduction: Cosmetic surgery has become a common practice in societies influenced by idealized body standards. Its impact on self-esteem can be positive but may also be affected by social pressure and body ideals promoted on social media.
Objective: To determine the level of self-esteem and the influence of aesthetic body models in patients undergoing cosmetic surgery during the year 2024.
Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted at a private clinic in Asunción. A total of 66 patients over 18 years of age who had undergone cosmetic surgery were included. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and a structured questionnaire on exposure to body ideals were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate association tests.
Results: Self-esteem was high in 59.1% of patients and low in 9.1%. A total of 78.8% reported significant influence from social media on their decision to undergo surgery. A statistically significant association was found between frequent exposure to social media and lower preoperative self-esteem (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Cosmetic surgery improves self-esteem in most cases; however, exposure to idealized body models may negatively affect self-image prior to the procedure. Psychological assessment should be integrated into aesthetic medical practice to support informed and ethical decision-making.
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