Psychological Classification of Cosmetic Surgery: How to Determine if You are a Suitable Candidate for Surgery

What are the different types of people who undergo cosmetic surgery? In clinical practice, cosmetic surgeons typically categorize patients' feelings and psychological reactions into the following types based on their experience:

(1) Psychologically normal individuals: They have a mild reaction to their perceived defects, can face the situation squarely, and are usually happy with the results of the cosmetic surgery, appreciating the doctor's skills;

(2) Individuals with mild psychological disorders: They see their shortcomings as obvious defects, but do not feel depressed because of them, and are often satisfied with the results of the cosmetic surgery, appreciating the doctor's efforts;

(3) Individuals with moderate psychological disorders: They see their minor defects as serious problems, are depressed and unhappy, have difficulty communicating, and often use certain defects as an excuse to cover up their pathological psychology. If cosmetic surgery is performed on them, the doctor will often be subjected to endless harassment. Surgery should not be performed in this situation;

(5) Individuals with a fear of defects: They believe they have obvious physical defects and ignore the correct conclusions after the doctor's examination. Those with a strong fear of surgery often find that after one problem is solved, another new problem arises, leading to high expectations of the doctor;

(4) Individuals with severe psychological disorders undergoing suggestive surgeries.

Who is unsuitable for cosmetic surgery?
In cosmetic surgery, not only should the anatomical feasibility of the surgery be considered, but also the psychological reality of the "patient's" expectations and the possibility of experiencing imperfect results should be taken into account. Some individuals unsuitable for surgery will face predictable consequences if forced to undergo the procedure. These individuals include:

(1) Those with unclear goals who cannot articulate their surgical needs and ask the doctor to decide what cosmetic surgery they require;

(2) Those with excessively high expectations and a pursuit of perfection who mistakenly believe that cosmetic surgeons are omnipotent artists;

(3) Those who request surgery to please others, believing that changing their appearance will alter their career, marriage, or even their general life;

(4) "Cosmetic surgery enthusiasts" who, despite dissatisfaction with their previous doctors, repeatedly request further procedures;

(5) Male patients: Male and female patients have different perceptions regarding surgical motivation and effects, and surgery is not suitable for those without significant deficiencies;

(6) Those with low levels of education and refinement who have significant differences in aesthetic views with the doctor and cannot communicate using social norms such as reason;

(7) Those with a history of mental illness;

(8) Those who excessively praise the doctor, often masking their true intentions. They lure doctors into performing surgery, then turn against them during the recovery period or even before the stitches are removed. They exploit the sympathy of laypeople, threatening to contact consumer associations or the media to achieve their despicable goal of extorting doctors.