Considering cosmetic surgery?
The decision to undergo any kind of elective surgery is complicated, and there is a lot to think about. Maybe, you’ve already met with a surgeon and decided what procedures are right for you. You’ve probably spoken to friends and family about your decision. Your mind is made up. This is what you want to do. So why do you need to speak to a Psychologist?
Psychological evaluation prior to cosmetic surgery is part of the thorough assessment process recommended for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. Recent changes to Australian cosmetic industry practice standards means that psychological evaluation is now a requirement before surgery can proceed.
The primary goal of psychological assessment prior to cosmetic surgery is to evaluate your current mental health and emotional well-being. This might include: current mental health concerns/diagnoses, body and weight concerns, substance use, or past trauma. The evaluation process aims to identify any underlying psychological factors which could potentially impact your long term wellbeing.
The psychologist will ask you to complete standardised psychological tests to evaluate your current mental health and psychological functioning (particularly relating to cosmetic surgery). They will also schedule an interview to discuss:
your motivation for seeking surgery
your expectations of and understanding about the surgery
Based on the outcome of the assessment, the psychologist may recommend psychological treatment to:
treat any existing mental health concerns
help you prepare for surgery and assist you to manage the associated emotional and lifestyle changes
Your psychologist will work with you and your surgical team to ensure that you proceed to surgery feeling psychologically informed, emotionally prepared and fully confident in your decision to proceed.
Cosmetic surgery is both a physical and emotional journey. Your surgeon wants you to have the best possible health and weight loss outcomes. The psychologist tasked to do do your pre-surgery assessment wants that too, and will ensure that you prepare for your surgery at your physical and emotional best.