Psychological assessment in preparation for cosmetic surgery is a specialised evaluation 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 surgery is to evaluate your current mental health and emotional well-being. This might include: current mental health concerns/diagnoses, body image and weight concerns, substance use, or past trauma. We aim to identify any underlying psychological factors that might impact your satisfaction and recovery after surgery, as well as your overall wellbeing.

Your psychologist will schedule a clinical interview as well as administer standardised psychological tests to evaluate your current mental health and psychological functioning (particularly relating to cosmetic surgery). They may also discuss your motivation for seeking surgery and your expectations of and understanding about the surgery.

Based on the outcome of the assessment, your psychologist may recommend psychological treatment to assist you:

• to treat any existing mental health concerns

• to 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 outcomes.  Your psychologist wants that too, and can help you reach your physical and emotional best as you prepare for surgery.