Title
Body image concerns of reconstructive surgery patients: an underrecognized problem.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-1998
Abstract
This study assessed the body image concerns of reconstructive plastic surgery patients. Forty-three reconstructive surgery patients completed two measures of body image. Responses were compared with a group of patients seeking cosmetic procedures. The two groups did not differ in the degree of dissatisfaction with their overall appearance or dissatisfaction with the specific feature for which they were seeking surgery. Reconstructive patients did consider themselves less healthy and less invested in their appearance than did cosmetic patients. Seven of the reconstructive surgery patients (all scar revision patients) reported a level of dissatisfaction and preoccupation consistent with the psychiatric diagnostic of body dysmorphic disorder. These results underscore the importance of screening for body image dissatisfaction in persons with an objective deformity. Plastic surgeons are in an optimal position to identify body image concerns in these patients and provide appropriate referrals for psychotherapy.
Publication Title
Annals of plastic surgery
Volume
40
Issue
4
First Page
403
Last Page
407
Recommended Citation
Sarwer, D., Whitaker, L., Pertschuk, M., & Wadden, T. (1998). Body image concerns of reconstructive surgery patients: an underrecognized problem.. Annals of plastic surgery, 40 (4), 403-407. Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.towerhealth.org/gme_pysch_residency_bw/148