Studies with nonpatient samples have documented only weak and inconsistent associations between global body image satisfaction and a desire for cosmetic procedures.3'4 Research finds that cosmetic surgery patients generally do not differ from nonpatients in body satisfaction, except that they are more likely to express strong dissatisfaction with the specific body region targeted for surgery.5-7 (See Further Notes, number 1) In contrast to most cosmetic procedures, however, interest in liposuction may be related to global body dissatisfaction rather than to site-specific dissatisfaction because body fat is distributed across several regions of the body (e.g., stomach, hips, thighs, arms). A second aspect of body image related to interest in cosmetic surgery is appearance orientation or appearance investment, a measure of how much importance individuals place on their looks and how much they pay attention to their appearance.8 It seems reasonable that individuals who invest more time and effort in monitoring their physical appearance would report greater interest in cosmetic procedures
The cosmetic medical and surgical industry has become a multi-million dollar entrepreneurial industry. Rapid and ad hoc growth has opened the way for unregulated practices and some questionable methods of promotion, posing ethical dilemmas for some members of the medical profession, consumers and legislators. Advertising and promotion of cosmetic medical and surgical procedures focus on the benefits for the consumer, downplaying or not always mentioning the risks. Different “boundaries” are tolerated for promotion of these procedures (which are not driven by medical need and where there is significant opportunity for financial gain by those promoting them) than is the case for “mainstream” medical procedures. Factual, easily understood information for consumers contemplating cosmetic medical or surgical procedures from a source that is independent of practitioners and promoters is not always readily available. While...
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