The Correlation Between Preoperative Psychological State and Postoperative Satisfaction in Aesthetic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND

The global aesthetic surgery industry is expanding rapidly, with success increasingly defined by patient-reported outcomes. Postoperative satisfaction, a key metric, is strongly influenced by preoperative psychological state.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize evidence on the relationship between preoperative psychological factors (e.g., body image, emotions, personality, expectations) and postoperative satisfaction.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted, including studies on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, personality, and motivations across various procedures.

RESULTS

BDD is a consistent negative predictor of satisfaction, often a contraindication. Body image dissatisfaction, unrealistic expectations, and traits like neuroticism also correlate with lower satisfaction. Conversely, functionally motivated procedures (e.g., reduction mammaplasty) yield high, sustained satisfaction. Expectation-reality alignment is a core mediator. Surgical type, demographics, and time moderate the relationship. Standardized tools (e.g., BDDQ, FACE-Q) provide reliable assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative psychological state critically determines satisfaction. Integrating standardized screening, expectation management, and perioperative psychological support within a collaborative biopsychosocial model is essential for optimizing outcomes and patient well-being.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.