Abdominoplasty and Its Effect on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health

Abstract

The impact of abdominoplasty on the quality of life of abdominoplasty patients was assessed 1- and 6-months postoperatively. Forty women aged 25 to 60 years were divided into study group (25 patients who underwent abdominoplasty) and waiting-list control group (15 patients). Three questionnaires (Body Shape Questionnaire [BSQ], Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSE/UNIFESP], and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire [SF-36]) were administered to the study group (preoperatively, 1- and 6-months postoperatively) and control group (on 2 occasions 6 months apart). A significant positive impact on body image, self-esteem, and mental health was found 1- and 6-months postoperatively. Significant differences were observed in role physical, role emotional, and vitality 1-month postoperatively. In the control group, significant differences were found for vitality. There was a significant improvement in Comparative perception of body image (6-month assessment) in the study group compared with controls. Abdominoplasty improved body image, self-esteem, and mental health.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the American Skindex-29 quality of life index

“…10-19 On the other hand, studies in plastic surgery have analyzed changes in quality of life caused by surgical procedures, focusing on breast, nasal, facial and abdominal procedures. 20-25 …”

Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for screening children and adolescents for plastic surgery: cross-cultural validation study

“…4,9 In fact, plastic surgery leads to psychological changes by modifying the physical appearance, and therefore is considered to be a psychological intervention. [10][11][12] Thus, its impact is not only esthetic but also, especially, psychosocial. It is known that esthetics produces individual and social wellbeing.…”

Validation of the Finnish version of the BODY-Q patient-reported outcome instrument among patients who underwent abdominoplasty

“…1 Therefore, body contouring surgery for esthetic and healthpromoting purposes after bariatric surgery and massive weight loss can significantly improve patients' body image and HRQoL. [2][3][4][5][6] In Finland, the single-payer public healthcare currently provides body contouring for patients whose condition of excess skin requires recurring health services. 7 Indications for operation can be intertrigo, limitations in daily activities, or restrictions in physical activities due to excess skin.…”