Psychiatric Patients Who Desire Aesthetic Surgery: Identifying the Problem Patient

Introduction Changes in the pubic region resulting from abdominoplasty may have a psychosexual impact. Thus, it is important to study the influence of physical changes on the sexuality of patients after abdominoplasty. Aim To evaluate the effects of the elevation of the mons pubis and consequent exposure of the clitoris in the vulvar commissure on the sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction of women who underwent abdominoplasty. Methods Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Nineteen women with a mean age of 35 ± 7 years, mean body mass index of 23 ± 2 kg/m2 and who expressed a desire to undergo abdominoplasty were selected from consecutive patients attending the abdominal plastic surgery outpatient unit of a university hospital. Main Outcome Measures Physical change (measured by the distance between the xiphoid process and vulvar commissure [xipho-vc]), sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction (assessed with the Sexuality Assessment Scale), and body image (measured using the Body Shape Questionnaire [BSQ]) were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after abdominoplasty. Results There was a significant reduction (P = 0.0004; z = −3.53) in the xipho-vc distance 6 months after abdominoplasty compared with baseline (mean difference 3.63 ± 2.79 cm), corresponding to an elevation of the mons pubis and consequent exposure of the clitoris. All patients reported a significant improvement in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction 6 months after abdominoplasty when compared with baseline (P = 0.0001; z = −3.83). BSQ scores indicated an improvement in the patients’ concerns about body shape (P = 0.0003; z = −3.58). Conclusion Our results suggest that physical change and the new position of the clitoris may have a positive impact on sexuality.

show abstract

“…Mowlavi et al. [26] reported that psychosexual problems may motivate patients to seek plastic surgery. Pujols et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Abdominoplasty on Female Sexuality: A Pilot Study

Brito

Nahas

Bussolaro

et al. 2012

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Body image refers to the way individuals perceive their bodily appearance (Cash, 2004;Mowlawi, Lille, Andrews, Schoeller, Weschelberger, & Anderson, 2000). Physical appearance is an important part of body image as it is the primary source of information that others use to judge us and thus plays a fundamental role in determining beliefs about one's body (Sarwer & Crerand, 2004).…”

Section: Why Cosmetic Surgery?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Physical appearance is an important part of body image as it is the primary source of information that others use to judge us and thus plays a fundamental role in determining beliefs about one's body (Sarwer & Crerand, 2004). Body image is dynamic and is influenced by environmental, time, and interpersonal aspects (Mowlawi et al, 2000). According to Cash (2002), two basic elements -body image valence and body image value -may play the most central role in the model.…”

Section: Why Cosmetic Surgery?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Changing appearances: cosmetic surgery and body dysmorphic disorder

Mulkens¹,

Jansen²

2006

NEJP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…In a more recent study (Piromchai et al, 2011), rhinoplasty candidates had higher scores of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, depression, and somatic symptoms. Various studies indicate that body image of aesthetic rhinoplasty candidates are significantly lower than those of control group (Mowlawi et al, 2000;Khajeddin and Izadi Mazidi, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%