Psychodynamic and Esthetic Motivations for Plastic Surgery

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Abstract
A psychiatric study was made of 48 consecutive patients undergoing plastic surgery alterations. All patients were interviewed by a psychiatrist and careful case histories were recorded. The motivation leading to plastic surgery was seldom a rational response to a realistic situation. The decision in respect to an operation was usually arrived at after prolonged frustration in significant social relationships. The need for the plastic surgeon to be alert to symptoms of psychopathology in his patients is stressed. The best results can often be obtained through a combination of psychotherapy and plastic surgery. Illustrative case histories are presented.

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