Cosmetic breast surgery is one of the most popular types of surgery in the whole of US. Following the latest report that was released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 329,000 Americans went through breast modification process in 2006 alone. The increase in cosmetic breast surgery is mainly associated with the impressive physical looks that are exhibited by media figures. Consequently, many women are now going for cosmetic breast surgery to enhance their bodily shape. Unfortunately, according to the research that was done by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Swedish women, ladies who opt for cosmetic plastic surgery are three times more likely to take their own life. Other studies that were carried out in countries such as USA, Canada, Sweden, and Denmark also came up with the same finding. This paper, therefore, explains the correlation between cosmetic breast surgery and increased suicide risks.
One of the main reasons for the correlation between cosmetic breast surgery and increased suicide rate is based on psychology. People with an intense preoccupation with their physical appearance are more likely to suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (Sansone & Sansone, 2007). According to various studies, the disorder is more prevalent among patients looking forward to undergoing cosmetic surgery than the general public. Patients with BDD have high chances of suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia (Sansone & Sansone, 2007). Therefore, psychological factors such as depression and anxiety are some of the issues that are pushing women who undergo plastic suurgery to contemplate or commit suicide. According to studies by psychologists, people who have had pre-existing psychological issues with their appearance before the surgery are likely to commit suicide ten years after the surgery. This is because they are deeply unhappy with their bodies and they keep on comparing themselves with other people, including celebrities and models, which lower their self-esteem. Image dissatisfaction is common among patients who undergo cosmetic breast surgery.
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Motivation and expectations are other explanations for the correlation between cosmetic breast surgery and increased suicide risks. A number of factors are likely to motivate women to undergo cosmetic breast surgery. With regard to personal factors, women who seek the surgery expect an improved quality of body image, quality of life, and enhanced self-esteem (Sarwer, Brown & Evans, 2007). Women who undergo cosmetic breast surgery in order to gain promotion, save the marriage, and attract public attention are likely to commit suicide in later years, especially when their expectation are not met. As a result, Unrealistic expectations of surgical results are what are pushing women to commit suicide (Sarwer, Brown & Evans, 2007). Similarly, there are instances where women have been forced to undergo cosmetic surgery to become attractive and attract potential romantic partners. Such women are likely to commit suicide when they are rejected by potential romantic partners. Hence, unmet expectations are also contributing to the high risk of suicide among cosmetic surgery patients.
In conclusion, the need to enhance a physical image is the main reason pushing many women to undergo cosmetic breast surgery without considering the underlying risks. However, there are cases where the expected results are not achieved, which lead to disappointment and possible social isolation. Psychological reasons and unmet expectations are the main factors that explain why many women commit suicide after undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. Therefore, in order to reduce the high suicide rate among cosmetic breast surgery patients, surgeons should ensure that patients seeking the surgery are subjected to thorough psychological examination and counseling.
References
Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2007). Cosmetic surgery and psychological issues. Psychiatry, 4 (12), 65.
Sarwer, D. B., Brown, G. K., & Evans, D. L. (2007). Cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide. American Journal of Psychiatry , 164 (7), 1006-1013.
