The Effect of Cosmetic Surgery on Sexual Self-Esteem: Attitudes toward Body Image and Well-Being in Married Women

Reduction mammoplasty, self-esteem, and sexual desire: A pre-post intervention study

Background/objective

Sexuality plays a significant role in social relationships and overall development. For women, the breasts hold considerable importance in sexual expression. Deviation from societal norms regarding breast size can lead to mental and sexual health issues. This study aimed to examine the impact of breast reduction surgery on self-esteem, body image, and sexual desire in women undergoing the procedure.

Methods

A descriptive correlational study was conducted, involving 50 women who underwent reduction mammoplasty.

Results

Regarding pre- and post-surgical measurements, breast reduction surgery was associated with improvements in body image perception, as indicated by the BREASTQ reduction module, and both dyadic and solitary sexual desire. However, self-esteem remained unaffected by the intervention. Correlational analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between psychosocial well-being and other dimensions of body image, as well as sexual desire. Sexual well-being also correlated with breast and nipple satisfaction, along with dyadic sexual desire. Notably, age and self-esteem did not exhibit significant correlations with the variables studied.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that breast reduction surgery can improve body image and sexual desire in women, but further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and the specific factors that contribute to these outcomes.

The role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function

BACKGROUND

Sexual function plays a very important role in the sexual health of people, and the determination of their related factors reflects the importance of paying attention to sexual function in the cultural context.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to the role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function.

METHODS

In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 592 married women of reproductive age referring to comprehensive health centers in Rasht city (North of Iran) and eligible for the inclusion criteria were selected by cluster random sampling. The data collection tools were demographic information form, Halbert's Sexual Rights Questionnaires, Women's Sexual Self-Esteem (short form), Halbert's Sexual Desire, and Female Sexual Function Index. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significant level (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean and standard deviation of sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, and sexual self-esteem scores were 56.79 ± 18.24, 49.12 ± 26.04, and 98.52 ± 6.11, respectively. Sexual assertiveness (p < 0.01, r = 0.13), sexual desire (p < 0.001, r = 0.178), sexual self-esteem (p < 0.01, r = 0.34) of the participants with the total score, and all areas of female sexual function had a significant positive correlation.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, there is a direct and statistically significant relationship between sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, the adaptability of sexual self-esteem, and family income with sexual function in participants. However, the unemployment of the spouse had a negative effect on the female sexual function.

Quality of Life Improvement Following Blepharoplasty: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Our previous retrospective study indicates that esthetic surgery in general results in a significant improvement in Quality of life (QoL). This is the first indication-specific prospective evaluation of QoL after blepharoplasty using standardized and validated questionnaires.

OBJECTIVES

To report changes in QoL after blepharoplasty prospectively with a 6-month follow-up.

METHODS

The same surgical team performed an esthetic blepharoplasty on 50 patients. Participants answered 1 set of questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The instrument consisted of a self-developed indication-specific part specially designed for blepharoplasty and 4 validated and standardized testing instruments (FLZ, FPI-R, RSES, and PHQ-4) with norm data for German-speaking countries available.

RESULTS

This study reveals a high rate of satisfaction after blepharoplasty. 96% felt better about themselves and 94% would undergo the procedure again. Statistically significant increased values were found postoperatively in the items "income" ( P =0.016), "family life" ( P =0.028), "partner relationship" ( P =0.039), "ability to relax" ( P <0.001), "energy" ( P <0.001), "hobbies" ( P <0.001), and with their outer appearance in general ( P =0.018). Blepharoplasty showed a statistically significant improvement in emotional stability ( P =0.017) and a reduction in depressive symptoms ( P <0.001). Our patients had statistically significantly higher self-esteem before ( P <0.001) and after ( P <0.001) the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our prospective study shows that blepharoplasty increases most aspects of QoL significantly, has a positive effect on emotional and physical well-being, and reduces the incidence of depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Demographic and Cultural Differences in the Acceptance and Pursuit of Cosmetic Surgery: A Systematic Literature Review

Worldwide, the numbers of cosmetic procedures continue to climb. However, cosmetic surgery (CS) continues to be plagued by negative stigmatization. This study reviews the literature to identify how attitudes toward CS vary by sex, age, race, culture, and nationality, and aims to determine how other factors like media exposure interact with demographics to influence how well CS is accepted.

METHODS

A PRISMA-guided systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify all English-language papers reporting on CS or plastic surgery acceptance, attitudes, or stigmatization, specifically examining for data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, culture, and media influence.

RESULTS

In total, 1515 abstracts were reviewed, of which 94 were deemed pertinent enough to warrant a full-text review. Among the potential demographic predictors of CS acceptance, the one with the most supportive data is sex, with women comprising roughly 90% of all CS patients in virtually all populations studied and consistently exhibiting greater CS knowledge and acceptance. Culturally, the pursuit of beauty through CS is a universal phenomenon, although different countries, races, and cultures differ in how willingly CS is embraced, and in the aesthetic goals of those choosing to have it. In countries with culturally diverse societies like the United States, non-Hispanic Whites continue to predominate among CS patients, but the number of CS patients of other races is rising disproportionately. In this trend, social media is playing a major role.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare practitioners performing cosmetic procedures need to consider demographic and cultural differences of the patients in order to enhance their understanding of their patients' aesthetic goals and expectations.