Psychological health status and influencing factors among aesthetic plastic surgery patients: A cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

This study explored psychological well-being and body image-related distress among patients undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery, and identified key demographic and clinical factors influencing their mental health and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 403 outpatients and inpatients at a tertiary plastic surgery hospital. Participants completed a validated five-dimensional psychological assessment scale, comprising appearance concern, emotional distress, cognitive distress, behavioural distress, and body image inferiority. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. Independent group comparisons were performed using t-tests and ANOVA. Spearman's correlation assessed associations between variables, and multiple linear regression identified independent predictors. The mean total psychological distress score was 43.43 ± 17.72. Subscale means were: appearance concern (17.37 ± 6.36), emotional distress (8.36 ± 4.93), cognitive distress (7.13 ± 4.68), behavioural distress (4.91 ± 3.34), and body image inferiority (4.89 ± 3.03). Psychological distress varied significantly by gender, age, income, and treatment frequency (P < 0.05). Spearman's analysis indicated associations with gender (r = -0.121), education (r = -0.100), income (r = -0.117), and treatment frequency (r = 0.112-0.115). Regression identified male gender, low income, and repeated procedures as significant predictors of heightened distress. Psychological distress among aesthetic surgery patients is shaped by demographic and treatment-related factors. Male patients, those with lower income, and individuals undergoing multiple procedures exhibit greater vulnerability. These findings underscore the importance of routine psychological screening and targeted interventions to enhance patient-centred care and surgical outcomes.