International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Research Article

Effect of Cosmetic Surgery on Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

Fahemeh Akhlaghi¹, Ali Zadehmohammad², Zohreh Ahmadabadi³, Geytar Maleki⁴ Mohammad Hosein Kalantar Motamedi^5*

¹Associate Professor, Dept.of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,Dental School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran- Iran

²Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Tehran, Iran

³Sociology Department, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Tehran, Iran

⁴Psychology Department, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Tehran, Iran

⁵Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran- Iran

*Corresponding Author:

E-mail: motamrdical@yahoo.com

Aim: The present study sought to assess the relationship of cosmetic surgery with self-concept and self-esteem. Materials and Method: A total of 46 candidates for cosmetic surgery filled an Ego Identity Status - Self Esteem Questionnaire before and 4-months after cosmetic surgery. Results: Repeated ANOVA test showed no significant differences in self-conceptualization of patients after surgery; whereas, self-esteem improved significantly. Self- conceptualization of subjects with identity diffusion decreased post-operatively. Subjects with identity moratorium reported a significant decrease in their self-esteem after the surgery. Subjects who had a susceptible identity psychologically and receptive feelings for facial cosmetic surgery showed improved self-esteem and self- conceptualization post-surgery. Conclusion: Our study results demonstrated that self-esteem of respondents increased significantly after the operation but self- conceptualization did not improve significantly.