Cosmetic surgery patients more likely to call for the doctor
Australian women who have had cosmetic surgery use more health services and are more likely to experience psychological distress, according to a survey reported in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
Conducted by Dr Rafat Hussain and colleagues of the School of Health, University of New England, the survey recommends further research to determine whether having cosmetic surgery is directly related to health conditions or to attitudinal or psychosocial factors.
The survey was based on the group of mid-aged women (45-50 years) participating in the Women's Health Australia (WHA) study. The authors explored the relationship between having cosmetic surgery and the use of other health services.
The survey found that 7% of respondents had had cosmetic surgery (eg, for face, breasts, fat removal).
The demand for cosmetic surgery is growing rapidly in Western countries. "Concern about physical appearance is widespread among the general population," Dr Hussain said.
Hussain and colleagues found that there was a significant association between having had cosmetic surgery and having a greater number of chronic illnesses; using medications for anxiety, sleep disturbances or chronic illness.
Women who had had cosmetic surgery were more likely to have used other health services (eg, surgical procedures, consultations with specialists or alternative health care providers) within the past 12 months.
Dr Hussain said there is some evidence of State-based and regional differences in the use of cosmetic surgery. This may reflect consumer demand, or may be simply due to sampling variation.
"Women employed in professional, administrative and sales positions were more likely to have had cosmetic surgery than women working in trade, mechanical or other occupations. Separated or divorced women were more likely to have had cosmetic surgery than currently married women. Women from non-English-speaking countries were less likely to have had cosmetic surgery than women born in Australia," Dr Hussain said.
In Australia, there is no national coordinated system for collecting information on cosmetic surgery patients, procedures or outcomes.
"There is very limited information on the prevalence of cosmetic surgery, the characteristics of people who undergo cosmetic procedures or their reasons for doing so," Dr Hussain said.
Dr Hussain said these findings have important implications for health planning and point to the need for further research into women's reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery and the extent to which the surgery meets those needs.
"The long-term health outcomes of cosmetic surgery, both physical and psychological, also warrant investigation. With this information in hand, it would be possible to make recommendations to practitioners about improving the health outcomes for women seeking cosmetic surgery," Dr Hussain said.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
CONTACTS: Dr Rafat Hussain (Contact via email)
Email: rhussain@pobox.une.edu.au
Ms Deborah Loxton (0438) 841 502 (B/H / A/H)
School of Health
University of New England
Sarah Crichton, AMA (0419) 440 076