We thank you for sending in your questions in the comments section during the 'Self-esteem and Body Image - A growing social and community issue' webinar. In order to address all your unedited questions, the following is a summary we have split into a selection of general categories:
Questions:
- Cosmetic surgery is higher in higher socio economic population. So is it a problem of riches?
No. People of all income and social levels are seeking surgery or less invasive procedures. This is now the third most common reason to get a bank loan (after a mortgage and a car……)
- As a practitioner, how do we access the PAT to be able to incorporate in our practice?Access agreements are under discussion.
This will either be via an organisation (such as MIPS), or as an individual. We hope to have this in place by the beginning of April 2023.The difficulty is that there is no ACM accredited college for aesthetic medicine currently, yet many of us would benefit from being part of the pilot. I would very much like to be kept updated in the progress of rolloutThank you. We will let you have details of how to use the PAT as soon as they are finalised.
- Do you think religion can play a role? Preaching created from God image therefore not to change
For those with strong religious beliefs this might be helpful – but an understanding that appearances have a less strong role in happiness, social & occupational success etc is also necessary to reduce levels of dissatisfaction & distress.
- What about people who are ugly and feel fine?
This is to be encouraged! These people are usually more psychologically resilient and have higher levels of wellbeing/happiness.
- What are the characteristics of the 20-33% of people who are not bothered?
This group have higher self-esteem, a sense of self-worth that is built on a variety of attributes other than appearance (for example, sense of humour; skill in a sport or hobby; social skills; success at work, etc), a lower reliance on the opinions of others for their sense of self-worth, and a pre-disposition to be ‘half-full’ (optimistic), rather than ‘half-empty’ (pessimistic) in their view of the world.
- Doesn't the gender surgery fall into this topic as well? ("I'd like to be someone else")
There are some similarities……the two areas can certainly share unrealistic expectations about the likely psychological & social gains after treatment…but more research is needed in both fields.
- To what extent does this pertain to Gender Dysphoria and those seeking Gender reassignment surgery?
See answer to previous question….
- Does body art (tatoos) fall into the same category as aesthetic medical or dental procedures as an indicator of self esteem and body image ?
Body art is often a statement of identity/individualism. Aesthetic medical/dental procedures are more often about achieving a perceived ‘norm’ of appearance (ie to look like other ‘desirable’ people.
- Working in forensic medicine - I am concerned about children and young people, even adults who are watching pornography and developing ideas about perfect genitals and seeking surgical changes. Many vulnerabilities and exposure to non-medical, backyard solutions etc any thoughts on this area?
Yes – absolutely – I share this concern. Access to pornography (via smart phones) etc, gives people very unrealistic ideas about norms of appearance of genitalia and other body parts (e.g. labia; breasts). Instead of understanding the enormous variety (& lack of symmetry) that exists in the broader population, viewers come to think they need a particular type to be acceptable.
- How do you differentiate between those patients seeking cosmetic surgery who have issues with self-esteem and psychological vulnerabilities and their suitability towards said procedure?
The Patient Assessment Tool (PAT) is designed as a first step in identifying different types of psychological vulnerability (including low self-esteem), highlighting potential risks for sub-optimal outcomes following aesthetic treatment and suggesting appropriate ways of managing these risks. In some areas of vulnerability, it is suggested that a fuller psychological assessment would be beneficial.
- A lot of female sales reps and those in the media who are getting older often have minor cosmetic procedures as find it helps their employability. What can be done about this as they are still judged by their appearance
Yes, there is more pressure for people in some professions. An education programme for employers and employees is needed to bust the myths about appearance on both sides of the equation and also to persuade employers that the skill/talent of the employees is going to be more closely related to their productivity than their appearance
MIPS' advice
The law differs between States and Territories but most prohibit recording of consultations without the specific consent of the patient.
Ensure you contact MIPS for 27-hour Support and Advice on 1800 061 113 in the event of an adverse event or where there is a threat of a claim or notification made against you.
Resources
Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia
