title: A prospective psychological study of 50 female face-lift patients.
abstract: Fifty female face-lift patients were evaluated preoperatively with psychological tests and psychiatric interviews. Their postoperative psychological courses were studied for up to 6 months. Approximately 30% had postoperative depressive reactions. These reactions were primarily correlated with a preexisting, clinically detectable depression, high depressive Beck scores, or a depression-prone personality pattern. There was no statistical correlation between postoperative depressive reactions and magical expectations, post-operative complications, marital status, recent bereavement, relationships with spouse and family, or concerns about death. Preoperative depression scores were often transiently intensified postoperatively, but usually eventually stabilized at a level lower than the preoperative scores. Many women showed postoperative psychological improvement. Twenty-eight percent had an increase in self-esteem, 8% felt better able to cope with life, and 8% were more assertive and confident in their work. The desire to improve self-image and to advance in a career were reasonably reliable predictors of psychological improvement.
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications*; D004651:Employment; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008950:MMPI; D009042:Motivation; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000523:psychology*