Cosmetic Surgeries’ Mental Health Impact on Saudi Women

A study conducted by Dr. Raja Taha Al-Qahtani and others, in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, revealed that females outnumber males by 60%, while young men in their twenties constitute the majority of those seeking cosmetic surgery, at 28.8%. As for the educational level, the majority are university graduates, at 44.4%. The highest cosmetic procedures were represented by “filler injections, Botox, and teeth whitening,” while cosmetic surgeries were represented by rhinoplasty, followed by weight loss surgeries and hair transplantation.

On the other hand, social motives ranked first, represented by the aesthetic symbolic image of the self in the eyes of others and its influence by the culture of cosmetic and ostentatious consumption, followed by the economic motive represented by the marketing of new media and celebrities of the culture of beauty. As for the most prominent effects, they are the psychological factor represented by enhancing the mental image of the self, which is compatible with the culture of beauty and ostentatious consumption, followed by the economic factor. While the health aspect represents the least motive.

Additionally, the study results found that viewing cosmetic surgery-related material on social media, spending more hours on social media platforms, and having negative self-views when viewing social media were associated with an increased likelihood of considering cosmetic procedures in the future.

For more information about the motives for cosmetic surgery in Saudi society, and its effects on the psychological health of Saudi women, as found in the study… continue reading on the “Hi” website.

Motives for plastic surgery in Saudi society

I care about what others think of my appearance; this is what the mental image theory confirmed. Mindwell explained that body image is a mental picture of one’s body that is affected by self-observation and observing the reactions of others. Having a healthy body image means having an undistorted perception of one’s body shape, and here the individual feels comfortable, confident and satisfied with himself.
“I like the results of my friends’ plastic surgery” came in second, and “I like the results of social media celebrities’ plastic surgery” came in third. This is consistent with another study, which found that viewing plastic surgery-related material on social media, spending more hours on social media, and having negative self-images when viewing social media are associated with an increased likelihood of considering having surgery.

The impact of cosmetic surgeries and various techniques on the mental health of Saudi women

Enhancing a self-image that is consistent with the consumerist aesthetic culture of modern society, which may lead the individual to become obsessed with beauty.
Self-image is a pivotal point in the study of cosmetic surgeries, as the prevailing consumerist culture of cosmetic surgery has reshaped the self-image of Saudi women. Therefore, it was natural that positive or negative self-image would be the most important effects that Saudi women anticipate after the surgery. The phrase “my self-confidence has increased” came in first place, followed by the phrase “I feel excited to have more cosmetic surgeries,” reflecting the promotion of a culture of more cosmetic surgery. Here, women may move into a phase of continuous obsession and greater conformity to the materialistic cosmetic culture that glorifies beauty and forms a specific image of beauty.
According to specific cultural and civilizational standards, this trend is evident in the phrase “I have a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with my appearance” occupying third place. Here, the results of the study agree with another study, which concluded that successful cosmetic surgery contributes to a person’s feeling of satisfaction with his new appearance and self-confidence, and vice versa if cosmetic surgery fails, he feels rejection, frustration and despair.
On the other hand, the pursuit of beauty through changing the shape of the body has become an acceptable and common solution for the desire to enhance self-confidence and self-esteem. This is confirmed by the theory of symbolic interactionism, which states that the more an individual feels confident and satisfied with himself, the more he interacts with others and the wider the circle of his social relationships; thus, the impressions of others will affect the interactions of Saudi women with them.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant impact of cosmetic surgeries on the mental health of Saudi women, particularly in the areas of self-image, self-confidence, and social relationships. The findings suggest that the cultural and social context in which cosmetic surgeries are performed plays a crucial role in shaping the effects of these procedures on mental health.

FAQs

Q: What is the main motive for cosmetic surgery in Saudi society?
A: The main motive for cosmetic surgery in Saudi society is the aesthetic symbolic image of the self in the eyes of others, which is influenced by the culture of cosmetic and ostentatious consumption.

Q: What are the most common cosmetic procedures performed in Saudi society?
A: The most common cosmetic procedures performed in Saudi society are filler injections, Botox, and teeth whitening, followed by rhinoplasty, weight loss surgeries, and hair transplantation.

Q: What are the psychological effects of cosmetic surgery on Saudi women?
A: The psychological effects of cosmetic surgery on Saudi women include enhancing their self-image, self-confidence, and social relationships, as well as a possible obsession with beauty and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with their appearance.

Q: What is the impact of social media on the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery?
A: Social media plays a significant role in the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, as it exposes individuals to beauty standards and encourages them to pursue cosmetic procedures to achieve these standards.

Q: What are the implications of the study’s findings for mental health professionals?
A: The study’s findings suggest that mental health professionals should consider the cultural and social context in which cosmetic surgeries are performed when assessing the mental health of individuals who have undergone these procedures.