Our Summary

This research paper focuses on chronic pain that persists after cosmetic surgery, which is a common but under-researched issue. The study was conducted in Norway using an online survey, which asked about past cosmetic surgeries, any chronic pain afterwards, and whether respondents sought help for their pain.

The survey was conducted in late 2022, with 1,746 participants. Around 10% of them, most of whom were women, had undergone cosmetic surgery. About a quarter of these were young adults between 18 and 29 years old. Chronic pain after surgery was reported by 12.6% of these participants, and it was five times more common in men than women.

Two thirds of those who reported chronic pain were also aged between 18 and 29. The study concludes that there’s a rising trend of young adults in Norway opting for cosmetic surgeries, and about 1 in 8 might experience chronic pain afterwards. This condition is tough to treat and puts a burden on public healthcare and social welfare systems. Therefore, more extensive studies are needed to investigate this issue further.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary focus of the research study on cosmetic surgery conducted in Norway?
  2. According to the study, what percentage of participants reported experiencing chronic pain after cosmetic surgery?
  3. What does the study conclude about the trend of young adults opting for cosmetic surgeries in Norway and its implications on public healthcare and social welfare systems?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cosmetic surgery is to carefully research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon. A skilled surgeon can help minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible results. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations and to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before undergoing surgery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are essential for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended cosmetic surgery are those who are unhappy with a specific aspect of their appearance and wish to improve it through surgical means. This can include individuals seeking to enhance their facial features, reduce signs of aging, reshape their bodies, or correct physical abnormalities.

Common reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery include wanting to boost self-confidence, improve body image, or address physical discomfort caused by a specific feature. Patients may also choose to undergo cosmetic surgery for medical reasons, such as reconstructive surgery following an injury or to correct a congenital deformity.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one, and patients should carefully consider their motivations, expectations, and potential risks before proceeding with any procedure. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before cosmetic surgery:

  1. Patient researches and consults with a plastic surgeon about the desired procedure.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative medical evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient schedules and prepares for the surgery, including arranging for time off work, childcare, and transportation to and from the surgical facility.

After cosmetic surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery room and is monitored by medical staff for any immediate post-operative complications.
  2. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery, which is managed with pain medication and rest.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sees the final results of the surgery, which may take several weeks to months to fully manifest.
  5. In some cases, patients may experience chronic pain that persists long after the surgery, requiring further medical evaluation and treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cosmetic surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the specific cosmetic surgery procedure I am considering?
  2. What is the recovery process like, and how long can I expect it to take?
  3. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  4. How experienced are you in performing this specific cosmetic surgery procedure?
  5. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone the same procedure?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How much discomfort or pain can I expect during the recovery period, and what pain management options are available?
  8. What is the overall cost of the procedure, including any potential additional costs for follow-up appointments or touch-up procedures?
  9. What is your policy on revisions or corrections if I am not satisfied with the results of the surgery?
  10. How should I prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally, and what can I do to optimize my results and recovery?

It is important for patients to thoroughly discuss any concerns or questions they may have with their doctor before undergoing cosmetic surgery to ensure they have a clear understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes.

Reference

Authors: Engel S, Jacobsen HB, Reme SE. Journal: Scand J Pain. 2024 Mar 7;24(1). doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0099. eCollection 2024 Jan 1. PMID: 38452288