Our Summary

This research paper studies the increase in popularity and acceptance of cosmetic surgery among women in Norway. Back in 2003 and 2008, only about 7-8% of adult women had undergone cosmetic surgery. However, according to a recent survey of over 3000 women aged between 18 and 60, that percentage has now increased to 17%. Additionally, more than half of the women surveyed said they would likely consider cosmetic surgery, and 18% had been advised to get cosmetic surgery.

The study also found that women who had or wanted cosmetic surgery tended to have a lower level of education, were less content with their physical appearance, had more suggestions to get cosmetic surgery, and used social media platforms that focused on appearance more frequently than women who had no interest in cosmetic surgery.

So, in simple terms, cosmetic surgery is becoming more common and accepted among women in Norway, especially among those who are less satisfied with their looks and who pay more attention to appearance-based social media.

FAQs

  1. What is the current percentage of women in Norway who have undergone cosmetic surgery according to the recent survey?
  2. What characteristics were common among women in Norway who had or wanted cosmetic surgery?
  3. Has the acceptance and popularity of cosmetic surgery increased among women in Norway over the years?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering cosmetic surgery is to carefully research and choose a reputable and experienced surgeon. It is important to have a thorough consultation with the surgeon to discuss expectations, risks, and potential outcomes. Additionally, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that cosmetic surgery is not a quick fix for underlying self-esteem or body image issues. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Some common types of patients who are typically recommended cosmetic surgery include:

  1. Individuals who are unhappy with a specific aspect of their physical appearance, such as the shape of their nose, size of their breasts, or wrinkles on their face.
  2. Patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin that they would like to have removed.
  3. Individuals who have visible signs of aging and want to rejuvenate their appearance.
  4. Patients who have congenital deformities or physical abnormalities that can be corrected through surgery.
  5. Individuals who have suffered from trauma or injury that has left visible scarring or disfigurement.
  6. Patients with asymmetrical features that they would like to have corrected.
  7. Individuals who want to enhance their physical appearance for personal or professional reasons.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one, and it is important for patients to have realistic expectations and to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after cosmetic surgery:

Before surgery:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss desired procedures, expectations, risks, and recovery process.
  2. Pre-operative medical evaluations and tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Planning and scheduling of the surgery date.
  4. Preparing mentally and emotionally for the transformation.
  5. Post-operative instructions and guidelines provided by the surgeon.

After surgery:

  1. Immediate recovery period in the hospital or surgical facility.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days and weeks following surgery.
  4. Gradual improvement in appearance as swelling subsides and incisions heal.
  5. Potential need for touch-up procedures or additional treatments to achieve desired results.
  6. Boost in self-confidence and satisfaction with appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the specific cosmetic procedure I am interested in?
  2. How many times have you performed this procedure and what is your success rate?
  3. Can you show me before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone the same procedure?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How long is the recovery period and what kind of post-operative care will I need?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may achieve similar results?
  7. What are the costs involved in the procedure, including anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up appointments?
  8. Can you provide me with references from previous patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery with you?
  9. How will the results of the surgery change over time and are there any long-term effects I should be aware of?
  10. What qualifications and certifications do you have in performing cosmetic surgery procedures?

Reference

Authors: Kvalem IL, von Soest T, Sundgot-Borgen C, Dahlgren CL. Journal: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2025 Jan 9;145(1). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.24.0218. Print 2025 Jan 21. PMID: 39835872