Psychosocial Factors and Postoperative Pain in Aesthetic Breast Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION Pain is an unpleasant experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, involving sensory, emotional, cognitive, and social components (1). There are studies in the literature that examine the relationship between postoperative acute pain and psychological factors (2, 3). For example, studies in cancer patients undergoing reconstructive breast surgery have shown that depression, anxiety levels, and abnormal pain perception (pain catastrophizing) are associated with postoperative pain (4). Psychological factors that could influence pain in aesthetic surgeries may be more diverse. Self-esteem and personality types are among the psychological factors that could affect pain.

Self-esteem refers to an individual's beliefs and perceptions about themselves. It plays a significant role in shaping an individual's thoughts about their physical appearance. People with low self-esteem are generally dissatisfied with their appearance, which may lead them to seek aesthetic surgery as a way to improve their self-worth. Low self-esteem has been associated with an increased likelihood of undergoing aesthetic surgery (5). Furthermore, aesthetic surgeries have been linked to significant improvements in self-esteem. A systematic review conducted by Javo and colleagues (2019) showed that more than 70% of aesthetic surgery patients experienced significant increases in self-esteem (6).

Another factor that could be related to pain is personality traits. Studies have shown that personality traits are important predictors of postoperative pain and complications in aesthetic surgeries (7). Traits such as perfectionism, neuroticism, and anxiety have been associated with increased postoperative pain and poor surgical outcomes. Individuals with these traits may experience anxiety and fear before surgery, leading to a lower pain threshold and increased sensitivity to pain sensations.

Aesthetic surgery is a rapidly growing industry worldwide. The desire for physical recovery and maintaining a youthful appearance has led to an increase in demand for aesthetic surgeries. However, the psychological effects of these surgeries and their relationship with pain have not been fully investigated. The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between psychosocial factors, particularly self-esteem and personality types, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing aesthetic breast surgery. This study is expected to contribute to the literature on developing personalized pain management strategies for aesthetic surgery patients.

To investigate the relationship between self-esteem, personality types, other psychosocial factors, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing aesthetic breast surgery. To contribute to the literature on the development of personalized pain protocols for aesthetic surgery patients.