Study Finds High Rates of Mental Health Issues After Dermatologic Cosmetic Procedure Complications

The Dark Side of Cosmetic Procedures: Study Reveals High Rates of Mental Health Issues Among Patients

A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery has shed light on the dark side of dermatologic cosmetic procedures. The study, conducted by dermatologist Taryn Murray, MD, from Cleveland Clinic, revealed that patients who experience complications after cosmetic procedures are at a high risk of developing mental health issues.

The study, which surveyed 100 individuals from a Facebook cosmetic complication support group, found that patients reported significantly higher rates of mental health issues after their complications than before. The majority of respondents were female, with a significant portion falling into the 25-44 and 45-64 age groups.

Before experiencing complications, a small percentage of respondents reported a history of anxiety disorder, depression, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, after the complications, a staggering 50% reported positive depression screenings, 63% reported positive BDD screenings, and 63% reported positive PTSD screenings. Many respondents reported spending more than 3 hours a day thinking about their complications.

Dr. Murray emphasized the importance of proper patient assessment, counseling, and procedure technique to ensure safe and effective results. She highlighted the need for practitioners to be well-versed in potential complications and to screen patients for undiagnosed mental health disorders.

The study found that the most common procedures leading to complications were microneedling with radiofrequency, laser treatments, and ultrasound for skin tightening. Complications included scarring, hyperpigmentation, and burns, among others.

Dr. Murray hopes that her findings will lead to more research in the future and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Dr. Jennifer Lin, an assistant professor of dermatology, emphasized the need for better guidelines for cosmetic procedures to prevent complications and the importance of premonitoring individuals for mental health issues.

The study’s results serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures and the importance of prioritizing patient safety and mental well-being in the field of dermatology.