SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF PLASTIC SURGERY OF THE FACE*

Abstract

While the inestimable importance of the plastic surgeon in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the facially disfigured has been pointed out, particular emphasis has been given to the potential psychological hazards involved in operating on everyone who requests plastic surgery without careful interviewing. Knowledge of patients' personalities, motivations and aspirations are essential to avoid aggravating or precipitating psychological disturbances in those individuals whose complaints are but symptoms of more serious difficulties. Caution in such instances will eliminate possible repercussions upon the surgeon and the hospital. Case histories and a list of clues which indicate the need for holding operations in abeyance or referring patients to a psychiatrist are presented.