Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Problems Among Applicants and Non-applicants of Cosmetic Surgery

Objective: The human beings’ interest in beauty and improvement of their appearance might compel them to seek for cosmetic surgery. This study aimed to compare body image, self-esteem, and psychological problems between the applicants and non-applicants of cosmetic surgery in Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 200 participants were selected for this study (including 100 applicants and 100 non-applicants of cosmetic surgery) via purposive sampling method. The questionnaires of body image, self-esteem, and psychological problems were used for data collection.  Results: The mean score of body image among non-applicants was higher than applicants of cosmetic surgery, but this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding their self-esteem and psychological problems.  Conclusion: Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily associated with body image, self-esteem and psychological problems.