Cosmetic surgery patients recommended to undergo psychological screening

All patients should undergo psychological screening before having cosmetic surgery, medical experts revealed yesterday.

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Researchers found an urgent need for experts to evaluate the mental suitability of people wanting to improve their looks by going under the knife - an industry worth more than £2.3 billion a year.

The research, organised by the Centre for Appearance Research at UWE Bristol, revealed a danger those who have plastic surgery may not be mentally fit enough to cope with the change to their bodies, possibly leading to breakdowns or cosmetic surgery addiction.

The study calls for pre-screening for all patients prior to surgery to assess their expectations of the possible outcomes - those looking for a 'quick fix' may not fully realise that surgery is the only option.

Little is known about the impact cosmetic surgery has on long term psychological adjustment.

The NHS estimates that 30 per cent of women who have had breast implants will need further surgery within 10 years to fix leaks, scarring, creasing or sagging.

[Related: Can you guess which University is offering a 'cosmetic surgery' degree?]

Also, a fifth of facelifts will have to be re-done at some point - as the weather and gravity take its toll over time.

Liposuction enthusiasts who use the fat-sucking surgery as a weight-control method often develop fatty deposits on their necks, shoulders, arms and backs.

Clinical researchers, Professor Rumsey and Dr Clarke developed the cosmetic surgery screening tool, which hopes to prevent unsuitable people having vanity ops.

Professor Rumsey said: "This new screening process is designed to provide a quick and efficient method through which prospective patients can be screened and assessed in more depth where necessary, and then guided to alternative care where appropriate.

"It will help surgeons to offer care tailored to the needs of their patients, and will generate much needed understanding of the psychological impact of cosmetic surgery.

"The screening process is designed to provide a more thorough exploration of the rationale for surgery, and offers a strong indication of whether or not surgery is the appropriate choice for a patient."

Celebs that have developed addiction to plastic surgery include Meg Ryan and former glamour model Alicia Douvall.