Archive 1992–2014

Objectives. To explore the relationship of self-rated own physical attractiveness and personality traits to: (1) motives underlying the decision to undergo cosmetic breast surgery, and (2) expected consequences of the surgery.
Method. Participants in the study conducted in the years 2006‑2008 were 113 women who anonymously and individually responded to a questionnaire developed for the research purposes.
Results. The decision to improve their appearance is usually made by single women aged about 30, who assess their looks as rather attractive or average, and their personality traits as positive or very positive. Their self-rating of own physical attractiveness is consistent with that of their personality traits, and both these variables are related to inner-directedness of their decision-making concerning the surgery. However, neither of these variables is related to the participants' generally positive expectations of the cosmetic breast surgery consequences.
Conclusions. A combination of the patient's external motivation with overly positive expectations about post-surgery changes in her appearance and interpersonal relationships (especially these with her partner) involves the greatest risk to her mental health. Therefore, special attention and care are required from the medical team.