2025 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 1-9
The importance of "appearance psychology" in understanding and supporting patients with coping difficulties in plastic surgery is increasingly recognized. For patients with psychological vulnerabilities, visible differences can impair the quality of their social interactions, which may lead to additional psychosocial challenges. To support patients effectively, it is important to understand the social comparison process and their need to seek approval and avoid rejection. The "stepped care model" is a practical intervention technique that has four levels. Levels 1 and 2, which are for the majority of patients with minor illnesses, consist mainly of counselling and information that is provided by medical staff, whereas levels 3 and 4, which are for a small number of severe cases, involve intensive treatment with psychologists/psychiatrists working with frontline staff. Visible differences themselves are not the target of intervention in appearance psychology. This difference from the focus of plastic surgery allows for complementary approaches to improving outcomes for the patient. The Japanese Psychological Association provides workshops that also include medical professionals.
