Development of an instrument to evaluate the results of plastic surgery from the perspective of the patient

Abstract

Background: Body remodeling surgical procedures requires an assessment from the client's point of view in terms of esthetic satisfaction. Aim: To develop an instrument of assess body remodeling surgical results from the point of view of the patient. Material and Methods: A literature search for assessment methods was carried out. Posteriorly, in depth interviews and focus groups with plastic surgeons and patients subjected to plastic surgery procedures were performed. With this information, a conceptual framework was established to devise the instrument. Results: Sixteen patients and five plastic surgeons participated in the interviews and focus groups. The domains included in the conceptual framework were outfit and body image, affective and sexual life, self-image and esteem, social relationships and physical symptoms. Conclusions: The conceptual framework for the instrument is ready and the psychometric evaluation is the next step in its development.