KUWAIT: Many women pursue cosmetic surgeries with the false expectation that changing their appearance will alter how they feel about themselves. However, this often results in even greater disappointment after the procedure.

“Self-confidence must come from within; it’s not something I can give to a patient,” said Dr Yaser Najaf Ghaleb, a facial plastic surgeon in Kuwait, referring to women who mostly approach him out of insecurity about their own appearances.

He described this as a phenomenon mostly stemming from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Patients with BDD, according to National Library of Medicine, believe they appear ugly or deformed — for example, thinking they have a large, ‘repulsive’ nose when in reality they look normal.

“Eventually, it becomes an obsession, not just an idea,” Ghaleb said. “Especially when women assume that changing their appearance will alter the course of their lives, securing better job opportunities, marriage prospects, and more.” For him, understanding the motive behind a woman’s desire for plastic surgery is crucial, as he believes permanent choices like this should not arise from temporary emotions, such as those triggered by recent negative life experiences, like recent breakups or job losses. He also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the decision is neither impulsive nor influenced by social media or peer pressure. Instead, it should be a mature choice grounded in sound reasoning.

Dr Ghaleb during a surgical procedure.

This is why the psychological aspect is an integral part of his practice. “Many times, I sense that my clients need to see a psychologist instead, so I refer them to one,” Ghaleb noted. Only when he observes stability in a woman’s mental well-being does he agree to proceed with the surgery.”

While he notes that 90 percent of his patients are women between the ages of 16 and late 30s, he also sees male clients. However, these men typically seek surgery for functional reasons rather than cosmetic ones, such as correcting facial flaws resulting from accidents.

Ghaleb exercises particular caution with male clients seeking cosmetic surgery, especially those he categorizes under the acronym ‘SIMON,’ representing Single, Immature, Male, Obsessive, and Narcissistic. He notes that these individuals can present significant challenges for surgeons due to unrealistic expectations or deeper psychological concerns. To ensure the right patient selection and prevent negative outcomes after surgery, Dr Ghaleb highlights the importance of open and honest communication with his patients prior to any procedure. He ensures that both parties are on the same page, sharing similar expectations and understanding the potential outcomes of the surgery.