A recent study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain, shines a light on the prevalence of cosmetic surgery among Norwegian adults and the significant issue of chronic post-operative pain following such procedures.
This marks the first deep dive into these subjects in Norway since 2008, highlighting a growing concern in cosmetic surgery practices.
The research, spearheaded by Silje Endresen Reme from the University of Oslo, surveyed 1,746 adults in Norway, inquiring about their history with cosmetic surgery, any long-term pain experienced post-operation, and whether they sought treatment for this pain.
Findings reveal that 10% of those surveyed had undergone cosmetic surgery, indicating a clear rise in the popularity of these procedures.
A closer look at the demographics shows that a quarter of these individuals were between the ages of 18-29, and a significant majority, three-quarters, were female.
However, the study brings to light a concerning issue: one in eight of those who had cosmetic surgery reported suffering from chronic post-operative pain, which is defined as pain persisting for more than three months after the surgery.
Interestingly, this type of pain was found to be five times more common in males than in females. The majority of those experiencing chronic pain were young adults aged 18-29, with lower incidence rates in older age groups.
Among those afflicted, three-quarters sought medical treatment due to the severity and disruptive nature of their pain.
The implications of these findings are wide-ranging. While cosmetic surgeries are predominantly performed in private clinics, individuals suffering from post-operative pain may require the resources of the public health system, potentially leading to an inability to work and a decrease in quality of life.
This underscores a pressing need for potential patients to be thoroughly informed about the risks and complications that may follow cosmetic surgery procedures.
Sophia Engel, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding the possible aftermath of cosmetic surgeries, not just for the patients but also for the broader public.
The impact of chronic post-operative pain extends beyond the individual, affecting the healthcare system and social welfare.
This study calls for a balanced discussion on the benefits and risks associated with cosmetic surgery, urging for better patient education and preparedness for possible complications.
As the allure of cosmetic surgery grows, so does the responsibility of healthcare providers and patients to approach these procedures with caution and thorough understanding.
If you care about pain, please read studies about vitamin K deficiency linked to hip fractures in old people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and eating yogurt linked to lower frailty in older people.
The research findings can be found in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
