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AESTHETICS AND MENTAL HEALTH: PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF
PERSONAL CARE
Sara Luciana de Andrade1
Thiago Inocêncio Trofelli2
Alexsandro N. Oliveira3
Luís Carlos Bueno4
Paulo Henrique Dias Trofelli5
Cleber Aparecido Medeiros da Silva6
Marilu de Souza Franco7
Samira Aparecida Pogianela Alvim8
Fábio Caxico de Abreu Júnior9
1 Mestranda pela Universidade Ivy Enber Christian University – E-mail: drasaraandrade@
yahoo.com - ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6094-502X
2 Mestrado em Políticas Públicas pela Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes - UMC. E-mail: thia-
goinocenciotrofelli@gmail.com - Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8938-8525
3 Mestrado em gestão de Cuidados da Saúde pela Universidade da Amazônia – UNAMA –
E-mail: ano_alexsandro @yahoo.com – Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7023-7092
4 Especialista em urgência e emergência , UTI Adulto , Cardiologia e Hemodinâmica , docência
do ensino Superior Faculminas https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2741-9471
5 Bacharel em Enfermagem pela Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes – UMC. E-mail: paulot-
dias5@gmail.com - Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6733-8235
6 Especialista em Saúde Mental pela FACULESTE– Universidade de Minas Gerais. E-mail: cle-
binhoo79@gmail.com – Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0544-1472
7 Mestranda em Gestão de Cuidados da Saúde pela Must University. Professora do Curso de En-
fermagem na Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes – UMC. E-mail: alvimsamira420@gmail.com - Orcid:
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9242-5449
8 Mestranda em Gestão de Cuidados da Saúde pela Must University. Professora do Curso de En-
fermagem na Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes – UMC. E-mail: alvimsamira420@gmail.com - Orcid:
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9242-5449
9 Mestrando em Saúde Pública pela Universidade IV Enber Christian Universit. E-mail:
fabio.caxico01@gmail.com - ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8606-5314
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Abstract: The increasing emphasis on physical appearance in contemporary society has broadened
interest in aesthetic procedures and intensifi ed discussions about their effects on mental health. In
this context, aesthetics ceases to represent only a dimension related to beauty and begins to integrate
aspects involving self-esteem, self-image, social belonging, and quality of life. This study aimed to
analyze the psychosocial impacts of appearance care on mental health, considering both the benefi ts
resulting from aesthetic interventions and the risks associated with the internalization of idealized
body standards. This is a bibliographic research, with a qualitative approach, developed from the
analysis of scientifi c articles published between 2020 and 2025 in the SciELO, PubMed, and Google
Scholar databases. The analyzed studies show that aesthetic procedures performed ethically, safely,
and based on realistic expectations can favor the strengthening of self-esteem, self-confi dence, and
psychological well-being. However, they also demonstrate that the infl uence of social media, image
culture, and socially imposed aesthetic standards can trigger body dissatisfaction, anxiety, emotional
distress, and disorders related to self-image perception. It is concluded that the work of aesthetics
professionals should go beyond the technical dimension, incorporating ethical principles, empathy,
active listening, and understanding of the emotional aspects involved in seeking aesthetic procedures.
Therefore, the integration of aesthetics and mental health constitutes an important strategy for
promoting comprehensive care and quality of life.
Keywords: self-esteem; aesthetics; body image; mental health; well-being.
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between aesthetics and mental health has gained prominence in contemporary
scientifi c discussions due to the cultural, social, and technological transformations of the last decades.
The growth of the beauty industry, aesthetic procedures, and social networks has signifi cantly changed
the way individuals perceive their own bodies and build their identity.
In this context, physical appearance began to exert a strong infl uence on social relationships,
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directly impacting self-esteem, social belonging, and psychological well-being. The World Health
Organization defi nes mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual recognizes his or
her abilities, deals with daily challenges, and contributes to society, evidencing the infl uence of social,
emotional, and cultural factors in this process.
Authors such as Tiggemann (2021) and Cash (2012) highlight that body image is socially and
psychologically constructed, being strongly infl uenced by social networks and contemporary beauty
standards. In this scenario, self-esteem, according to Rosenberg, becomes a central element, since it
is directly related to the way the individual perceives himself and deals with his own image.
Studies such as those by Walker et al. (2022) and Sarwer et al. (2023) indicate that aesthetic
procedures can bring psychological benefi ts when performed with adequate guidance and realistic
expectations. On the other hand, Veale et al. (2021) warn that in cases of psychological distress, such
as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, such interventions may not be enough, requiring a multidisciplinary
approach.
In addition, research by Fardouly et al. and Rodgers et al. shows that social networks intensify
social comparison and body dissatisfaction, and can negatively affect mental health. Despite this,
authors such as Pereira et al. (2020) point out that taking care of one’s appearance can also act as a
factor in promoting well-being and self-confi dence.
In this way, aesthetics has a complex relationship with mental health, and can act both
as a protective factor and as a psychological vulnerability. Thus, this study seeks to analyze the
psychosocial impacts of grooming, considering its benefi ts, limits, and challenges in contemporary
society.
OBJECTIVES
General Objective
To analyze the psychosocial impacts of grooming on mental health, considering the positive
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and negative repercussions of aesthetic procedures on self-esteem, self-image and psychological well-
being, in the light of contemporary scientifi c literature.
Specifi c Objectives
To investigate the infl uence of aesthetic procedures on the construction of self-esteem and
self-image of individuals.
To identify the main psychological benefi ts associated with aesthetic care described in the
scientifi c literature.
To analyze the relationship between socially established aesthetic standards, social
comparison and psychic suffering.
Discuss the infl uence of social networks on the perception of body image and the search for
aesthetic procedures.
Refl ect on the importance of ethical, humanized and interdisciplinary performance of
aesthetic professionals in the promotion of mental health.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study is characterized as a bibliographic research, with a qualitative approach
and descriptive-analytical character, aimed at analyzing the relationship between aesthetics and
mental health. According to Gil (2019), bibliographic research allows the systematization of existing
scientifi c knowledge, enabling critical analysis and identifi cation of gaps.
The qualitative approach, according to Minayo (2014), was adopted because it enables an
in-depth interpretation of the phenomena, considering the meanings attributed by different authors to
the relationships between self-esteem, body image and aesthetic procedures.
Data collection was carried out in scientifi c databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and
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Google Scholar, selecting studies published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese and English. The
descriptors used included terms related to aesthetics, mental health, self-esteem, and body image.
Articles available in full that directly addressed the proposed theme were included, in
addition to classical references that are fundamental for the understanding of the central concepts.
Duplicate studies, abstracts, editorials, and studies without consistent scientifi c basis were excluded.
Data analysis was performed through thematic content analysis, allowing the organization
of studies into categories such as: body image, self-esteem, aesthetic procedures, social networks and
disorders related to the perception of appearance. This strategy enabled dialogue between different
authors and the construction of an integrated critical analysis.
As this is a study with secondary data in the public domain, there was no need to submit it to
the Research Ethics Committee, according to Resolution No. 510/2016 of the National Health Council.
Thus, the methodology adopted allowed a broad and updated understanding of the relationship
between aesthetics and mental health, contributing to the refl ection on the psychosocial impacts of
appearance care.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The social construction of beauty and its impacts on mental health
The contemporary understanding of aesthetics goes beyond the idea of beautifi cation and
involves social, cultural, and psychological dimensions related to identity and mental health. In
this sense, Schilder (1999) and Cash (2012) dialogue when they state that body image is not only a
biological construction, but a subjective process infl uenced by personal experiences and sociocultural
contexts, which directly impacts self-esteem and self-perception.
In the current context, Tiggemann (2021) and Rodgers et al. (2023) converge in highlighting
the role of social networks in intensifying social comparison and internalizing unattainable aesthetic
standards. These authors show that constant exposure to idealized images favors body dissatisfaction
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and negatively interferes with mental health, especially among young people.
In a complementary way, Pereira et al. (2020) and Fardouly et al. (2022) point out that
excessive appreciation of appearance is associated with increased anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem,
in addition to behaviors of constant search for aesthetic procedures. This scenario reinforces the direct
infl uence of digital culture in the construction of self-image.
On the other hand, Walker et al. (2022) and Sarwer et al. (2023) highlight that aesthetic
procedures can generate psychological benefi ts when performed ethically, with adequate guidance and
realistic expectations. While Walker et al. (2022) evidence improved self-confi dence and well-being,
Sarwer et al. (2023) emphasize that the results depend on the motivations that lead the individual to
the intervention.
In this context, Festinger (1954) contributes to the Theory of Social Comparison, explaining
that individuals build their identity from comparison with others, a phenomenon intensifi ed by social
networks. Thus, appearance is constantly evaluated in relation to idealized standards, which reinforces
feelings of inadequacy.
Thus, it is observed that contemporary aesthetics assumes a double function: it can act both
as a factor in promoting well-being and as an element of psychological vulnerability. This duality,
discussed by several authors, highlights the importance of an ethical and humanized professional
performance, capable of recognizing emotional aspects involved in the search for aesthetic procedures.
Finally, it is concluded that the social construction of beauty is directly related to mental
health, being infl uenced by cultural, media and psychological factors. Thus, the biopsychosocial
understanding of aesthetics becomes fundamental for the promotion of integral health and quality of
life.
Self-esteem, self-image and psychological well-being
Self-esteem is one of the main components of mental health, directly infl uencing the way
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individuals interpret their experiences and establish social relationships. In this sense, Rosenberg
(1965) and Cash (2012) dialogue by understanding self-esteem and self-image as dynamic
constructions, infl uenced by social, cultural and psychological factors, and not only by objective
physical characteristics.
Within this perspective, studies such as those by Walker et al. (2022) and Sarwer et al. (2023)
show that aesthetic procedures can contribute to the improvement of self-esteem and psychological
well-being when performed with adequate indication and realistic expectations. While Walker et al.
(2022) highlight gains in self-confi dence and social relationships, Sarwer et al. (2023) reinforce that
the results depend directly on the patient’s motivations and emotional profi le.
On the other hand, Veale et al. (2021) and Neff (2011) warn of the importance of understanding
the limits of this relationship. Veale et al. (2021) point out that unrealistic expectations can lead to
frustration and worsening of psychological distress, while Neff (2011) emphasizes that self-compassion
and personal acceptance are key to building healthier self-esteem that is less dependent on appearance.
Rodgers et al. (2023) also contribute by highlighting that aesthetic pressure affects both
men and women, although in different ways, and that factors such as age and social context directly
infl uence the relationship between self-esteem and body image. Thus, the construction of self-image
is understood as a multifactorial and variable process throughout the life cycle.
Finally, the authors converge in recognizing that the strengthening of self-esteem does not
depend exclusively on aesthetic procedures. Educational interventions, psychological support, and
the development of socio-emotional skills are equally important, as pointed out by different studies
in the area. Thus, appearance care should be understood as part of an integrated approach to health
promotion.
Thus, it is concluded that self-esteem, self-image and psychological well-being are deeply
interconnected, requiring an ethical, individualized and interdisciplinary professional performance,
capable of considering not only the body, but also the emotional and social aspects of the individual.
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Aesthetic procedures and psychosocial repercussions: benefi ts, limits and challenges
In recent decades, the growth of aesthetics as a health area has been accompanied by scientifi c
and technological advances, expanding the offer of procedures and the search for interventions aimed
not only at appearance, but also at psychological well-being. In this context, Sarwer et al. (2023)
and Walker et al. (2022) dialogue by highlighting that aesthetic procedures can generate benefi ts
such as increased self-esteem, self-confi dence, and satisfaction with body image, as long as they are
performed with adequate indication and realistic expectations.
From this perspective, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Cash (2012) converge
in understanding health and body image as biopsychosocial constructions. While the WHO defi nes
health as physical, mental and social well-being, Cash (2012) reinforces that the perception of the body
depends on subjective interpretation, which directly infl uences the way the individual experiences the
results of aesthetic procedures.
However, Sarwer et al. (2023) and Veale et al. (2021) warn that the benefi ts are not automatic,
as they depend on factors such as individual motivations and previous emotional conditions. In this
sense, unrealistic expectations and psychological suffering can compromise the results, and in some
cases, isolated aesthetic interventions are not enough to promote improved body satisfaction.
In addition, Lipovetsky (2000) and Veale et al. (2021) dialogue by pointing out that
contemporary society excessively values the body, favoring processes of medicalization of appearance
and repetitive behaviors in search of aesthetic interventions. This logic is intensifi ed by social networks,
increasing dissatisfaction and the constant search for idealized beauty standards.
Rodgers et al. (2023) and Tiggemann (2021) also highlight that exposure to aesthetic content
on social networks reinforces social comparison and the internalization of unrealistic body standards,
contributing to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own image. This scenario
increases aesthetic pressure and directly infl uences the mental health of individuals.
In view of this, several authors such as Sarwer et al. (2023), Walker et al. (2022) and Rogers
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(1961) argue that the aesthetic professional should adopt an educational and humanized posture, based
on qualifi ed listening, clear communication and respect for the patient’s individuality. This approach
contributes to aligning expectations and reducing the risk of frustration.
Finally, Veale et al. (2021) and Phillips (2017) reinforce the importance of interdisciplinary
action, especially in cases of signifi cant psychological distress, in which referral for psychological or
psychiatric evaluation becomes essential. Thus, it is understood that aesthetic procedures can generate
psychosocial benefi ts, but also risks when disconnected from an ethical, critical, and integrated
approach.
Thus, it is concluded that contemporary aesthetics should be understood within a
biopsychosocial perspective, in which health promotion involves not only the transformation of
appearance, but also the care of the individual’s emotional and social aspects.
Social networks, culture of appearance and the intensifi cation of aesthetic pressure
The development of digital technologies has profoundly changed the way individuals build
their identity and establish social relationships. Social networks have come to occupy a central
position in daily life, functioning as spaces for sharing experiences, social interaction and personal
expression. However, at the same time that they expanded the possibilities of communication, these
platforms contributed to intensify the appreciation of physical appearance and consolidate increasingly
homogeneous aesthetic standards, producing relevant impacts on mental health.
The scientifi c literature shows that the digital environment favors constant processes of
social comparison. As proposed by Festinger (1954), individuals evaluate their personal capacities and
characteristics by establishing comparisons with other people. Although this theory was formulated
decades before the popularization of the internet, its applicability has become even more evident in
the face of the dynamics of social networks. Today, millions of images are published daily, depicting
bodies, faces, and lifestyles that are often idealized, edited, or carefully planned to convey an image
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of perfection.
According to Tiggemann (2021), repetitive exposure to this type of content gradually modifi es
the perception of reality, leading many users to consider such images as legitimate parameters
of beauty. The author notes that the frequent use of digital fi lters, editing programs, and artifi cial
intelligence resources produces body representations that can hardly be reproduced in real life. As
a consequence, individuals start to develop unrealistic expectations about their own appearance,
signifi cantly increasing the levels of body dissatisfaction.
Rodgers et al. (2023) complement this discussion by demonstrating that the algorithms of
digital platforms play an important role in maintaining aesthetic pressure. Once the user shows interest
in content related to beauty or aesthetic procedures, the systems start to continuously recommend
similar materials, reinforcing exposure to idealized body models. This mechanism creates a feedback
loop in which social comparison becomes practically permanent, favoring the development of feelings
of inadequacy and reducing the positive perception of one’s own image.
Fardouly et al. (2022) identifi ed that the daily time spent using social networks has a
signifi cant association with an increase in body dissatisfaction, especially among adolescents and
young adults. The researchers observed that individuals who use these platforms for prolonged periods
are more likely to compare their appearance with that of digital infl uencers, models and celebrities, a
phenomenon that often results in decreased self-esteem and increased social anxiety.
Another relevant aspect refers to the so-called “culture of aesthetic performance”. In
contemporary society, it is not enough just to look good; The individual is expected to demonstrate
permanent investment in his body, food, physical conditioning and aesthetic care. This logic
transforms appearance into a kind of social capital, infl uencing professional opportunities, affective
relationships, and processes of social recognition. Lipovetsky (2000) argues that the valorization of
the image has become part of the logic of consumption, in which the body becomes an object of
constant improvement and updating.
This phenomenon is supported by the observations of Bauman (2008), who describes
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contemporary society as marked by the fl uidity of relationships and the constant need to adapt to new
cultural standards. In this context, the body comes to represent a permanent construction project,
subject to continuous evaluations and often infl uenced by trends disseminated in the media. The
incessant search for the ideal appearance becomes, therefore, a response to the demands of a society
characterized by the speed of transformations and the enhancement of the image.
The impacts of this dynamic on mental health have been widely documented in the literature.
Recent studies point to an association between excessive use of social networks and increased rates of
anxiety, depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, social isolation, and body dissatisfaction. Although
this relationship is not exclusively causal, it is observed that continuous exposure to aesthetic content
enhances existing emotional vulnerabilities, especially in individuals who have diffi culties related to
self-acceptance or a high need for social approval.
The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to intensifying this scenario. The increase in the
time spent in virtual environments, associated with the popularization of videoconferences, favored
a phenomenon known as Zoom Dysmorphia. According to Rice et al. (2021), many people began to
observe their own image for long periods in virtual meetings, developing greater concern with small
facial features that were previously little noticed. This phenomenon was accompanied by a signifi cant
growth in the demand for facial aesthetic procedures in several countries, evidencing the infl uence of
digital technologies on body perception.
Another aspect often addressed refers to the role played by digital infl uencers in the
construction of contemporary beauty standards. Although many content producers promote messages
related to self-care and self-esteem, a signifi cant part of the publications reinforce restricted body
models that are not very representative of human diversity. In addition, aesthetic interventions, editing
resources or treatments used to obtain the presented appearance are not always informed, favoring
unrealistic expectations among followers.
Despite these challenges, the literature also points to positive possibilities related to the
digital environment. Movements aimed at valuing body diversity, encouraging self-acceptance, and
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promoting mental health have gained increasing space on digital platforms. Campaigns based on the
body positivity movement and, more recently, on the concept of body neutrality, seek to stimulate
a more balanced relationship with the body, valuing its functions and singularities instead of the
permanent search for aesthetic perfection.
These initiatives demonstrate that social networks do not constitute, in themselves, a harmful
factor to mental health. Their effects depend on the way they are used, the content consumed, and
the critical capacity developed by users. In this way, digital education, media literacy and health
promotion strategies become fundamental to reduce the negative impacts of social comparison and
encourage a more realistic perception of body diversity.
In the professional sphere, it is equally important for specialists in the fi eld of aesthetics to
understand the infl uence exerted by digital media on patients’ expectations. Many individuals arrive
at the clinics presenting edited photographs as a reference for the desired results, without considering
the biological, anatomical and technical limitations of the procedures. In these cases, it is up to the
professional to act in an ethical and educational way, clarifying the real possibilities of intervention,
promoting expectations compatible with reality and preserving the commitment to the patient’s
physical and emotional health.
In summary, the studies analyzed demonstrate that social networks represent one of the main
contemporary factors of infl uence on the construction of self-image. At the same time that they can
favor information, self-esteem and exchange of positive experiences, they also intensify aesthetic
pressure and expand processes of social comparison. Given this scenario, it is essential to develop
educational and professional practices that encourage a healthier relationship with appearance, valuing
diversity, authenticity, and comprehensive mental health care.
Body dysmorphic disorder and the limits of aesthetic intervention
The growing appreciation of physical appearance and the expansion of the market for
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aesthetic procedures have brought important benefi ts to individuals seeking to improve their self-
esteem and quality of life. However, this scenario also highlighted the need to understand the limits of
aesthetic intervention, especially in the face of patients who present psychological distress related to
the distorted perception of their own image. Among the conditions that most challenge professionals
in the area is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), currently considered an important mental health
problem due to its functional, emotional and social impact.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (2022), Body Dysmorphic Disorder
is characterized by excessive and persistent concern with non-existent or barely noticeable defects
in physical appearance. This concern usually occupies a large part of the individual’s thoughts,
compromising their daily activities, interpersonal relationships, professional performance, and
quality of life. Often, people affected by this disorder develop repetitive behaviors, such as constantly
observing themselves in the mirror, comparing themselves with other people, hiding parts of the body
considered imperfect, or seeking successive aesthetic procedures in an attempt to eliminate emotional
suffering.
Veale et al. (2021) highlight that the suffering experienced by these individuals is not related
to objective physical characteristics, but to the distorted way they interpret their own body image.
Even when aesthetic procedures present technically satisfactory results, the negative perception
usually remains unchanged, leading many patients to believe that new treatments will be able to
solve their dissatisfaction. In this way, a continuous cycle of interventions is established that hardly
promotes lasting psychological benefi ts.
This fi nding highlights an important difference between body dissatisfaction considered
common and that resulting from a psychiatric disorder. While the former usually has moderate
intensity and does not signifi cantly compromise daily functioning, Body Dysmorphic Disorder causes
intense suffering, social isolation, occupational impairment and high impairment of quality of life.
Several studies have even demonstrated an association between BDD, depressive symptoms, anxiety
disorders, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and increased risk of suicidal ideation, reinforcing the
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severity of this clinical condition.
Phillips (2017), one of the leading international researchers on the subject, observes that
many individuals with BDD initially seek aesthetic clinics, dermatological offi ces, or plastic surgery
services even before seeking psychological or psychiatric care. This behavior stems from the belief
that the origin of suffering is found exclusively in the body, and not in the way it is perceived.
Consequently, the aesthetic professional often becomes the fi rst to have contact with patients who
show signs suggestive of the disorder.
The literature shows that this reality requires high technical preparation and clinical
sensitivity on the part of aesthetic professionals. Sarwer et al. (2023) emphasize that the initial
evaluation should go beyond exclusively physical aspects, also contemplating the understanding of the
motivations, expectations, and emotional conditions that lead the patient to seek a certain procedure.
During the anamnesis, it is important to investigate whether there is a history of multiple previous
interventions, persistent dissatisfaction despite good technical results, disproportionate concern with
small imperfections, or the expectation of a radical transformation of life after treatment.
Walker et al. (2022) add that emotionally healthy patients usually have expectations compatible
with the possibilities of the procedure and understand its limitations. On the other hand, individuals
with signs suggestive of psychological distress often attribute to aesthetic treatment the responsibility
for solving affective, professional, family or social problems. This transfer of expectations signifi cantly
increases the probability of later dissatisfaction, regardless of the technical quality of the procedure
performed.
Another important aspect refers to the ethical responsibility of the professional in the face of
the identifi cation of possible psychological disorders. The principle of benefi cence, widely discussed
in bioethics, establishes that every health intervention must produce benefi ts greater than the risks
involved. Thus, performing procedures on patients who have clearly incompatible expectations or
signifi cant distortions of body image may represent conduct contrary to the ethical principles of the
profession, since it will hardly provide effective improvement of psychological suffering.
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In this context, it is essential to recognize that not every aesthetic demand should result in
intervention. In certain situations, the most appropriate decision is to guide the patient, clarify their
doubts and, when necessary, refer them for psychological or psychiatric evaluation before performing
any procedure. This posture does not represent a refusal to care, but demonstrates a commitment to
comprehensive care and health promotion in its broadest conception.
Interdisciplinary action is an important strategy to face this challenge. Psychologists,
psychiatrists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic professionals can develop integrated
actions aimed at the early identifi cation of risk factors, individualized therapeutic planning, and joint
follow-up of patients. This approach increases clinical safety, favors better therapeutic outcomes, and
reduces the need for unnecessary or potentially harmful procedures.
Another element frequently highlighted in the literature refers to the need to strengthen
educational processes aimed at valuing body diversity. The predominance of homogeneous aesthetic
models favors the perception that small anatomical differences constitute defects that need to be
corrected. On the other hand, educational campaigns based on the promotion of self-esteem, self-
acceptance and respect for individual characteristics contribute to reducing aesthetic pressure and
preventing the development of psychological suffering related to appearance.
The results of this review demonstrate that the early identifi cation of Body Dysmorphic
Disorder represents an important challenge for contemporary aesthetic professionals. More than
mastering intervention techniques, it is essential to develop skills related to communication, welcoming,
and the assessment of patients’ emotional needs. This posture strengthens ethical practice, expands
care safety, and reaffi rms the commitment of aesthetics to the promotion of integral health.
Thus, understanding the limits of aesthetic intervention means recognizing that care for
one’s appearance must be subordinated to the physical and psychological well-being of the individual.
When properly indicated, aesthetics can favor self-esteem, quality of life, and personal satisfaction.
However, in the face of conditions such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, it becomes evident that the most
effective therapeutic response often goes beyond aesthetic procedures, requiring an interdisciplinary
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approach centered on mental health and respect for the uniqueness of each patient.
The ethical and humanized performance of aesthetic professionals in the promotion of mental
health
The work of contemporary aesthetics professionals requires a broader understanding of care,
going beyond the technical dimension and incorporating emotional, social and ethical aspects. In this
sense, Sarwer et al. (2023) dialogue with Walker et al. (2022) by arguing that the results of aesthetic
procedures do not depend only on the technique applied, but mainly on the way the professional
conducts the service, establishes communication, and understands the patient’s motivations. While
Sarwer et al. (2023) emphasize the importance of prior psychological assessment and qualifi ed
listening, Walker et al. (2022) reinforce that the quality of the professional-patient relationship directly
infl uences the level of satisfaction and the psychological impact of the intervention.
The humanization of care is also discussed in a complementary way by Rogers (1961) and Neff
(2011), when they highlight the importance of empathy, acceptance and self-compassion in the process
of building psychological well-being. While Rogers (1961) argues that empathetic understanding of
the other is essential for any health care practice, Neff (2011) adds that self-compassion contributes
to reducing excessive self-criticism related to appearance. In dialogue with these authors, humanized
aesthetics comes to be understood as one that recognizes the patient in his totality, respecting his
subjectivity and his life history.
In the fi eld of professional ethics, Beauchamp and Childress (2019) dialogue with Veale et al.
(2021) by highlighting the principles of benefi cence and non-malefi cence as indispensable foundations
in health practice. While Beauchamp and Childress (2019) emphasize that every intervention should
prioritize the patient’s well-being and avoid harm, Veale et al. (2021) warn of the risks of procedures
performed on individuals with untreated psychological distress, such as in Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
This dialogue shows that the decision to intervene aesthetically must consider not only the patient’s
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desire, but also their emotional condition and the risks associated with persistent dissatisfaction.
The interdisciplinary perspective is reinforced by Sarwer et al. (2023) together with Phillips
(2017), when they point out that many patients who seek aesthetic procedures may have disorders
related to body image. While Sarwer et al. (2023) defend the importance of referral for psychological
evaluation in suspected cases, Phillips (2017) highlights that the aesthetic professional is often the
fi rst contact of these individuals with the health system, assuming a fundamental role in the early
identifi cation of signs of psychological distress. This dialogue reinforces the need for integration
between aesthetics, psychology and psychiatry.
The educational dimension of aesthetic practice is also discussed by Rodgers et al. (2023) in
dialogue with Tiggemann (2021), when analyzing the impact of social networks on the construction
of beauty standards. While Tiggemann (2021) shows that exposure to idealized images favors body
dissatisfaction, Rodgers et al. (2023) add that digital algorithms intensify this process by continuously
reinforcing content related to aesthetics. In this context, the aesthetic professional also assumes the
educational function, contributing to deconstruct unrealistic expectations and promote a healthier
view of body image.
Finally, ethical and humanized action is understood as the result of the integration between
different theoretical perspectives of health. Lipovetsky (2000) and Bauman (2008) dialogue when
analyzing the centrality of the body in contemporary society and the constant pressure for aesthetic
transformation. While Lipovetsky (2000) describes the body as an object of consumption and
continuous improvement, Bauman (2008) highlights the fl uidity of social relations and the instability
of cultural patterns. In dialogue with these authors, it is understood that the aesthetic professional
must act critically and responsibly, recognizing the social impacts of the culture of the image and
promoting interventions that prioritize the integral health of the individual.
Thus, it is concluded that ethical and humanized performance in aesthetics, according to
Sarwer et al. (2023), Walker et al. (2022), Beauchamp and Childress (2019) and Veale et al. (2021),
must integrate technical competence, emotional sensitivity and social responsibility. This dialogue
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between authors shows that contemporary aesthetics cannot be reduced to technical procedures, but
should be understood as a fi eld of health care that directly involves the promotion of self-esteem,
psychological well-being and quality of life.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The present study aimed to analyze the psychosocial impacts of grooming on mental health,
considering both its potential benefi ts and risks in the contemporary context. From the analysis of
recent scientifi c literature, it was possible to understand that the relationship between aesthetics and
mental health is complex, multifactorial and deeply infl uenced by social, cultural and technological
aspects.
Authors such as Tiggemann (2021) and Rodgers et al. (2023) dialogue by showing that social
networks exert a strong infl uence on the construction of self-image, intensifying processes of social
comparison and favoring the internalization of aesthetic standards that are often unattainable. In the
same sense, Fardouly et al. (2022) reinforce that the frequent use of these platforms is associated
with increased body dissatisfaction and reduced self-esteem, especially among adolescents and young
adults.
On the other hand, Walker et al. (2022) and Sarwer et al. (2023) discuss that aesthetic
procedures, when performed ethically, safely, and in line with realistic expectations, can signifi cantly
contribute to strengthening self-esteem, self-confi dence, and psychological well-being. However,
Veale et al. (2021) warn that, in cases of deeper psychological suffering, such as Body Dysmorphic
Disorder, aesthetic intervention alone may not be enough to promote improved body satisfaction,
requiring a multiprofessional approach.
In addition, Cash (2012) and Rosenberg (1965) dialogue by reinforcing that self-esteem and
body image are subjective constructions, infl uenced by emotional and social factors, not limited to
objective physical characteristics. Thus, it is understood that aesthetics can act both as a protective
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factor and as an element of psychological vulnerability, depending on the individual context and the
motivations involved.
In view of this, it is concluded that the aesthetic professional plays a fundamental role in
the promotion of integral health, and must act in an ethical, humanized and interdisciplinary way.
Beauchamp and Childress (2019) reinforce that principles such as benefi cence and non-malefi cence
should guide all health practice, including aesthetics, ensuring that interventions are safe and truly
benefi cial to the patient.
Thus, it is understood that the interface between aesthetics and mental health requires a
responsible, critical professional practice that is sensitive to contemporary demands. The integration
between technical knowledge, qualifi ed listening and understanding of the patient’s psychosocial
aspects becomes essential for appearance care to effectively contribute to quality of life, self-esteem
and psychological well-being.
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