Psychological Support in Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is never just about appearance. Research shows that patients often seek surgery not only to change how they look, but also how they feel about themselves. In fact, the General Medical Council (GMC) has made it clear that all doctors offering cosmetic interventions should consider a patient’s psychological needs as part of best practice.
At The Tunbridge Wells Psychologist we provide specialist psychological assessments and support for cosmetic surgery patients. Our role is to help patients and surgeons alike by ensuring that decisions are well-informed, expectations are realistic, and the chances of a positive outcome are maximised.
Why psychology matters
Supporting patient wellbeing: cosmetic procedures can bring positive change, but they can also carry emotional risks if underlying difficulties (such as body image anxiety, depression, or unrealistic expectations) are not addressed first.
Protecting vulnerable patients: assessments help identify when someone may need additional support before, instead of, or alongside surgery.
Enhancing outcomes: when patients’ physical and psychological goals are understood together, satisfaction is higher and disappointment is reduced.
We are highly skilled HCPC registered Clinical Psychologists UK with experience in NHS and pricvate pracifce working with in body image, self-esteem, and adjustment to visible difference.
What We Offer
We work nationally online, and face-to-face in Kent, with both service users and surgical teams.
Pre-surgery psychological assessment
A detailed, structured assessment exploring motivations, expectations, mental health, and body image. A full report is provided for both the patient and their surgeon.Follow-up and post-surgery support
Sessions to help with adjustment, self-esteem, and coping if recovery feels more challenging than expected.Therapeutic support packages
Some patients choose to work with us in therapy before or instead of surgery, focusing on self-esteem, body image, or related issues such as anxiety or low mood.Partnership with surgeons and clinics
We provide clear, collaborative reports and work closely with surgical teams to ensure patient care follows GMC guidance and BAAPS good practice recommendations.
For Patients
Seeking surgery is a big decision. A psychological assessment is not about “gatekeeping” or stopping you – it’s about helping you make the decision that’s right for you, in line with your goals and values. Most patients go ahead with surgery; others find that support in understanding their body image and self-esteem is a helpful first step.
For Surgeons and Clinics
Our assessments support you in meeting GMC standards and provide reassurance that your patients are fully prepared, psychologically as well as medically. We are experienced in liaising with surgical teams and GPs, and we provide clear, practical reports with recommendations.
We can also support you in setting up a structured referral pathway and outcome monitoring, demonstrating high standards of patient care.
Next steps
If you are a patient considering surgery, or a surgeon looking to refer, please get in touch to discuss how we can help. We offer a free initial call to answer any questions.