Ep. 16 It's Not Just The Mirror-The Psychology Behind Plastic Surgery

Beauty Talks by Dr. Matteo Vigo

Not Every Patient Is Ready: The Psychology Behind the Scalpel
with Dr. Matteo Vigo & Dr. Valeria Risoli
In this thought-provoking episode of Beauty Talks, I sit down with Dr. Valeria Risoli, clinical psychologist and expert in body image and aesthetic-related mental health, to explore the often-overlooked psychological side of cosmetic surgery.
Together, we dive deep into the emotional, cognitive, and cultural forces influencing why people seek aesthetic procedures—and why not every patient is truly ready. From social media pressure to body dysmorphia, we unpack the internal narratives that shape patient expectations and the ethical responsibility of surgeons and mental health professionals alike.
We also reflect on stigma: not just around mental health, but also the emotional judgments patients face when choosing to undergo plastic surgery.
✨ Dr. Valeria brings clarity, compassion, and clinical perspective to every question—and this episode is essential listening for anyone working in (or considering) aesthetic medicine.
🎯 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:
00:54 – Dr. Valeria's journey into psychology
03:20 – The main misconceptions patients have about plastic surgery
05:03 – Dr. Valeria’s personal view on plastic surgery
10:45 – The link between plastic surgery and mental health disorders
15:13 – Accepting the aging process: psychological insights
16:56 – The risks of a money-driven aesthetic industry
20:27 – Aesthetic medicine as part of mental well-being
25:31 – The impact of social media on self-image
29:14 – Plastic surgery and minors: ethical concerns
35:20 – Why plastic surgery should be an individual decision, not a couple’s choice
47:05 – The stigma around seeing a psychologist or plastic surgeon
This episode is for professionals, patients, and anyone curious about the deeper motivations behind beauty—and the responsibility that comes with shaping how we see ourselves.
📍 Follow me on Instagram: @drmatteovigo

Chapters

1.  (00:00:00)

2. Dr. Valeria's journey into psychology (00:00:54)

3. The main misconceptions patients have about plastic surgery (00:03:20)

4. Dr. Valeria’s personal view on plastic surgery (00:05:03)

5. The link between plastic surgery and mental health disorders (00:10:45)

6. Accepting the aging process: psychological insights (00:15:13)

7. The risks of a money-driven aesthetic industry (00:16:56)

8. Aesthetic medicine as part of mental well-being (00:20:27)

9. The impact of social media on self-image (00:25:31)

10. Plastic surgery and minors: ethical concerns (00:29:14)

11. Why plastic surgery should be an individual decision, not a couple’s choice (00:35:20)

12. The stigma around seeing a psychologist or plastic surgeon (00:47:05)