The process of informed consent and decision-making in invasive aesthetic procedures

Abstract

Background: Informed consent is a key component of ethical, patient-centred healthcare delivery, ensuring individuals are thoroughly informed about the risks, benefits and alternatives of procedures. Given the increasing number of aesthetic procedures being carried out and the limited research on individuals’ understanding of the risks, benefits and alternatives of informed consent in aesthetic procedures, this research study sought to explore the process of informed consent and the decision-making process of individuals undergoing invasive aesthetic procedures. To address this aim, this research study was guided by three objectives; To explore and examine the informed consent process in invasive aesthetic procedures, to explore the decision-making process in invasive aesthetic procedures and to examine how demographic factors influence patients’ understanding of informed consent in aesthetic procedures. Methodology: A parallel convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Data was collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire, which underwent face and content validation (n=270) and semi-structured interviews (n=8), from individuals who underwent invasive aesthetic procedures. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Data was converged to identify congruencies and discrepancies. Findings: Participants perceived themselves as being less informed about risks and potential complications compared to the benefits of the procedure. However, individuals were overall satisfied with the consent process, suggesting that insufficient risk information did not influence their final decision to undergo the procedure. Furthermore, participants mentioned dissatisfaction with their self-image and low self-esteem as the main factors influencing their decision to undergo an aesthetic procedure, often outweighing concerns about potential risks or complications. Conclusion: The findings suggest that informed consent in invasive aesthetic procedures serves as a useful but not decisive component of decision-making, as choices were also strongly influenced by personal motivations. This highlights the need to improve ethical, patient-centred consent practices that better address risk understanding and underlying patient motivations.