The psychological impact of scar reconstruction surgery in cancer patients: A comprehensive study on emotional and social recovery
Abstract
Cancer treatments often involve surgeries that leave visible scars, which can significantly impact patients’ psychological well-being. This study explores the psychological effects of scar reconstruction surgery, particularly focusing on changes in body image, self-esteem, anxiety, and social adaptability in cancer patients. Using semi-structured interviews, data was collected from 15 participants, comprising 8 cancer patients and 7 non-cancer patients who underwent various forms of scar reconstruction, including microsurgery and laser aesthetics. The findings reveal that scar reconstruction surgery leads to significant improvements in body image, self-esteem, and social engagement, with cancer patients experiencing more profound psychological benefits than non-cancer patients, due to the emotional toll of cancer treatment. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of sequential scar treatments and microsurgical techniques in enhancing both aesthetic outcomes and psychological recovery. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection between physical restoration and mental health, providing valuable insights into how scar reconstruction can aid in the emotional and social reintegration of cancer survivors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
1. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2006; 3(2): 77-101. doi: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
2. Everaars KE, Welbie M, Hummelink S, et al. The impact of scars on health-related quality of life after breast surgery: A qualitative exploration. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 2021; 15: 224-233. doi: 10.1007/s11764-020-00926-3
3. Drake VE, Moyer JS. The Measure of a Scar: Patient Perceptions and Scar Optimization after Skin Cancer Reconstruction. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2023; 39(5): 501-507. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1769807
4. Vaidya TS, Mori S, Dusza SW, et al. Appearance-related psychosocial distress following facial skin cancer surgery using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer. Archives of dermatological research. 2019; 311: 691-696. doi: 10.1007/s00403-019-01957-2
5. Sobanko JF, Sarwer DB, Zvargulis Z, Miller CJMD. Importance of physical appearance in patients with skin cancer. Dermatologic Surgery. 2015; 41(2): 183-188. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000253
6. Levin-Dagan N, Baum N. A scar for life: Male breast cancer and the experience of the post-surgical body. Psychology of Men & Masculinities. 2022; 23(1): 35.
7. Mekeres GM, Buhaș CL, Csep AN, et al. The importance of psychometric and physical scales for the evaluation of the consequences of scars—A literature review. Clinics and Practice. 2023; 13(2): 372-383. doi: 10.3390/clinpract13020034
8. Lee EH, Klassen AF, Lawson JL, et al. Patient experiences and outcomes following facial skin cancer surgery: A qualitative study. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 2016; 57(3): e100-e104. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12323
9. Van Loey NEE, Van Son MJM. Psychopathology and psychological problems in patients with burn scars: Epidemiology and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2003; 4(4): 245-272. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304040-00004
10. Stanescu C, Anghel L, Tamas C, Ciubara A. Education of patients and their families to manage emotional impact of skin scars. BRAIN. 2025; 16(1). doi: 10.70594/brain/16.S1/26
11. Jeschke MG, Wood FM, Middelkoop E, et al. Scars. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2023; 9: 64. doi: 10.1038/s41572-023-00474-x
12. Campagnoli M, Dell’Era V, Rosa MS, et al. Patient’s scar satisfaction after conventional thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2023; 13(7): 1066. doi: 10.3390/jpm13071066
13. Meyer III W, Bockting WO, Cohen-Kettenis P, et al. The Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association’s standards of care for gender identity disorders, sixth version. Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality. 2001; 13(1). doi: 10.1300/J056v13n01_01
14. O’Shaughnessy P, Laws T. Australian men’s long term experiences following prostatectomy: A qualitative descriptive study. Contemporary Nurse. 2010; 34(1). doi: 10.5172/conu.2009.34.1.098
15. Lim CYS, Laidsaar-Powell RC, Young JM, et al. The long haul: Lived experiences of survivors following different treatments for advanced colorectal cancer: A qualitative study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2022; 58: 102123. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102123
16. Helms RL, O’Hea EL, Corso M. Body image issues in women with breast cancer. Psychology, Health & Medicine. 2008; 13(3): 313-325. doi: 10.1080/13548500701405509
17. The Scar Free Foundation. Living with Scars: Psychological and social impact of visible difference. The Scar Free Foundation; 2021.
18. Shiraishi Y, Yoshida M, Fujimoto Y, et al. Long-term patient satisfaction and quality of life following breast reconstruction using the BREAST-Q: A prospective cohort study. Frontiers in Oncology. 2022; 12: 815498. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.815498
19. Locock L, Ziebland S, Dumelow C, et al. Biographical disruption, abruption and repair in the context of motor neurone disease. Sociology of Health & Illness. 2009; 31(7): 1043-1058. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2009.01176.x
