Cosmetic facial surgery: the influence of self‐esteem on job satisfaction and burnout

Using knowledge‐based theories of self‐esteem, we investigate the relationship between employed adults' change in self‐esteem following cosmetic facial surgery and changes in their job satisfaction and workplace burnout. Quantitative data are collected from patients who have undergone cosmetic facial surgical procedures within a four‐year period. The survey responses of 106 employed adults are analysed using hierarchical moderator regression. The findings show a positive relationship between change in self‐esteem and change in job satisfaction, and a negative relationship with change in burnout. Cumulative effects are identified. For those who strongly perceive an improvement in their post‐operative self‐esteem, the longer the time since surgery, the greater the increase in job satisfaction and decrease in burnout; for those who strongly perceive their self‐esteem has not improved, the greater the decrease in job satisfaction. These results demonstrate that the influence of change in self‐esteem following surgery extends into the workplace. Key points Change in self‐esteem following cosmetic facial surgery was associated with subsequent job attitudes, both in the short and longer term. Some employees experienced greater job satisfaction and lower feelings of burnout; others experienced the reverse. Job satisfaction and burnout are important motivating/demotivating factors for employees. Objective processes for selection and promotion should help break the attractiveness bias. Most cosmetic surgery patients are women and such processes should also help break down gender stereotypes.