[Hair removal repercussions on patient's self-esteem in craniotomy]. / Repercussões na auto-estima provocadas pela tricotomia em craniotomia.

ABSTRACT

This quantitative-based, prospective-oriented study aims to evaluate the repercussion of hair removal in post-craniotomy's patient self-esteem. Data show that the majority of patients mentioned not having an altered self-esteem due to hair removal; self-esteem was kept the same among patients that were instructed about the hair removal process. The major part of patients made use of accessories as a strategy to hide shaved areas and believed that hair removal damaged neither their quality of life nor their social relationships. We conclude that the feelings directly related to the decrease of self-esteem are loss of physical attraction, insecurity and shame. The employment of accessories is made necessary towards improving self-esteem, and healthcare professionals must work with the psychosocial aspects of pre and post-surgery patients.