Neurofeedback for Anxiety Management in Aesthetic Patients at Dr. Mind™

Background: The evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine increasingly recognizes the interplay between physical appearance and psychological well-being, shifting toward a holistic, patient-centered care model. Anxiety is pervasive among aesthetic patients, often stemming from pre-existing mood disorders, body image dissatisfaction, and concerns about procedural outcomes. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in this population, with aesthetic interventions alone often insufficient to resolve psychological distress, sometimes exacerbating symptoms. Neurofeedback, a non-invasive, drug-free technique, trains individuals to self-regulate brain activity, leveraging neuroplasticity to reduce anxiety symptoms across disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review synthesizes evidence on neurofeedback mechanisms, efficacy, and the psychological profile of aesthetic patients, exploring its integration as a complementary therapy in aesthetic practices, emphasizing psychological screening and personalized protocols.Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, targeting peer-reviewed articles from June 2015 to June 2025. Keywords included “neurofeedback,” “biofeedback,” “anxiety disorders,” “aesthetic patients,” “cosmetic surgery,” and “Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” Inclusion criteria encompassed original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on neurofeedback for anxiety or psychological factors in aesthetic patients, published in English. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, neurofeedback protocols, psychological assessments, and outcomes, synthesized thematically with quantitative data presented in tables. Critical appraisal assessed methodological quality and biases.Results: Neurofeedback, via EEG or fMRI, modulates brainwave patterns (e.g., alpha, beta) through operant conditioning, showing efficacy in reducing anxiety in GAD, SAD, PD, and PTSD, with moderate to large effect sizes in RCTs. Aesthetic patients exhibit a 44.1% prevalence of psychiatric disorders, with GAD (32.9%) and major depressive disorder (50.6%) most common, and BDD affecting 16–23%. Preoperative anxiety increases anesthetic needs and recovery times, while BDD predicts post-procedure dissatisfaction. Neurofeedback’s non-invasive, personalized approach aligns with aesthetic patients’ preferences, but direct studies in this cohort are lacking.Conclusions: Neurofeedback offers a promising adjunctive therapy for anxiety management in aesthetic patients, enhancing holistic care. Comprehensive psychological screening is critical to identify BDD and tailor interventions. Research gaps include direct RCTs in aesthetic cohorts, optimal protocols, and long-term outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to integrate neurofeedback, advancing patient-centered aesthetic medicine. Dr. Mind™ and premiumdoctors.org exemplify innovative models for holistic care.