Journal of
eISSN: 2373-4396
Submit manuscript...
Mini Review Volume 18 Issue 4
Organ transplantation and body image
Anita L R Saldanha, Alina MAPN da Silva, Luiz Carlos Paiva Nogueira da Silva, Ana Paula Pantoja Margeotto, André Luis Valera Gasparoto, Tania Leme da Rocha Martinez
Received: November 25, 2025 | Published: December 8, 2025
Citation: Saldanha ALR, Silva AMAPN, Silva LCPN, et al. Organ transplantation and body image. J Cardiol Curr Res. 2025;18(4):208-210. DOI: 10.15406/jccr.2025.18.00633
Abstract
Body image concerns are a significant and multifaceted psychological issue in organ transplantation, affecting both recipients and living donors across organ types. Research shows wide variability in how body image dissatisfaction and organ integration difficulties manifest, partly due to the lack of validated assessment instruments specifically designed for transplant populations. Kidney transplantation is the most extensively studied area, with evidence linking body image dissatisfaction to lower quality of life, impaired social functioning, and increased psychological distress. Longitudinal findings suggest that lower body image integrity may even predict graft rejection. Qualitative studies further reveal themes of altered self-perception, social and relational strain, and difficulties incorporating the transplanted organ into one’s identity. Liver transplant research highlights demographic influences: women, younger patients, and individuals with lower income show higher levels of body image concern, which correlate independently with anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Heart transplant recipients generally adapt better than patients receiving mechanical cardiac devices, although a subset of 15–20% experiences significant distress. Facial transplantation represents the most psychologically complex scenario due to the face’s central role in identity, generating anxiety, shame, communication difficulties, and body image disruption. Among living donors, particularly liver donors, lower body image and cosmetic satisfaction are associated with younger age, non-white ethnicity, perioperative complications, and concerns about recipients’ post-transplant behaviors. Across all organ types, body image outcomes are influenced by medical factors, demographic characteristics, surgical approaches, and time since transplantation. Body image concerns correlate with quality of life and may influence clinical outcomes, underscoring the need for systematic assessment, targeted psychological support, and improved measurement tools in transplant care.
Keywords: organ transplantation, organ donor, organ recipient, psychology, organ rejection
©2025 Saldanha, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.