The Relationship Between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Plastic Surgery

Overview: Discover the relationship between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and plastic surgery. And learn why plastic surgery might not be the answer for those dealing with BDD.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), often referred to as Body Dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person becomes excessively pre-occupied with perceived flaws in their appearance that are either minor, or not noticeable to others.  It’s particularly relevant in aesthetic medicine because people with BDD frequently seek cosmetic procedures, yet those procedures often do not improve their satisfaction and may sometimes worsen their distress.

How body dysmorphia affects aesthetic patients

People with BDD may:

• Focus intensely on a specific feature (nose, lips, jawline, skin, wrinkles, body shape etc.)
• Believe that changing their features will solve broader problems in their life, relationships, confidence or career.
• Continue finding new flaws after treatment is completed.
• Request repeated treatments despite objectively good results.
• Be dissatisfied with technically successful outcomes.
• Visit multiple providers seeking someone who will perform additional procedures.

Research suggests that cosmetic procedures generally don’t treat the underlying condition.  Many patients with BDD remain unhappy after aesthetic treatment because the core issue is not the appearance itself but the distorted perception and obsessive focus on it.

People with BDD are more likely to:

• Use filtered images as an aesthetic goal.
• Request repeat filler in an area that already appears over filled.
• Struggle to explain what improvement they want
• Have unrealistic expectations.
• Remain fixated on small imperfections after previous treatments. 

For aesthetic practices, recognizing the signs is important because the best treatment is not always another procedure.  At MercyOne Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we listen closely to our patients at consultation and guide them to the procedural and surgical options that offer optimal results.  At the same time, we aim to manage their expectations of risks and outcomes. Plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures have limitations.  Patient safety and satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Sometimes the most ethical and beneficial recommendation is to pause treatment and address any underlying psychological concern first.