Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Cosmetic Surgery

The staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery is proud to say that the vast majority of its patients are more than happy with the results that they achieve from their cosmetic surgical procedures. Patients who have realistic understandings of what can be achieved, as well as the possible risks from cosmetic surgery, will almost invariably be satisfied with their final outcome.

However, there will be some instances in which a patient is dissatisfied with the final outcome of their surgery. While these cases are rare, there may be some patients who never seem to be happy with their surgical outcome. These patients may be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder.

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder is a specific psychiatric illness that is classified as a type of anxiety disorder. Patients who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder have persistent, negative perceptions about parts of their body. They often find imagined flaws in their physical appearance that are, in reality, either minimal or nonexistent. Although any part of the body can be the target of such negative thoughts, the most common areas with which body dysmorphic sufferers express dissatisfaction are the skin, nose, chest, or abdominal area.

The condition, which affects approximately 1 percent of Americans, is evenly divided between men and women. It often will first show up during adolescence, at a time when teens are constantly bombarded with messages about the size and shape of their bodies from friends, family, and popular culture.

Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Common symptoms can include:

• Hiding the perceived undesirable part of the body with clothing, hats, posture, or makeup
• Comparing the body part to that of others
• Excessive checking in, or avoiding, mirrors
• Excessive skin picking, grooming, or exercise
• Excessive changing of clothes

Specifically related to cosmetic surgery, those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder may seek out numerous procedures, even if there is no obvious flaw to the body. They may unrealistically expect that undergoing cosmetic surgery will somehow hold the key to providing them with happiness. Once they realize this is not the case, patients may seek out another cosmetic surgeon and repeat the cycle again and again.

Screening for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Although it may be difficult for cosmetic surgeons to screen for body dysmorphia, as patients become very experienced at hiding their symptoms during consultation, there are some steps that can be taken. Surgeons should take the time to not only take a thorough medical history but also discuss the physical, emotional, and psychological goals that the patient has in mind for the procedure. Patients who have unrealistic expectations for such goals may have body dysmorphia.

The staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing every patient with the best possible care, from initial consultation all the way to the final follow-up visit. This is why we take the time to discuss patients’ goals and expectations during the consultation process. Cosmetic surgery should be undertaken to enhance a person’s features, not as a means to provide them with emotional fulfillment.