*Trigger Warning* Cosmetic Treatments and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

While many who struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) seek cosmetic procedures, only 2% of procedures actually reduced the severity of BDD. In a survey involving cosmetic surgeons, 65% reported treating people with BDD, yet only 1% of them resulted in BDD symptom improvement. 30% of the physicians believed that BDD was always a contraindication to surgery. (Source below)

Individuals with BDD might seek cosmetic treatments in order to reduce body dissatisfaction related to their appearance, and believe that changing their appearance with these treatments will resolve this (Mulkens et al., 2012).

The majority of people with BDD are not satisfied after the outcome of their chosen procedure. This can lead to a preoccupation with further surgery to try to get a better result, which in some cases will do more harm to a person’s appearance than good. Even when they are happy with the improvement to one area, the focus of their BDD can often move to another area of their appearance. The safety of these procedures varies.

Note: BDD is not to be misunderstood as Eating Disorder (while both can exist simultaneously), the treatment sought is not the same as Gender Affirming Treatments and that people with BDD may seek other forms of non-medical treatments as well.

The key message here is that BDD is a psychological or psychiatric condition and thus could use psychological and/or psychiatric treatment.

Is there anything you would like to say to someone struggling with BDD or yourselves?

Sources:

Lifespan. (2010, August 11). Does cosmetic surgery help body dysmorphic disorder?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 8, 2021.

Megan M. Kelly, Elizabeth R. Didie & Ashley S. Hart. (n.d.). Cosmetic Treatments and Body Dysmorphic Disorder?. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved November 8, 2021.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. (n.d.). Cosmetic Surgery. Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. Retrieved November 8, 2021.

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