The Connection between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Cosmetic Surgery
By Georgina Bullock
With a growing focus on appearance, encouraged a lot by popular culture, the way we look has never been so important. Unfortunately for some, the obsession with appearance is much more than a pursuit of vanity.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a very real anxiety disorder that gives a person a completely distorted interpretation of their actual appearance.
This can mean spending a lot of time worrying about looks, feeling as though minor flaws are obvious and devastating to their look.
With appearance being so important for people who are challenged with BDD, a large proportion of people believe that cosmetic surgery can play a big part in their journey.
However, with this being a mental health issue, cosmetic surgery very rarely provides the solution that they are looking for. In fact, it can have quite the opposite effect.
Having cosmetic surgery to “fix” a part of your body that you are paranoid about can cause more discontent and distress, as unfortunately the underlying psychological issues are still there.
In a study carried out by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRPS), it was suggested that social media is playing a big part in the growth of cosmetic surgery, particularly with BDD sufferers.
Although social media allows us to stay in touch with our friends and family, it can also lead to emotions including sadness, loneliness, jealousy and low self worth, inadvertently encouraging us to compare our lives and appearances to other people.
The AAFRPS and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) have also reported that a growing number of patients are requesting plastic surgery because of how they look on social media. When our pictures are accessible to such a wide audience of people, it is understandable to see why it can lead to someone fixating on one particular feature.
Many people who suffer with BDD will find that their symptoms will remain the same, or worsen after having a cosmetic procedure. It can be hard to manage expectations when having a procedure for the majority of people anyway, as we would all ideally like to feel “perfect” after paying so much money to have the procedure done in the first place.
With BDD, the preoccupation with the body part rarely leads to a long term improvement in their symptoms.
So, what can be done to help people with BDD?
In a recent study, it was found that in a survey of 265 cosmetic surgeons, 65% of them had operated, or treated, an individual who was suffering from BDD.
As a person in a position of trust, the question needs to be asked as to whether or not the surgeon should have a moral obligation to refuse working on a patient, if they are suffering from BDD.
There are certain ethical guidelines in place for plastic surgeons that restrict them from working on patients who don’t need cosmetic correction, but should this cross over into those with BDD?
Author Bio
Georgina Bullock is a full-time freelance writer and blogger. Her work spans across a number of different industries including health, wellness, nutrition and beauty. She has appeared in a number of online publications addressing common issues relating to popular culture and its effect on health and well being. Georgina is a regular contributor for Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, where she talks about trends in the cosmetic surgery industry, including legislation and upcoming developments.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page do not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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