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What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Plastic surgeons face a daunting task of determining a patient's realistic expectations for
the outcome of a surgical procedure. In the consultation, it is the responsibility of the
surgeon to determine if their patient wants to do the procedure for the right reasons- are
their expectations realistic?
It has been said that about 15% of patients requesting plastic surgery suffer from Body
Dysmorphic Disorder. This disorder afflicts about 1 in 50 people. It usually begins in
adolescence or after the onset of a psychological symptom, like an eating disorder or
obsessive compulsive disorder. This can be seen as a precursor to mental illness. Many
times plastic surgeons spend time in the initial consultation to identify certain red-flag
indicators of the disorder.
In many cases, BDD sufferers perceive a flaw when no one else does. Many patients are known
to not be able to hold down jobs and have trouble in personal relationships- this is not an
indicator, but an observed notion. Preoccupations with a body or facial defect, avoidance
of social situations because of the perceived defect, or actually bodily harm are seen as
red flag indicator of the disorder. Treatment is available through medication, counseling,
and diversion therapy.
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What are some examples of body dysmorphic disorder?
Many patients engage in ongoing plastic surgery- when one procedure is done, they resort to
having something else done, or seeking out surgeons when their first surgeon refuses to do
work on them. Some examples of this (and a precursor to BDD):
- It is important to understand that cosmetic surgery does not lead to overall life satisfaction. Although surgery may impact aspects of your life in a positive manner; in many cases, the surgery effects will not last a lifetime. Aging is part of the natural cycle of life and should be understood as such.
- Plastic surgery will not change emotional baggage, nor will it change the core of who you are or what you believe. To believe so, is to put yourself in grave danger emotionally.
- Don't do it because someone else did. What you see on television is a minor aspect of what goes into the procedure. Many times you don't see the pain and effort that goes into the procedure from beginning to completion. That is the number one thing patients say, "I didn't know it was so involved".
If a plastic surgeon feels one of their patients may have a psychological disorder, then he
or she will seek to help the patient in getting them the professional help they need. There
are treatments available to help patients in need. Medication, counseling and diversion
therapy have been known to help patients in controlling their emotions and feelings. If you
feel you may have an issue similar to this, speak to someone you trust, and get the help you
deserve.
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