Introduction:
BDD is a mental issue in which continuous worrying over a persistent or slight deformity in appearance is seen. This condition might originate in the teenage. At this time, appearance is a major concern. People who possess BDD undergo cosmetic surgery, which might sometimes result in potential threats to the surgeon. Research was performed to know about patients with BDD attempting litigation following cosmetic surgery procedures.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of mental issue that occurs when the person keeps worrying about a persistent or slight deformity in appearance. The teenage years are the primary age at which this disorder is acquired. People with this condition think that a non-existent physical attribute is a critical problem and keep complaining about it, checking mirrors repeatedly and comparing themselves with others. BDD can be severe for some people while moderate for others. Many people know their feelings are neither rational nor justified, while others are almost delusional in their convictions. BDD can result in emotional distress as well. It is estimated that around one to two percent of people possess BDD. Men and women are affected by BDD equally. It is seen that suicidal rates among people with BDD are higher. A person should immediately consult the doctor if they suspect they have BDD.
What Are the Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
The symptoms of BDD can be many. It affects the ability of a person to look at themselves and think about their appearance, comparing themselves with others. Some of the usual symptoms noted in such people are:
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People affected with BDD keep on thinking about the perceived defect every day.
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Worrying about their incapability to match with models and celebrities.
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Feeling compelled to check for their appearance continuously.
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Such people frequently take selfies (photos of oneself with a smartphone).
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Fear of anxiety is always seen in such people as they assume others might be staring at them and judging them.
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Such people might require repeated cosmetic surgeries as they are not easily satisfied.
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Suicidal tendencies can be seen in such people because of their appearance.
What Is the Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
The treatment of body dysmorphic disorder ranges from person to person and their varied symptoms. Some of the treatment options available are:
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Psychotherapy: This is a kind of mental health therapy, and many forms of psychotherapy might be helpful for patients with BDD. Psychotherapy aims to talk about what a person might feel and experience. By this, they are guided to tackle their thought process and unsatisfied behavior.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): This method trains people to change their underlying attitudes so that they can think and feel uniquely. This method comprises learning to tolerate the distress of ‘exposing’ perceived defects of such people to others and not performing rituals related to their look obsession.
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Coping and Management Skills: This involves training people to cope with anxiety symptoms. For instance, the person might be made to do and learn relaxation techniques and ways to combat hyperventilation.
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Medications: Medications such as antidepressant medications, especially Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are advised for such people.
What Are Body Dysmorphic Disorders in Esthetic Surgery?
People with BDD are concerned about their looks. This is a kind of mental illness that forces them to repeatedly look in the mirror, compare themselves with others, etc. It becomes critical and challenging for doctors to do cosmetic surgery on such individuals and provide them with satisfactory results. Most individuals with BDD remain dissatisfied with their appearance even after the cosmetic treatment.
In a recent study, it was noted that amongst 200 patients with BDD who underwent cosmetic surgery, the most frequent result was no alteration in the severity of symptoms of BDD.
One more reason for concern is the risk of suicidal and violent behavior in certain people with BDD who underwent cosmetic surgical procedures. Suicidality rates in individuals with BDD are markedly high, considering suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts as well. In a few cases, individuals with BDD can turn depressed following cosmetic treatments because they are upset and unsatisfied about the lack of improvement in their symptoms or what they have to be a procedure that makes their appearance worse.
What Types of Esthetic Surgeries Are Approached by People With Body Dysmorphic Disorders?
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Cosmetic surgery is a frequently approached treatment for individuals with BDD, with 26 percent to 40 percent of individuals with BDD opting for cosmetic surgery.
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Skin concerns are another factor for BDD concern, and as a result, dermatologists are the doctors most often visited by individuals with BDD.
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Prevalence rates of BDD in dermatology settings range from nine percent to 15 percent. One recent study conducted in 2009 revealed that 14 percent of the individuals in cosmetic dermatology settings met the criteria for BDD compared to seven percent in general dermatology settings. The common dermatological approaches identified in this study were topical agents, chemical peels, plastic surgeries, nonablative lasers, fillers, systemic Isotretinoin, and botulinum toxin.
Conclusion:
Body dysmorphic disorder is seen in the cosmetic surgery population. Patients with BDD frequently experience unsatisfied outcomes following aesthetic surgery, which can result in a dangerous or even deadly situation for the surgeon who performed it. Men and women are affected by BDD equally. A person should immediately consult the doctor if they suspect they have BDD. Aesthetic plastic surgeons must keep in mind the psychopathology, severity, and specific risks associated with performing surgery on patients with BDD while suggesting specific protective strategies.
