Body Dysmorphic Disorder – How Cosmetic Professionals Respond to the Condition

Who doesn’t want to be perfect? Most people know that correcting every minor flaw on the body is virtually impossible. But a person who is afflicted with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) doesn’t quite see it that way. BDD is a condition that’s characterized by a fixation on defects in one’s physical appearance. Many people with BDD consistently have cosmetic procedures to correct imperfections that others don’t notice at all.

According to a study published in the Netherlands’ February 2017 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic doctors have had varied responses to patients who may have BDD. A group of these aesthetic specialists participated in an online survey in multiple-choice format. From the results, there were significant differences between the three groups.

Although about two-thirds of the participants were confronted with one to five cases of BDD a year, these professionals obtained most of their information about BDD through conferences, lectures, and literature.

With more examination of the data retrieved, dermatologists rarely addressed unhealthy body image issues with their patients. Cosmetic doctors revealed that they always discussed body image with their patients. Plastic surgeons always notified their patients if they suspected BDD. Dermatologists sometimes communicated to their patients that they were concerned about possible BDD. Plastic surgeons suggested that patients who presented with BDD should see a psychiatrist or psychologist prior to having a cosmetic procedure. In fact, they declined treatment to a patient with BDD, until the patient was cleared by a behavioral specialist to have the procedure.

Cosmetic doctors who mentioned BDD suspicions to a patient were threatened with litigation more than plastic surgeons or dermatologists.

Plastic surgeons were more inclined to agree that cosmetic procedures served as sort of a psychotherapy/psychosurgery for the BDD patients. Cosmetic doctors shared that if they thought a patient needed a specific aesthetic procedure they would inform the patient.

Between all three groups: plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic doctors, they were familiar with BDD, but they had little to no experience with it firsthand, so it would be difficult to automatically identify BDD in a patient. Therefore; it was recommended by the researchers that cosmetic professionals should be educated on BDD in order to diagnose and understand the treatment of BDD.

At Advanced Skin Fitness, if you have a healthy body image, we’ll be glad to perform any one of our cosmetic procedures that suit your needs.
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2928 Oak Lawn Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75219
(214) 521-5277

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