Aesthetic Surgical Procedures in Patients Diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Abstract

Introduction Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a common psychiatric condition in patients who are candidates for plastic surgery, is characterized by dysmorphia/defects imagined by the patient about their body, but which are unrealistic or poorly perceived by other people, in addition to repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response to these concerns.

Objective To describe the incidence of patients undergoing plastic surgery who present BDD, and to analyze the postoperative acceptance and the factors that alter the satisfaction with the outcome, which plastic procedures are most sought after by these patients, and the respective conduct of surgeons in these cases.

Materials and Methods We conducted a literature review on the PubMed and SciELO databases using the descriptors body dysmorphic disorder and plastic surgery.

Results Body dysmorphic disorder is the most important condition for aesthetic procedures today. It reduces quality of life, and the most severe cases present a risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Discussion Since Brazil is the leading country in aesthetic procedures, professionals must know how to recognize and treat these patients early, using specific therapies and a multidisciplinary approach, assessing the severity of each case and the need for surgical cancellations.

Conclusion Caution becomes an essential medical quality, as this is not an aesthetic problem, but a mental disorder.

Keywords

body image - aesthetics - mental disorders - patient satisfaction - plastic surgery

Authors' contributions

SKS: data analysis and/or interpretation, statistical analysis, final manuscript approval, data collection, conceptualization, study conception and design, resource management, project management, investigation, methodology, performance of the surgeries and/or experiments, writing – original draft preparation, writing – review and editing, software, supervision, validation, and visualization; FRM: final manuscript approval, supervision, and visualization; MEL and JGM: final manuscript approval, conceptualization, and writing – review and editing; JBB: final manuscript approval and conceptualization; and PSLB: final manuscript approval, study conception and design, methodology, supervision, and visualization.

Publication History

Received: 24 January 2024

Accepted: 29 September 2024

Article published online:
10 February 2025

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