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The thersites complex in plastic surgical patients.
W Mühlbauer1, C Holm, D L Wood
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Klinikum Bogenhausen, Technical University Munich, Germany. wmuehlbauer@t-online.de
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Body dysmorphic disorder involves preoccupation with imagined appearance flaws. Patients with the Thersites complex may benefit from plastic surgery after careful evaluation by experienced surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance.
- A subset of BDD patients, termed the Thersites complex, experience significant distress over minor physical deformities.
Observation:
- Patients with BDD often seek plastic surgeons for correction, frequently refusing psychotherapy.
- Plastic surgeons must recognize BDD during consultations.
Findings:
- Most BDD patients should not undergo surgery.
- Thersites complex patients may be surgical candidates after meticulous selection.
- Experienced surgeons are crucial for deciding on surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Careful patient selection is vital to avoid tragic outcomes.
- Successful surgical correction can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.
- Plastic surgeons need awareness of BDD and the Thersites complex.