Avoiding Psychological Pitfalls in Aesthetic Medical Procedures

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance.
• The prevalence and impact of BDD in individuals seeking aesthetic medical procedures require further investigation, particularly in diverse populations.
• Understanding the psychological outcomes of aesthetic interventions for patients with and without BDD symptoms is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of BDD among patients undergoing aesthetic procedures in Southwest China.
• To compare body image perceptions between aesthetic patients and the general population.
• To evaluate the effects of aesthetic procedures on BDD symptoms, self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 106 female patients undergoing their first aesthetic medical procedure were assessed preoperatively using the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE).
• Patients were categorized based on BDDE results, and followed up one month post-procedure.
• The Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE-S) were administered, alongside a control group of 100 healthy females.

Main Results:

• BDD was diagnosed in 14.2% of aesthetic patients compared to 1% in healthy controls.
• Aesthetic patients exhibited significantly poorer appearance evaluation, orientation, body satisfaction, and self-esteem compared to controls.
• BDD patients showed no significant improvement in BDDE, MBSRQ-AS, or RSE-S scores one month post-procedure, while general aesthetic patients reported improvements in most assessments.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of individuals seeking aesthetic procedures exhibit symptoms of BDD, often remaining dissatisfied post-intervention.
• Aesthetic medical procedures can positively impact self-esteem and QoL in patients without BDD symptoms.
• Routine BDD screening in aesthetic settings is recommended to manage patient expectations and minimize dissatisfaction.