Eating Disorders

Area of Science:

• Plastic surgery
• Psychiatry
• Body image research

Background:

• Body image dissatisfaction is a common issue among patients seeking aesthetic plastic surgery.
• A significant number of these patients may have underlying eating disorders.
• Plastic surgeons are uniquely positioned to identify potential eating disorders in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key aspects of eating disorders for plastic surgeons.
• To enhance plastic surgeons' ability to identify patients with eating disorders.
• To facilitate the connection of at-risk patients to appropriate treatment resources.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on eating disorders and their presentation in plastic surgery patients.
• Summary of diagnostic criteria and common signs of eating disorders.
• Discussion of referral pathways for medical, nutritional, and psychological support.

Main Results:

• Eating disorders are prevalent in individuals pursuing cosmetic surgery.
• Body image dissatisfaction is a primary driver for both eating disorders and aesthetic surgery.
• Early identification by surgeons can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Plastic surgeons play a critical role in the early detection of eating disorders.
• Integrating screening for eating disorders into pre-surgical consultations is recommended.
• Multidisciplinary treatment is essential for successful eating disorder recovery in this cohort.