Body dysmorphic disorder and aesthetic surgery: case report

The appearance of psychiatric disorders among plastic surgery patients is well-known, and its frequency is higher than in other surgical branches. There is evidence that these patients may suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental disorder characterized by excessive concern about some imaginary or slight physical defect, causing significant clinical discomfort, social deterioration, and losses in other important areas of the individuals' activity. We present a typical case of BDD and discuss diagnostic criteria and the proper attitude the plastic surgeon should adopt toward this kind of patient.