One group for whom cosmetic procedures may be concerning is those with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It is characterised by excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in appearance, which cause substantial distress and/or impairment
These individuals are not striving for perfection in their appearance, but rather they are seeking to correct their perceived defect in an attempt to blend in with the crowd.
Based on a systematic review by dr Laura Bowyer, cosmetic treatments are likely to be ineffective or counterproductive for the majority of individuals with BDD. From a clinical perspective, this makes sense. Patients with BDD who seek cosmetic procedures are essentially looking for a physical solution to a psychological problem. It is analogous to a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder trying to allay their worries about contamination by cleaning; rather than solving their problem it is going to fuel it. However, the review also outlines the significant limitations of research to date and the need for further, methodologically rigorous research. At time when cosmetic treatments are so easily accessible, such studies are urgently required in order to inform the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines for cosmetic treatment in BDD.
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