Cosmetic Presentations and Challenges of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Its Collaborative Management

Abstract

In recent times, there has been a huge surge in the demand for cosmetology. However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for cosmetic interventions, and this needs to be carefully evaluated at outpatient visit. Various patients have underlying undetected psychiatric co-morbidities which prompt them to seek cosmetic care. One such condition is body dysmorphic disorder in which patients are present with marked anxiety which seems out of proportion to their apparently trivial complaints. These patients are also often unsatisfied with their cosmetic outcome, sometimes turning violent or pressing legal charges against their treatment providers. It is therefore of utmost importance for dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to be aware of this condition and work in liaison with psychiatrists to provide holistic care to these patients. A literature search of PubMed-indexed journals using keywords “body dysmorphic disorder,” “BDD in dermatology,” and “BDD in cosmetic surgery” was carried out from the year 2000 up to date for this review.