Understanding body dysmorphic disorder in the context of plastic surgery: a systematic review

Abstract

**Introduction** Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) frequently seek cosmetic procedures despite significant postoperative risks, a high likelihood of requiring further surgery and generally low levels of satisfaction. Consequently, it is commonly advised that individuals with BDD refrain from undergoing aesthetic surgery. **Aim** This article reviews the current literature on the characteristics of plastic surgery in patient populations with BDD. **Material and methods** A literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalKey electronic databases. The search was limited to articles published in the last five years, including original works and full-text articles in English. A keyword was used to find and obtain the articles needed. **Results** Overall, 15 studies met our criteria, with N of participants being 1247954. We categorized our findings in the literature on varying outcomes in rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and oculoplasty. The rate of thirty-day hospital readmission was higher for patients with psychiatric diagnoses, 2.7%, compared with 0.67% of those without psychiatric diagnoses. Women who expressed dissatisfaction with their breasts initially but spent no more than three hours daily on their physical appearance and did not employ camouflage techniques displayed an improvement after surgery. 60.6% of participants who test positive for BDD report at least one prior visit for plastic surgery. **Conclusion** The treatment of BDD is complex, and there is a research gap on this topic. While results may vary depending on the site and method of the procedure, cosmetic procedures generally yield unsatisfactory outcomes for patients with BDD.