Recognizing and Managing Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Patients Seeking Plastic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND

The complex dynamics entwining psychological issues with ethical and surgical aspects are often noticed in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) accompanied by an overwhelming desire for plastic surgery. This review explores the intricacies of diagnosing and treating BDD within the dilemmas of plastic surgical interventions where patients usually consider surgery as the answer to their psychological problems.

METHODS

Relevant articles published up to May 2025, available on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were screened and selected. Preference was given to articles focusing on the prevalence, identification, management, and ethical aspects of BDD in the context of plastic surgery.

RESULTS

Inadequate BDD diagnosis among patients seeking plastic surgery has been linked to unsatisfactory outcomes and inability to live up to expectations. The accuracy of formal screening techniques was compromised by an excessive dependence on subjective evaluations. Beyond these outside variables, moral conundrums pertain to the patient's autonomy and risk of injury surface. The rise of social media and "snapchat dysmorphia" further exacerbate these issues.

CONCLUSION

In order to address BDD associated with plastic surgery, proactive diagnosis via screening tools, multidisciplinary referral to mental health specialists, and ethical concerns are necessary. Plastic surgeons are required to assess patients' desires and psychological states in order to modify expectations, which occasionally necessitates a compassionate refusal of operation. More research is required to create these screening recommendations and comprehend how social media influences how individuals perceive their bodies in addition to BDD symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .