A plastic surgery addiction is a real possibility, and some individuals actually suffer from this problem. Cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery techniques make many changes in appearance possible, and these help a large number of people improve their appearances and their confidence levels. If you have psychological issues or you are trying to attain a perfect figure and appearance then you may be disappointed no matter how well these treatments may turn out.
Our Plastic Surgeon in Sydney, Dr Steve Merten is aware of the plastic surgery addiction problem, and he recommends that all patients are thoroughly evaluated to ensure that they have realistic expectations and they are having the cosmetic procedures performed for the right reasons. Plastic surgery will not give you a fulfilling marriage, or help you find Mr. Right. Whilst cosmetic plastic surgery can increase your confidence, it is not a magic cure that will instantly make you slim, desirable, and happy.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD) is a serious mental disorder that can lead to plastic surgery addiction. Individuals who suffer from BDD are not satisfied with their appearance due to imagined faults or they turn a minor cosmetic defect into a big flaw in their mind. It can involve repeated Breast Enhancement, Face Lifts as well as overuse of Cosmetic Injectables. If you have BDD then you will never achieve the results that you are looking for because the flaws seen are not real or as bad as you imagine them. An intense obsession with your appearance will take over your life, and you may have repeated plastic surgeries in order to correct the imaginary cosmetic flaws that you perceive.
Those who suffer from BDD do not have the severe flaws that they see in their mind. A qualified plastic surgeon will evaluate each patient to ensure that they are mentally sound, and that they do not suffer from any psychological problems that could make any type of cosmetic procedure a bad idea. Since the cosmetic surgery outcome will not change the thoughts and perceptions of someone who has BDD the results will not be successful as far as the patient is concerned.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Plastic Surgery Addiction?
The warning signs of plastic surgery addiction may be easily spotted by a qualified plastic surgeon when the right tests and a psychological evaluation are given. These symptoms can include:
- An obsession with minor cosmetic defects that can not be seen by others
- Repeated plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures
- Being preoccupied with the latest advances or newest techniques in the plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure fields
- Spending money on cosmetic surgery at the expense of necessary bills or other needs
- Searching for plastic surgeons who do not perform psychological evaluations in order to get the cosmetic surgery desired
How Is A Plastic Surgery Addiction Treated?
If you or a loved one suffer from a plastic surgery addiction then help and treatment are needed. Counseling and behavioral therapy can help treat the underlying disorder that is causing the addiction, and these steps will help the patient have a more realistic view of their appearance when successful. Most individuals who have plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures do not end up with an addiction to these methods, but a small percentage of the population will have this issue and these patients should be identified before plastic surgery is scheduled.
For more information about the services we provide, please call us at Pure Aesthetics on 9252 9262, or Contact Us for an appointment to see our Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Steve Merten.
