The bustling city life of New York City (NYC) attaches much importance to an impressive body image and physical appearance. Individuals in NYC rely heavily on cosmetic procedures to perfect their looks and come into the limelight. Therefore, the link between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and plastic surgery is becoming an issue of concern in the city. As, plastic surgeries are easily accessible here, before opting for any procedure, you need to understand the underlying psychological nudge that may compel one to undergo these surgeries. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and plastic surgery. Read on.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe psychiatric condition leading to dysfunctional, obsessive beliefs about perceived, non-existent, or rather minor flaws related to one’s body image and appearance. The other name for this disorder is Dysmorphophobia. People with this disorder are preyed on by negative, depressive thoughts about how they look. The main symptoms of this disorder include:
- Spending too much time, thinking about the perceived flaw
- Stress and anxiety
- Feeling of sadness
- Frequently taking selfies
- Comparing the looks with others
- Frequent changes in hairstyles, dressing styles, etc.
- Frequent mirror-checking
- Seeking reassurance about looks from others
- Skin picking
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
The emotional distress arising from this disorder can take a toll on your social life, especially in a lively city like NYC where physical appearances and professional achievements are always prioritized. The BDD issue for a person residing in New York City can become all the more complex due to the increased pressure to align with societal and professional beauty standards.
Plastic Surgery: An Appealing Solution for BDD Sufferers
In an obsessive state of mind, these individuals become desperate and try altering or modifying their physical appearances and features. People with this disorder may find plastic surgery an appealing solution and may opt for repetitive cosmetic surgical procedures to correct their perceived defects. However, this tendency is dangerous enough as it pushes one into a never-ending cycle of repetitive surgeries, causing irreparable damage to skin, muscles, bones and soft tissues and even life-taking complications.
The NYC Risk
New York City has some of the world’s best plastic surgery clinics and world-renowned plastic surgeons like Dr Nilay Shah. So, the patients of BDD are often overwhelmed by the access they have. These individuals mistakenly take plastic surgery as the solution to their predicament. However, plastic surgery is never a fix for this psychiatric condition. These people are tempted to go for the cosmetic surgical options widely available in New York City but are never satisfied with the outcomes. This traps them within a vicious cycle and continued dissatisfaction.
Takeaway
So, the link between BDD and plastic surgery is clear now. If BDD is suspected, the individual must consult a psychiatrist before considering plastic surgery. However, if surgery is at all needed, one may contact Dr Nilay Shah of Shah Plastic Surgery Clinic, NYC. He is an experienced and discerning doctor who always gives the right advice to his patients and never operates unnecessarily.
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