As the world observes Mental Health Awareness month, recent studies have shown that approximately 1 in 50 (1) individuals worldwide suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a mental health condition that can significantly distort self-perception and lead to distressing consequences. In the article, aesthetic specialist Dr Alec Nikolic, explains his concerns around Body Dysmorphic Disorder and what the industry needs to do about it.
What role does the aesthetics industry play in encouraging body dysmorphic disorder?
“Societal beauty standards and trends exert immense pressure on people to fit unrealistic ideals, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and contribute to mental health issues, such as BDD,” according to Dr Alek Nikolic, an expert in aesthetic medicine. “However, when approached with care and professionalism, cosmetic enhancements can play a positive role in improving self-esteem and overall well-being” he notes.
Dr Nikolic shares his expert insights from years of experience in aesthetic medicine, emphasising the critical need for awareness and understanding of Body Dysmorphic Disorder among patients seeking cosmetic treatments:
The prevalence and impact of BDD
Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects up to 2.9% of the general population however, the prevalence is significantly higher among those seeking beauty and cosmetic enhancements, with studies (2) indicating that 11-13% of patients in dermatology and 20% in rhinoplasty settings meet the criteria for BDD.
According to Dr Nikolic, the distress caused by the person suffering from BDD can be so severe that it impacts their ability to go out socially, it can also impact their day-to-day functions, and they tend to feel embarrassed and ashamed. They also feel that everyone is looking at their flaws.
“There are various types of BDD ranging from mild to severe. Often people with BDD will seek cosmetic medical treatments to fix or correct the perceived flaw,” he notes.
This suggests that individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements are at a significantly increased risk.
Recognising the signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Dr Nikolic notes that practitioners, family members and friends should look for warning signs that may indicate that a patient is struggling with Body Dismorphic Disorder.
These can include:
- Excessive focus on flaws: Patients may spend excessive amounts of time worrying about minor imperfections.
- Compulsive checking: Frequent mirror checks or taking numerous selfies to assess their appearance.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social situations due to fear of judgment or scrutiny.
- Repeated procedures: Seeking multiple cosmetic interventions without satisfaction.
- Self-harm thoughts: Expressing feelings of hopelessness or suicidal ideation related to their appearance.
“Many patients with BDD may not openly discuss their concerns due to feelings of shame or embarrassment, making it essential for practitioners to be vigilant during consultations,” he expresses.
This makes it important for medical practitioners to be more aware of the potential for BDD in every patient they see.
Ethical responsibilities in aesthetic practice
Dr Nikolic believes that aesthetic practitioners have an ethical obligation to prioritize patients’ mental health.
“It’s essential for anyone seeking cosmetic treatments to feel supported and understood throughout their journey and often times that responsibility lies with the practitioners who provide the consultations” he states.
“As a health practitioner, its crucial for me to understand why someone wants a certain procedure done and thoroughly explore their background before prescribing certain treatments,” he adds.
Practitioners are often the first to identify or come across patients with BDD and it is their ethical responsibility to advise and act accordingly.
“Patients with BDD often shift their focus from one perceived flaw to another after treatment, and this should already ring an alarm so continuous evaluation is vital,” he reiterates.
Recommended resources for patients
As the field of aesthetic medicine continues to evolve, it is crucial for practitioners to adopt an integrated approach that prioritises both physical and mental well-being. Dr Nikolic underscores the necessity of integrating mental health evaluations into cosmetic consultations, “by understanding the motivations behind a patient’s desire for treatment, we can better support their overall health and ensure they are making informed decisions.”
“While cosmetic treatments can be beneficial for building confidence and enhancing appearance, they should only be considered after thorough evaluation and ongoing support,” he emphasises.
Ultimately, the intersection of mental wellness and aesthetic medicine highlights the importance of compassion and responsibility in practice. As Dr Nikolic concludes, “our commitment to patient care extends beyond mere aesthetics; it encompasses a dedication to enhancing lives through understanding and support.”
You can read other Longevity articles on Body Dysmorphic Disorder here:
About Dr Alek Nikolic
Dr Alek Nikolic is a renowned specialist in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. With a focus on skin care, skin ingredients and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers, he has performed over 20,000 procedures to date. He is responsible for training many medical practitioners both locally and internationally.
After receiving his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand (1992), he went on to do an MBA at the University of Cape Town (2000). With over 24 years in private practice, he has lectured and performed live demonstrations across the globe, including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw.
Some of his achievements include:
- Owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement
- Owner of online skincare store, SkinMiles.com.
- Owner and formulator of Skin Ingredients (sk.in): https://skiningredients.com/
- Founding member of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy
- Advisor to Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics
- EXCO Member of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa(AAMSSA)
- Associate American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) member.
Dr Nikolic is a regular contributor to LongevityLive.com. You can read more about his here:
Dr Alec Nikolic Shares The 4 Areas Of Skin Care You Should Never Skip
Dr Alek Nikolic Debunks Popular TikTok Beauty Trends
References
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https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285093486_Rate_of_Body_Dysmorphic_Disorder_Among_Patients_Seeking_Facial_Plastic_Surgery
