What rhinoplasty surgeons should know about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an excessive concern with a non-existing or slight defect in physical appearance. BDD patients frequently show impaired judgment regarding the psychiatric origin of their concerns and often seek aesthetic treatment to resolve their appearance concerns. The central position of the nose in the face makes the nose one of the most common areas of concern in patients with BDD. Thus, aesthetic rhinoplasty is suspected to be one of the most frequently requested and performed surgical procedures in this population. However, there is a growing consensus that BDD should be considered a contraindication for aesthetic rhinoplasty, as favourable outcome is unlike [1-5]. In order to prevent patients from undergoing unsatisfying surgery and in the context of the increasing importance of medico-legal arguments, the rhinoplasty surgeon should be familiar with BDD. This article provides a focused review of issues pertaining to BDD that are relevant to the rhinoplasty surgeon.