Over the decades research has demonstrated that in categories of life deemed to be important
beautiful people achieve more desirable outcomes are judged more favorably and receive
preferential treatment. An understanding of the historical aspects science and implications
of what the human mind finds aesthetically pleasing is quintessential for dermatologists
plastic surgeons and others who practice aesthetic medicine as the importance of beauty in
today's society is what brings patients into clinics. While an element of dissatisfaction with
one's appearance is commonplace clinicians should remain vigilant for individuals who seek
cosmetic procedures to quell excessive body image concerns that are out of proportion to
objective physical findings. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a disorder of self-perception
it is the impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or minimal flaw in appearance. According
to recent statistics BDD occurs in 0.7-2.4% of the general population however multiple
studies have suggested an incidence of 6-16% in patients seeking aesthetic medical treatments.
Moreover a vast majority will at some point seek dermatologic treatment and cosmetic surgery.
Such patients are unlikely to be satisfied with corrective procedures and only 15% of
dermatologists surveyed thought that they could successfully treat BDD. Therefore Beauty and
Body Dysmorphic Disorder aims to assist dermatologists plastic surgeons and other aesthetic
providers in recognizing key characteristics as well as providing treatment strategies to help
in caring for those with BDD.
