PROVIDENCE, RI – A new study finds that while many who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) seek cosmetic procedures, only two percent of procedures actually reduced the severity of BDD. Despite this poor long-term outcome, physicians continue to provide requested surgeries to people suffering from BDD.

Can you get plastic surgery if you have body dysmorphia?

Most patients with BDD seek plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures. However, they are generally dissatisfied with the results, often causing them to desire further procedures. As a result, BDD is considered a "contra-indication" for cosmetic procedures.

Can you fully recover from BDD?

The probability of full recovery from BDD was 0.76, and probability of recurrence, once remitted, was 0.14 over the 8 years. In conclusion, among individuals ascertained for anxiety disorders, the probability of recovering from BDD was relatively high and probability of BDD recurrence was low.