Rhinoplasty patients are more likely than previously expected to suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

Nose jobs are one of the most common plastic surgeries performed in the United States.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 250,000 procedures took place in 2010 alone.  While the surgery is the second most popular procedure behind breast implants, a new study raises concerns about some of the reasons people find themselves compelled to seek a new nose.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that an increasing number of people interested in undergoing a nose job, or rhinoplasty, also suffer from a disorder that makes them constantly unsatisfied with their looks.  It’s called body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, and is characterized by an obsession with slight or imagined defects in one’s physical appearance.

Everyone spends a little time in front of the mirror each morning.  The question is, how long is too long?  People suffering from BDD disorder can’t help but stare at their imperfections in the mirror — which is why the condition has been nicknamed “mirror disease.” But the appearance anxiety and frustration caused by BDD is hardly superficial, and can in fact become extreme to the point of interfering with people’s lives, and negatively impacting important work and personal relationships.

A new study shows an increasing number of people seeking nose jobs may suffer from this disorder.  The study was conducted in Belgium over the course of 16 weeks, and results show that 43 percent of the 266 patients evaluated had signs of the disorder. Prior to this study, it was believed that only 10 percent of patients might deal with the disorder – a startling miscalculation that bears significant weight for prospective patients and plastic surgeons alike.

Those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder will never be satisfied with any change, big or small.   A Seattle plastic surgeon warns other professionals against operating on patients with this disorder and reassures doctors that these kinds of patients aren’t difficult to spot. “Often patients who have this can’t stop looking at themselves. When I’ve encountered cases like this, I’ve found it difficult to make eye contact. They tend to stand in the mirror in the examination room and look at themselves throughout the exam.

Anyone seeking any kind of plastic surgery should not make the decision hastily.  The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery suggests that every potential patient should talk over his or her options with a trained, board certified surgeon to come to the best decision.

Honest, compassionate consulting with San Diego’s preeminent plastic surgeon

Patients request rhinoplasty surgeries for a variety of reasons, ranging from the purely cosmetic to disorder driven to therapeutic and even reconstructive. For over 27 years, Dr. Stuart Kincaid has been serving the greater Southern California and Baja community with elite cosmetic plastic surgery care for these and other appearance altering surgeries – and new patients can rest assured that, thanks to years of experience and a deep understanding of both the physical and psychological impact of plastic surgery, Dr. Kincaid will always offer helpful, honest and compassionate counsel before moving forward with any patient procedure.

By identifying patients with BDD, Dr. Kincaid can ensure that each individual who enters his office receives appropriate treatment and care – even if that treatment doesn’t involve plastic surgery. To learn if surgery is the right choice for you, contact our San Diego/La Jolla office (858-450-4199) or our Temecula/Riverside location (951-695-9934) today. In addition to San Diego and Riverside County clients, Dr. Kincaid is pleased to serve patients from throughout Southern California and Baja, including those from Imperial County, El Centro, Calexico, Mexicali, Yuma and beyond. If you’d like to reach Dr. Stuart Kincaid directly, please email at skincaidmd@aol.com.