Too Much Good Stuff – Body Dysmorphic Disorder
September 23rd, 2009
Cosmetic surgery addiction or habituation does occur more frequently than one would expect. At least it appears that way in the media. Websites are full of individuals who have chosen too much plastic surgery. Also featured are people that have chosen procedures which have left them with an unnatural physical appearance, either by design or because of a poor result. I think these situations are related.
The first person who comes to mind is the late Michael Jackson. Throughout his life he underwent a metamorphosis each year toward a more bizarre facial appearance. By examining successive photos, it is impossible to figure out precisely what he had done. Obviously he had multiple nose surgeries. He has also had a variety of facial skin tightening/whitening procedures along with a myriad of facial implants and injections. I really think he suffered the full expression of “body dysmorphic syndrome.” “Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness also known as imagined ugliness. It’s just that – a person sees physical flaws that either too slight or nonexistent for anyone else to notice…” The term imagined ugliness perfectly describes this condition. Michael Jackson imagined himself ugly and most likely sought out cosmetic surgeries and treatments in an effort to alleviate his mental anguish. As it has been reported, he also sought some type of escape by abusing numerous prescription drugs. In a way he traded his probable psychiatric diagnosis (socially unacceptable) for a surgical procedures (socially acceptable). Arguably the cosmetic surgery procedures provided him with the publicity he craved and attention he needed on a continued and ongoing basis.
It is unfortunate that he surrounded himself with an entourage that did very little in his best interest, except to simply enable his unhealthy choices and line their own pockets.
Tomorrow I will discuss Jocelyn Wildenstein, known as the “Cat Woman” of New York because of her peculiar desire to look like a cat.
Fox News Segment
September 22nd, 2009
KMSP-TV, the Minneapolis Fox affiliate, aired the health and medical segment today by Dr. Archelle Georgiou, that we filmed in my office last week. Dr. Georgiou and my patient, Patty, did a great job. Their frank discussions go a long way to allay possible anxiety that patients may experience surrounding the surgical aspect of elective cosmetic procedures. In fact, I received a call from a patient who is scheduled for surgery in my office this morning, after seeing the segment. Even though she had already discussed surgery with me at my office and was comfortable with her decision to have surgery, she said that the television interview eliminated any lingering worries she had about the day of her surgery. My sincere thanks to Patty and Dr. Georgiou and thank them for all the kind words!
I have found that my patient contributions included on the blog are an excellent educational tool for those considering cosmetic surgery. I naturally explain the surgery from my perspective as a surgeon. Whereas personal patient reflections really give a valuable first-hand look at what a patient might expect from another perspective.
I extend a special “thank you” to all my patients that have contributed their own stories on our blog about having cosmetic surgery.
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