Reflected Differences: The Psychological and Clinical Nexus of Body Dysmorphism with Plastic Surgery and Dermatology (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a pervasive mental disorder where individuals obsessively believe that part of their body is severely flawed, leading to significant distress and often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms being mistaken for vanity. In Brazil, the increasing cultural acceptance and economic accessibility have propelled a surge in plastic surgeries and aesthetic procedures, ranking the country among the top global leaders in the cosmetic surgery industry. OBJETIVE: Analyze and describe the main aspects of psychological and clinical nexus of body dysmorphism with plastic surgery and dermatology in the last years. METHODS: PubMed, sciELO and Medline databases were used, using as descriptors: “body dysmorphism” AND “psychological” AND “dermatology” AND “plastic surgery” in the last years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The human quest for the ideal body, spanning from ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations to modern societies, has been constantly evolving, mirroring the cultural and societal values of each era. Ancient practices of body modification and the classical pursuit of balanced physiques have transitioned to a modern landscape where global media and regional preferences interweave, as seen in the varied beauty standards from East Asia to the West. In Brazil, a flourishing market for both invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures illustrates a widespread cultural embrace of aesthetic enhancement. However, this pursuit often collides with psychological well-being, particularly in cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), where an unhealthy preoccupation with perceived flaws can lead to repeated, unsatisfactory procedures and significant emotional distress. The media’s amplification of unrealistic beauty standards exacerbates such conditions, underscoring the necessity for healthcare professionals to distinguish between and properly treat BDD and related disorders, while advocating for a healthier, more inclusive definition of beauty. CONCLUSION: The historical evolution of beauty standards reflects the enduring human desire to align physical appearance with cultural values, a practice that continues to shape individual and societal beliefs. In the quest for aesthetic perfection, it is imperative to balance the pursuit of beauty with psychological well-being, recognizing the impact of media and societal pressures. Therefore, a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, media, and policymakers is crucial to promote healthy body images and support those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder