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Definition:
An excessive preoccupation with an imagined
or a minor defect of a localized facial feature
or body part, resulting in decreased social,
academic and occupational functioning.
Characteristics of BDD:
- Preoccupation
with perceived distortion of a specific body
part
- Camouflage
of a specific body part
- Avoidance
of social interactions
- Frequently
comparing one's appearance with that of others
- Often
checking how one looks in the mirror
- Seeking
surgery for appearance when others have said
such treatment is not necessary
- Excessive
grooming (combing hair, shaving over and over,
removing hair or applying makeup)
- Exercising
or dieting excessively
- Frequently
touching the perceived defect
- Measuring
the "unpleasant" body part
Self-Test:
- Do
you worry about the appearance of your face
or body?
- If
so, what is your concern? How bad do you think
your face or body appears?
- How
much time do you spend worrying about the
appearance of your face or body part?
- Have
you done anything to hide the problem or rid
yourself of the problem?
- Does
this concern with your appearance affect any
aspect of your life (e.g. school, job or social
life)?
AAFPRS
STATEMENT:
The AAFPRS believes that individual cases merit
careful evaluation under the supervision of a
facial plastic surgeon. Both the surgeon and the
patient should have a clear understanding of what
the patient's motivation is to have surgery as
well as what the patient's expectations of the
outcome is.
The AAFPRS is the world's largest association
of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons
with more than 2,600 members - whose cosmetic
reconstructive surgery focuses on the face, head
and neck. Academy fellows are board-certified
and subscribe to a code of ethics. In addition,
the AAFPRS provides consumers with free information
and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic
surgeons in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE
or by visiting the AAFPRS Web site, www.FACEMD.org.
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