• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
Skip to content

Plastic Surgery Addiction: Causes, Risks, & Treatment

Published: October 13, 2021 Updated: May 11, 2022
Published: 10/13/2021 Updated: 05/11/2022
Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Written by:

Nicole Arzt

LMFT
Headshot of Kristen Fuller MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Plastic Surgery Addiction?Definition
  • What Causes Plastic Surgery Addiction?Causes
  • Risks of Addiction to Plastic SurgeryRisks
  • Treatment for Plastic Surgery AddictionTreatment
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Written by:

Nicole Arzt

LMFT
Headshot of Kristen Fuller MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Plastic surgery “addiction” refers to an obsession to consistently change or improve one’s appearance. Although it is not formally recognized as a mental health diagnosis, this “disorder” often causes people to spend extreme amounts of time and money on various operations, some of which might be dangerous. While they may believe these surgeries will make them happier, these individuals often become even more dissatisfied with their appearance.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is Plastic Surgery Addiction?

Although it is not formally recognized as a mental health diagnosis, plastic surgery addiction can be a compulsive response to body dysphoric disorder (BDD). Someone might start by trying to fix one part of their appearance. However, they immediately fixate on what they need to improve next. A vicious cycle of intense and expensive procedures then occurs.1

Some common signs of a plastic surgery addiction include:

  • Seeking multiple surgeries in rapid succession.
  • Shopping around for different doctors if one won’t perform the procedure.
  • Engaging in a procedure even if the doctor doesn’t have experience or credentials.
  • Experiencing unrealistic expectations about how the surgery will make them feel afterward.
  • Believing that a specific operation will bring them certain benefits (love, happiness, financial prosperity).
  • Experiencing financial difficulties due to the addiction.
  • Experiencing relationship problems.

What Causes Plastic Surgery Addiction?

Both genetic and environmental factors cause plastic surgery addiction. Cosmetic procedures are drastically rising, with almost 18 million Americans receiving plastic surgery in 2018 alone.2 We live in a society that covets youthfulness and scrutinizes blemishes mercilessly which can create all kinds of body image issues. Therefore, the desire to achieve an unrealistic sense of perfection is undoubtedly high.

The following are potential causes of plastic surgery addiction:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

People with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with minor or nonexistent physical flaws. These flaws can be located anywhere on the body. This preoccupation is not better explained by another psychological disorder, but it causes significant distress. Research shows that people with BDD might be 15 times more likely to seek plastic surgery.3

Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder that may cause a person to become addicted to plastic surgery include:

  • Feeling the need to cover, conceal, or mask certain parts of one’s appearance.
  • Turning down important opportunities due to appearance.
  • Constantly seeking affirmation from others.
  • Compulsively checking the mirror or looking at photos to examine one’s appearance.
  • Believing that changing an external flaw will trigger internal changes (more happiness, self-confidence, love).

Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma may exacerbate the risk of developing plastic surgery addiction. Childhood trauma can profoundly impact one’s sense of safety and control in the world. Plastic surgery may feel like a secure outlet–being hyper focused on appearance allows someone to seemingly avoid examining other stressors.

This pattern, of course, might be entirely subconscious, but it enables the individual to feel empowered over something they believe they can control (even if that belief is shortsighted).

Risks of Addiction to Plastic Surgery

All plastic surgeries carry some inherent health risks, from infection to blood loss to anesthesia complications to sudden death.4 While surgeons must disclose these risks, someone with a plastic surgery addiction might minimize or disregard them altogether. Furthermore, multiple plastic surgeries may cause significant financial and emotional consequences- both for individuals and their loved ones.

The following are common risks associated with plastic surgery addiction:

Substance Abuse

Recurrent plastic surgeries can become a risk factor in developing (or aggravating an existing) substance use disorder. Many surgeons prescribe opioids after their procedures to help patients cope with the intense pain that often emerges. That said, opioids can be highly addictive.

It’s easy to develop a tolerance, meaning you need to take more to receive the pain management benefits. Furthermore, even controlled use may trigger unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, causing someone to continue taking them.

Negative Impact on Family & Friends

Plastic surgeries are time-consuming and intense procedures. They can require significant planning and downtime. Subsequently, recurrent surgeries may adversely affect interpersonal relationships.

Friends and family may not understand why their loved one is undergoing another procedure. They might become angry or overly curious. As a result, due to fear and shame, people with plastic surgery addiction might lie or withdraw from their loved ones.

Financial Impact

Plastic surgery costs vary, but they are expensive and rarely covered by any form of insurance or other subsidies. Like any addiction, repeated procedures can quickly become costly. People might lie about the costs, steal money from others, or rack up extreme debt to fund their habit.

Worsening Mental Health Conditions

Plastic surgery addiction may exacerbate body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. In addition, because the individual never feels fully satisfied with their appearance, they often continue feeling worse and worse about their self-esteem.

They may “swear off” plastic surgery for a while, only to become tempted once they meet with a new surgeon or learn of a new procedure. Over time, this process can undoubtedly aggravate low self-esteem, shame, and loneliness.

Irreversible Physical Damage

As mentioned, plastic surgery can be inherently risky. For example, adverse reactions to fillers may cause blindness. In any surgery, sensory or motor loss, permanent scarring, blood loss, and nerve damage can occur. Pulmonary embolism may result in spontaneous death.5

Most surgeries have recommended downtimes and advisories against multiple procedures in rapid succession. But if someone shops around and works with different doctors, they may place themselves at a heightened risk for physical complications.

Treatment for Plastic Surgery Addiction

Because plastic surgery addiction often stems from profound feelings of inferiority, it’s essential to learn new skills for coping with insecurity. While these skills might not “cure” your feelings, they can be a significant step towards improving your emotional well-being.

Finding a therapist who understands process or behavioral addictions can help you get on the right track. Consider starting your search using a therapist directory and scheduling your initial appointment.

Keep in mind that a therapist will help you stay accountable towards your goals. If you want to stop getting plastic surgeries, they may engage in various cognitive-behavioral techniques to support you in changing your thinking and habits. They may also recommend an addiction-based support group, such as Twelve Steps or SMART Recovery, for additional camaraderie. Finally, therapy will provide a comprehensive plan for managing unwanted symptoms if you have other conditions.

Final Thoughts

Plastic surgery addiction and body dysmorphic disorder can be challenging to overcome. However, seeking support is paramount for your recovery. You can live a meaningful, happy life without fixating on your appearance. If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted professional today.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp Online Therapy – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • American Psychological Association: Plastic surgery: Beauty or beast? 
  • AMA Journal of Ethics: Teenagers and Cosmetic Surgery
  • Anxiety & Depression Association of America: Body Dysmorphic Disorder Resources
  • Best Books on Self-Love
  • Learn more about Social Media’s Impact on Self Esteem
5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Cosmetic Surgery and Body Dysmorphic Disorder – An Update (2020, November). International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986110/.

  • New Plastic Surgery Statistics Reveal Trends Toward Body Enhancement (2019, March). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/new-plastic-surgery-statistics-reveal-trends-toward-body-enhancement.

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Plastic Surgery (2013, June). ePlasty. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693597/.

  • Complications of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Retrieved from: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/r/reconstructive-plastic-surgery/complications.html.

  • Complications in Cosmetic Surgery: A Time to Reflect and Review and not Sweep Them Under the Carpet (2015, October). Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728899/.

Recent Articles

FT_Body_Shaming
Body Shaming: Definition, Why We Do It, & How to OvercomeBody shaming is the act of criticizing either your own or someone else’s physical appearance. This is a type more
';
Cybersex Addiction: What it is, Symptoms, & How to Overcome
Cybersex Addiction: What It Is, Symptoms, & How to OvercomeCybersex addiction, primarily grounded in explicit sexual content online, is a condition in which an individual has an uncontrollable more
';
Masturbation Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Masturbation Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & TreatmentsMasturbation addiction is a chronic condition in which the person cannot suppress urges to masturbate, regardless of the consequences.
';
Sex Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Sex Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & TreatmentsSex addiction is characterized by compulsive and problematic sexual behavior. An official diagnosis for this condition is imminent, but more
';
Gambling Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Gambling Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & TreatmentsGambling addiction is a behavioral condition in which an individual engages in persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading more
';
Video Game Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Video Game Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & TreatmentExperts have defined video game addiction as a problematic or pathological use of video games that results in social more
';
Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT
Written by:

Nicole Arzt

LMFT
Headshot of Kristen Fuller MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Is Plastic Surgery Addiction?Definition
  • What Causes Plastic Surgery Addiction?Causes
  • Risks of Addiction to Plastic SurgeryRisks
  • Treatment for Plastic Surgery AddictionTreatment
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Hotlines here
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept