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.
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. 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 qualified 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
- 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
- Online Therapist Directory: Sort therapists by specialty, cost, availability and more. Watch intro videos and see articles written by the therapists you’re considering working with. When you’ve found a good match, book an online therapy appointment with them directly.
Are you ready to connect with a therapist but feel a little overwhelmed by all your options? Speak with one of Choosing Therapy’s Client Navigators. Client Navigators are mental health professionals who will listen to what you’re looking for in a therapist and help pair you with the best possible fit. Getting started is free, easy, and confidential.
