My Parents Think I Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Do I Need a Rhinoplasty?

How can I convince my family that I don't have Body Dismorphic Disorder, but just want to change my nose because I've always been unhappy with it? My family thinks I'm mentally ill and need psychiatric help. I just want a smaller nose! I'm sick of people saying "your nose isn't THAT bad" because I know what it looks like, and I've disliked it for a decade now. They are questioning if having nose surgery would make me happier or more miserable and make me want more surgery.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by jaclyneliseg in Hempstead, NY

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Rhinoplasty and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

I don't know how old you are, but if you are a minor you must listen to your parents. Having said that , just because someone wants a rhinoplasty does not mean they have a body dysmorphic disorder. This is a diagnosis made by a mental health professional, not a parent or family member. Having surgery is a personal decision but nobody 'needs' a rhinoplasty.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

You have multiple issues

1- Do you need a rhinoplasty? - no one needs a rhinoplasty, if you do not like the appearance of your nose, and you and the doctor agree on what should and can be done, then it may be good for you. 2-Problem with parents. The solution to that is when you are financially independent, go get your nose done. You do not have to depend upon them. 3- Body dysmorphic disorder. As stated before, this is a psyciatric diagnosis to be made by a professional in that field. If you spend all... more

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Rhinoplasty

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis and that can only be made by a psychiatrist. It is excessive concern about and preoccupation with a perceived defect of ones physical features. Most people that come to the office for a rhinoplasty procedure tell me their family and friends can't understand why they want to do the surgery. The same is true with almost every other procedure we do. Also about half of the rhinoplasty patients I see want about the same... more

Body dysmorphic disorder

Perhaps it would be helpful to you to have a group session with your family and a counselor or psychiatrist and work through these issues. It would only help you to have everyone on board before any surgery.