What Should I Do if I Think I'm Addicted to Plastic Surgery?

It’s not an addiction until someone gets hurt. But seriously, addiction can be thought of by both its physical and social consequences. Excessive cosmetic surgery can have both. Social consequences include financial consequences such as spending rent, grocery or tuition money on cosmetic surgery or services, alienation of loved ones, and loss of a job. These are serious and significant signs of psychological trouble. Intervention by a mental health professional may be needed. As far... more

It is important for anyone who believes that they are addicted to plastic surgery to seek an evaluation by a psychotherapist specializing in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). These professionals can help you work through your motivations for repeated cosmetic surgery. A qualified facial plastic surgery Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (www.abfprs.org) can also help you identify if you have realistic goals for your appearance and if your... more

As other posters have noted, the concept of Body Dysmorphic Disorder has come to the forefront in recent years. This is a real condition that I have seen anecdotally and which is widely recognized in the cosmetic surgical literature. Obviously, this condition is far better treated with therapy than potentially made worse with surgery. I would definitely recommend an evaluation by a Psychologist or Psychiatrist for further guidance on this issue.