Beyond the Mirror: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Emerging Dysmorphias in Aesthetic Surgery

Esther O Oyerinde; Jed P Mangal

doi:10.1016/j.cps.2025.02.002

Beyond the Mirror: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Emerging Dysmorphias in Aesthetic Surgery

Clin Plast Surg. 2025 Jul;52(3):333-340. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2025.02.002. Epub 2025 Apr 1.

Authors

Esther O Oyerinde¹, Jed P Mangal²

Affiliations

¹ Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
² Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: jed.peter.mangal@emory.edu.

PMID: 40516986
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2025.02.002

Abstract

Driven by social media and artificial intelligence technologies, new dysmorphias increase pressures on body image, often leading patients to pursue repeated cosmetic procedures with persistent dissatisfaction. We examine body dysmorphic disorder and emerging dysmorphic conditions in aesthetic surgery, including Zoom dysmorphia, Snapchat dysmorphia, and muscle dysmorphia. The importance of preoperative psychological evaluations, highlighting screening tools and advocating for a multidisciplinary approach with mental health professionals to ensure ethical, patient-centered care are described. Emphasizing informed consent and mental health prioritization, we provide insights into managing dysmorphic disorders within aesthetic surgical practice.

Keywords: Body dysmorphic disorders; Body image; Esthetics; Mental health; Muscle dysmorphia; Plastic; Social media; Surgery.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Body Dysmorphic Disorders* / diagnosis
Body Dysmorphic Disorders* / psychology
Body Image* / psychology
Humans
Plastic Surgery Procedures* / psychology
Surgery, Plastic* / psychology