It’s completely normal to notice things about your appearance you’d like to improve. Many people seek cosmetic treatments to help them feel more confident or aligned with how they see themselves. But for some, concerns about appearance become overwhelming- dominating thoughts, driving distress, or leading to repeated procedures without lasting relief.
At ReadyMind, we work non-judgementally and respectfully with people considering cosmetic treatments. We’re here to help you make empowered, informed decisions—especially if you’re feeling unsure about whether your appearance concerns are reasonable. You may strongly feel that you want a procedure, but receive feedback from friends, family or professionals that you don’t need it or shouldn’t have it done. This can bring about confusion and self-doubt.
One area we pay close attention to is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition that can sometimes quietly influence how we see ourselves and the choices we make.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition where a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance, which to others may appear minor or even unnoticeable. These worries can feel all-consuming, leading to repetitive checking, camouflaging, or seeking cosmetic treatments to try to “fix” the issue.
Importantly, BDD isn’t vanity – it’s a condition that can cause significant emotional pain, social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Research suggests that around 1 in 10 people seeking cosmetic procedures may meet the criteria for BDD (Crerand et al., 2005; Veale et al., 2016), though many go undiagnosed. For some, it can take up to 15 years of struggling with their body image before receiving a diagnosis of BDD.
Signs You Might Be Experiencing BDD
You might benefit from speaking to someone if you notice:
-
Constant worry about a specific feature, such as your nose, skin, lips, or facial symmetry
-
Frequent checking in mirrors – or avoiding mirrors altogether
-
Comparing your appearance to others obsessively
-
Feeling that no cosmetic procedure ever feels “enough”
-
Struggling to believe compliments or feeling others are lying when they reassure you about your appearance
-
Avoiding social or professional situations because of how you look
-
Feeling ashamed or hopeless about your appearance
BDD can show up in subtle ways. Many people with the condition are high-functioning and outwardly composed, while internally battling significant self-criticism and doubt. If any of this resonates, know that you’re not alone – and that there is support available.
What Treatments are Available for BDD?
If you suspect you may be experiencing Body Dysmorphic Disorder, know that effective, evidence-based help is available. The most well-supported treatment for BDD is a specialised form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that focuses on body image. This approach helps people understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, gently challenging unhelpful thinking patterns and reducing behaviours like mirror checking, avoidance, or seeking excessive reassurance.
In some cases, medication—typically a type of antidepressant called an SSRI—can also be helpful, especially when distress is severe. A combination of therapy and medication can be particularly effective.
Most importantly, treatment aims to support you in building a more accepting relationship with your appearance – not by denying your concerns, but by helping you relate to them in a healthier, more compassionate way. Reflecting on your values and the type of person you want to be, outside of your appearance, can also help find a way forward.
Why Cosmetic Procedures Don’t Always Help BDD
For people with BDD, cosmetic treatments can sometimes bring temporary relief – but this often fades, leading to more distress or further procedures. Studies have found that cosmetic interventions rarely resolve the core emotional difficulties associated with BDD, and may even intensify preoccupation or shift it to another body part (Phillips et al., 2001; Sarwer et al., 1998).
Some of the common experiences of people with BDD when seeking cosmetic procedures (Crerand et al., 2005; Phillips et al., 2001; Tignol et al., 2007; Wooley & Perry, 2015; Sweis et al., 2017) include:
- Experiencing no change in BDD symptoms (72-91% of cases)
- Continuing to worry about the treated area (82% of cases)
- Development of new appearance concerns (17% of cases)
- Deterioration or worsening of BDD symptoms (16% of cases)
Cosmetic practitioners are increasingly aware of these risks and may recommend psychological assessment before proceeding with treatment. While this may feel stressful or disappointing, it isn’t about denying access to a procedure. It is about ensuring care is emotionally safe, ethical, and beneficial for you in the long term.
Reflecting on your Body Image Before Proceeding
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure and also notice patterns of distress, doubt, or dissatisfaction, it can be incredibly helpful to pause and talk with a psychologist who understands both the emotional and aesthetic landscape.
Our role at ReadyMind isn’t to judge or discourage you from pursuing your goals – it’s to offer a safe space to reflect on what you truly want, and to explore whether it will bring the emotional change you’re seeking.
How ReadyMind Can Support You
Our psychologists are trained in recognising and supporting individuals with BDD or appearance-related anxiety. We can help you:
-
Gently assess whether BDD may be present
-
Understand how emotions and body image interact
-
Explore whether a cosmetic procedure is the right next step – or if alternative support may be beneficial first
-
Build self-worth that isn’t dependent on appearance alone
-
Navigate your cosmetic journey with clarity and care
You Deserve to Feel at Peace in Your Own Skin
If you’re unsure whether your appearance concerns might be something deeper – and especially if you’re considering a procedure – we’re here to support you.
Book a confidential session with a ReadyMind psychologist to explore how you’re feeling. You don’t have to make these decisions alone, and whatever path you choose, we’re here to support your emotional wellbeing first and foremost.
