Self-Improvement Or Obsession

There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve something about your appearance. But addiction to plastic surgery is about more than wanting to look better. The problem starts when a person becomes obsessed with changing different aspects of their body or face.  There is a big difference between self-improvement and obsession.

Recognizing Plastic Surgery Obsession

Someone with plastic surgery addiction is not only trying to make their appearance better, but they are also trying to fill a void. Since society places such a high value on looking good, it can sometimes be difficult separating simply wanting to look better from plastic surgery addiction.

But there are some common signs that may indicate a problem. For example, people with plastic surgery addiction don’t just dislike a part of their body, they obsess over their appearance to the point it negatively affects their life. They don’t just glance in the minor when they are heading out the door. Instead, they may spend hours each day focusing on how they look and are never satisfied with what they see.

Plastic surgery addiction often leads to spending money the person does not have. Plus, while considered relatively safe, cosmetic surgery still involves risks.

Having different procedures becomes similar to a drug. The cosmetic surgery addict may get a “high” from having a procedure. Although it is not the same as a drug high, people addicted to plastic surgery still crave the rush they get from having work done.

A plastic surgery addict may also think that having various procedures will make them happy. It makes sense if you look better, you may feel better about yourself. But plastic surgery cannot fix deep, underlying issues with low self-esteem, which are rooted in more than just your outward appearance.

Treating Plastic Surgery Addiction

Plastic surgery addiction is a relatively new type of addiction, and there is not a lot of research to indicate what type of treatment is most effective.  But in many instances, a generalized approach is used, which includes methods used to treat other addictions.

Low self-esteem is at the root of the problem for people with plastic surgery addiction. Psychotherapy and counseling is the primary type of treatment used. Therapists may work with people to determine and deal with the underlying issues, which may have led to low self-esteem or extreme self-consciousness.

The purpose of counseling is often to help patients deal with past issues and also to overcome certain thought processes. Patients need to realize their self-worth is not tied to their appearance. Treatment can help patients develop healthy ways to feel good about themselves and increase their self-esteem.

Cognitive behavior therapy may also be used to treat plastic surgery addiction. Patients learn to recognize their irrational thoughts and beliefs and replace them with more positive thinking patterns.

READ How to Improve Self Esteem: 10 Simple Tips

In addition to individual counseling, some patients also benefit from group therapy. Having any type of addiction can leave someone feeling alone. Additionally, since people with plastic surgery addiction are often self-conscious, they sometimes isolate themselves. Knowing you’re not alone, and discussing issues in a supportive environment can be helpful. 

In some cases, medications may also have a role in treating plastic surgery addiction. Although medication cannot help with the addiction specifically, it can treat associated problems, such as anxiety and depression.