As the popularity and accessibility of plastic surgery has grown over the past few decades so has the abuse of the surgery. Studies have estimated that over five million Americans are addicted to plastic surgery. This addiction has been labeled as a disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder or (B.D.D.). The disorder is due to the patient’s dislike of previous operations. This often occurs in people who have healthy body figures but who never see themselves as good enough. Studies have shown those with body dysmorphic disorder have a 25 to 30 attempted suicide rate. These facts along with the classification of the disorder lead many to help those suffering from the disorder. In some cases, others suffering from B.D.D. have coped be raising awareness of the problem.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder or B.D.D. is a mental disorder which involves a disturbed body image. Many of the people that suffer from this disorder resort to plastic surgery. Usually, this is an addiction that strikes the wealthy because it requires large amounts of money to fund the addiction. Many have physicians contribute to the rise in addiction to plastic surgery adding to the comecialization of the operation. Over years, television and other media outlets have painted a pleasant picture to millions of views about plastic surgery. Often, viewers see the success stories in which plastic surgery has greatly altered a persons appearance for the better. It is rare that patients whose surgeries have caused serious complications are shown.

Examples of Addiction

As the addiction to plastic surgery has grown, some people has become celebrities as a result of their addiction. The most well known case is Cindy Jackson, more commonly known as the Human Barbie. Cindy Jackson has had over 17 surgical procedures performed numerous times to her body. The list includes eye lifts, breast augmentations, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and several facelifts. Despite the risks Cindy Jackson maintains that she will continue to have plastic surgery until her ideal look is complete. In the process, Cindy Jackson has appeared in magazines and on television promoting her ideas and actions dealing with plastic surgery.