Med Spa Diaries - Part 7: The Ethical Landscape of Cosmetic Procedures: Medical Responsibility in Aesthetics
Welcome to the 7th installment of our 8-part series, “Med Spa Diaries.” While we’ve often celebrated the enjoyable and transformative aspects of medical aesthetics, we would be remiss not to delve into one of the more complex facets of this field. Inspired by the RealSelf Culture Report and various industry experts, we explore why ethical considerations should always be at the forefront of any medical procedure. If you’ve missed our previous installments, you can catch up on our blog page.
This blog post is part of our 8-part series, “Med Spa Diaries: Unveiling the Beauty and Medical Aesthetics Culture,” inspired by the RealSelf Culture Report. Join us as we explore the captivating world of medical aesthetics and the empowering choices available today. Link to the RealSelf Culture Repor
Introduction
While we’ve often celebrated the enjoyable and transformative aspects of medical aesthetics, we would be remiss not to address one of the more complex facets of this field. At Pearl Skin & Body Rejuvenation, we are committed to our core values of dependability, benevolence, transparency, credibility, and evolution. This blog post aims to shed light on the ethical considerations surrounding cosmetic procedures, focusing on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and the medical responsibilities that come with it.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, which are often minor or not observable to others. This disorder can lead to severe emotional distress and functional impairment, affecting both men and women.
"As aesthetic professionals, it's not just our job to enhance beauty but to understand the psychological landscape of our patients. Recognizing the signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder is crucial. It's not just about ethical practice; it's about the well-being of the individual sitting in front of you. Obviously, not all aesthetic professionals have had medical or psychological education, but that's precisely why it's so important for us to be vigilant and informed. We must ensure we're contributing positively to our patients' lives."
Prevalence in Cosmetic Procedures
Recent studies have shown that the prevalence rate of BDD is higher among those seeking cosmetic procedures, at around 5-15%. This raises ethical questions about the responsibility of medical professionals in identifying and managing such cases.
Age Considerations
BDD most often begins around age 12 or 13, and two-thirds of people with BDD experience the onset of the disorder before age 18. Most can surmise that social media has played a heavy role in this uptick. That said, it is a misnomer to believe BDD fades with age; it can actually get worse and continue to have a big impact on your life.
"People with body dysmorphic disorder are never satisfied with how they look, no matter the number of cosmetic procedures they undergo. It's a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction."
Medical Ethical Responsibilities
Screening for BDD
Medical professionals can implement a multi-step screening process that includes psychological assessments and in-depth consultations to identify signs of BDD.
Informed Consent
At Pearl, informed consent is not just another piece of paper to sign; it’s treated with the utmost importance. Our mantra of “Empowered Evolution” reflects our commitment to empowering our patients to make informed decisions about their treatments, ensuring ethical and responsible practice. The consent is an agreement between patient and provider that the treatment they seek come with risks as well as reward and that it’s important to embark on the journey together so the support system needed, is in place.
Questions for Consideration
- How can medical professionals better screen for Body Dysmorphic Disorder in cosmetic consultations?
- Medical professionals can implement a multi-step screening process that includes psychological assessments and in-depth consultations to identify signs of BDD. This is not exactly practical, nor will you find this in most medical aesthetics. So studying, research, and peer groups are fantastic sources to become more nuanced in detecting possible BDD symptoms.
- What role can ethical considerations play in the evolution of cosmetic procedures?
- Ethical considerations are paramount in shaping the future of cosmetic procedures. They ensure that treatments are not only safe but also psychologically and emotionally beneficial to the patient. There are several governing boards both within the health industry as well as the makers and manufacturers within the field. The companies that put additional focus on this construct are to be celebrated, but also held accountable to continue the efforts in an ever-evolving world.
- How does Pearl Skin & Body Rejuvenation stand out in its approach to ethical and responsible cosmetic treatments?
- At Pearl, we are guided by our core values of dependability, benevolence, transparency, credibility, and evolution. Dr. Degurse became a physician for no other reason to help. She is not in this business to harm. Throughout her 14 plus years of serving her patients, she has grown in experience in all facets of health, both physical and mental. She knows the signs, and she has, and always will say “no” when she has to for the purpose of serving the patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ethical landscape of cosmetic procedures is a complex yet crucial aspect that demands attention from both medical professionals and patients alike. At Pearl Skin & Body Rejuvenation, Dr. Rachael Degurse is steadfast in her commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards, guided by our core values of dependability, benevolence, transparency, credibility, and evolution. From understanding the intricacies of Body Dysmorphic Disorder to treating informed consent with the gravity it deserves, we aim to empower our patients on their journey of ‘Empowered Evolution.’ As we navigate the transformative world of medical aesthetics, it’s imperative to approach it with a balanced blend of enthusiasm and ethical responsibility
Join us next Tuesday for the FINAL (wow!) installment of our “Med Spa Diaries” series. As we conclude this deep dive into the next captivating installment in our series. and explore “The Art of Self-Care: How Med Spa Treatments Fit into Your Wellness Routine.”
Need Help?
If you feel you, or someone you know, may be suffering from BDD, you can contact the National Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit Mental Health America for more resources.
