Social impact of Facial Dysmorphia People affected by BDD in all its guises often avoid social situations, which in turn leads to loneliness and isolation.

Obsessions typically involve perceived or slight flaws on the face, such as asymmetrical or disproportionate features, wrinkles and scars. People experiencing FD are most commonly preoccupied with their skin, hair, nose, eyes, eyelids, mouth, lips, jaw and chin, often focusing on several features at once. People often manage the anxiety through rituals and behaviours like mirror-checking, skin-picking and constant grooming. The condition leaves sufferers excessively and compulsively comparing their appearance to others and seeking reassurance. What is Facial Dysmorphia? Facial Dysmorphia (FD) is a form of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), an anxiety disorder which causes people to imagine defects in their physical appearance that are barely there or not remotely visible to others. A patient may use words like ‘hate’ to talk about ‘deep forehead wrinkles’, when in fact I am looking at a very mild line.” “Red flags are raised for me when I hear a strong disconnect in the way a person describes their issue and reality. “It is a reflection of our anxious society that patients are even more critical of themselves than previously.

“Since we reopened post-pandemic, we have been inundated with demand for appointments from existing and new patients,” says Dr Demosthenous. The research, by NatCen on behalf of the NHS, found cases of BDD were highest in girls aged 17-19 years old, with one in 18 young women experiencing BDD, with particular emphasis on facial features.Ĭosmetic Doctor and Etre Vous Expert Dr Nestor Demosthenous has seen a steep rise in patients exhibiting appearance anxiety and a distorted impression of their looks. The first survey on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in young people to be carried out in England reports the condition to be on the rise.

Experts are concerned that 'Love Island-style' beauty standards added to anxiety caused by the pandemic are causing an increase in the number of people developing Facial Dysmorphia, a distorted view of their facial appearance.

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