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Postoperative oculofacial plastic surgery outcomes poor in patients with body dysmorphic disorder

Using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire and a population of controls, researchers found more eyelid surgeries, higher rates of post-surgical complications, increased postoperative pain and more total reoperations in patients who screened positive for body dysmorphic disorder.

A total of 728 patients from an oculofacial surgery practice completed the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) between November 2013 and June 2014. A positive screening for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) was reported in 50 patients (6.9%) who scored a nine or higher on the questionnaire. The researchers selected three patients who scored an eight or lower as controls for every one positive DCQ screening, for a total of 150 controls.

Austin J. Woolley

Patients in the BDD group were significantly more likely to have complications after surgery compared with those in the control group (19.1% vs. 0%), according to the researchers.

Additionally, the researchers observed higher postoperative pain scores within BDD patients compared with controls, and patients in the BDD group also underwent more reoperations (22.7% vs 6.9%).

The researchers concluded that surgeons should be encouraged to screen for BDD to assess potential postoperative problems proactively. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure : The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.