The procedure that made it worse

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Feeling more distressed after a cosmetic or medical procedure can be confusing and isolating. A person may be concerned about healing, pain, scarring, a change in appearance, uncertainty about the result, other people’s reactions or a fear that they have made a mistake. A blog cannot determine why this is happening, diagnose body dysmorphic disorder, judge the quality of a procedure or advise on an individual medical outcome. New, severe, worsening or worrying physical symptoms after a procedure should be discussed with the relevant medical professional, urgent care service or other appropriate provider. Mental-health support is not a substitute for post-procedure medical advice, follow-up or emergency care. Appearance concerns can occur with or without BDD. BDD is a diagnosable mental-health condition that requires appropriate assessment. It should not be assumed from dissatisfaction with a result, from checking a mirror, or from seeking another opinion. An assessment can consider the history of the concern, its impact on daily life, health information, safety, current support and the person’s priorities. CBT may be considered after assessment where appropriate. It is not a self-directed instruction to stop checking, deliberately confront distressing images, avoid medical follow-up or decide against future treatment. If behavioural work is clinically suitable, it is planned collaboratively with a qualified clinician and takes account of medical advice, consent, safety and the person’s wider circumstances. Support may also involve the treating clinician, a GP, a specialist medical service, a trusted person, practical aftercare information or other mental-health support. Therapy cannot promise that appearance concerns will disappear or determine what decision should be made about another procedure. An assessment may begin with one specific concern: a mirror-checking moment, a photograph, a conversation, a new sensation, a follow-up appointment or a decision that feels impossible. These examples are not evidence that someone is vain, irresponsible or unwell. They help make room for an honest conversation about what has changed, what feels urgent and what support may be appropriate, without self-blame, at this time, if needed, safely. For related information, see <a href="/therapy/body-dysmorphic-disorder/">support for body dysmorphic disorder</a>, <a href="/guides/body-dysmorphic-disorder-cbt-west-london/">the BDD and CBT guide</a> and <a href="/guides/mental-health-weight-diet-movement/">the guide to body image, weight, diet and movement</a>. If distress includes crisis, thoughts of self-harm or an inability to keep safe, urgent appropriate help is needed.