**My friend is addicted to plastic surgery, facial treatments and anything else she can have done to her. I’m by no means against cosmetic surgeries and improvements, but our entire family feels it’s gone too far. It’s no longer natural looking. How do I address this with her?** **A: She’s your friend, so you could just tell her. Maybe you don’t have to let her know how other people feel, but focus on the trust she has in you as her friend. If you have pictures documenting the drastic difference, showing her these might be an option. However, she could have body dysmorphia which would prevent her from seeing the same picture you see regardless of how many examples you provide. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is when someone is obsessed with the idea that their body or appearance is “severely” flawed in some way. They feel exceptional measures must be taken to hide or fix this part of their body. The person’s flaw is imagined when they are delusional. If the flaw is actual, it is severely exaggerated. The person’s dysmorphic thoughts are pervasive and interrupt normal patterns of thinking. These thoughts may occupy several hours a day or even consume most of their day. Have you asked her “why” she continues to feel she needs surgical/cosmetic improvements? It might be an opportunity for you to hear how she actually feels. You might be able to determine if her “obsession” with changing her appearance is BDD or an addiction. This could provide great insight into what she is going through emotionally which could be an opportunity for you to encourage her to see a mental health professional or gather family and friends for an intervention. Be prepared for her to express some intense anger and/or become very defensive. No one likes to be confronted on something they do not feel is a problem, especially when they feel it is actually improving them in some way.**
**If you have an anonymous question you'd like to ask Dr. Misty, please email it to info@abouttown.io**.
Writer, Speaker, Radio & Television Contributor, Dr. Misty Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of the Birmingham, Alabama based Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic. She is an ASSECT Nationally recognized Certified Sex Therapist (CST), as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) of more than 15 years, who focuses on assisting individuals and couples to achieve their optimal emotional, relational, and sexual health through a results-oriented counseling process tailored to the needs of the individual or couple. In addition to being ASSECT Certified, Dr. Misty has a PhD in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her EdS in Counseling from the University of Alabama. She can be reached by email at mistysmithphd@mbhwellnessclinic.com or mbhwellnessclinic.com.
## The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, medical, or legal advice. If you have specific concerns or situations requiring professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately qualified individual. The opinions or views expressed in this column are not intended to treat, diagnose, or replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from another licensed professional. This column, its author, and the publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any given situation addressed. You, and only you, are completely responsible for your actions.
