Woman’s Change Into Barbie Raises Concerns About Body Dysmorphia

LONDON (AP) — A British woman’s extensive cosmetic surgery, reportedly costing approximately 200 million won (roughly $150,000⁤ USD), to achieve a Barbie doll-like appearance has ignited a social media firestorm and raised​ concerns about body ⁢dysmorphic disorder.

Alisha Almira, 32, began undergoing plastic ⁣surgery at age 21, driven⁢ by a desire to emulate the iconic doll, according to reports. Her procedures have included rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, forehead alterations, ​and significant investments in lip fillers and Botox injections, totaling £100,000.Almira also regularly undergoes tanning sessions, eyelash extensions, and manicures.

Almira has expressed pride in her enhanced physique and a desire for⁢ further breast augmentation. “I always feel attractive to the extreme,” she stated, adding, “It is interesting to be ⁣considered as controversial even though my belief is not really controversial.”

Despite a decade of‌ cosmetic alterations, Almira maintains she ​has no plans to cease undergoing ⁤surgery.

The Dark Side of the Doll: ⁣Body‌ dysmorphic Disorder

While a single cosmetic procedure can boost self-esteem, experts caution‌ that continuous, extensive surgeries, such as Almira’s, may indicate an underlying issue like body dysmorphic ​disorder (BDD). ⁣BDD is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance,even if those flaws are minor or unnoticeable to others.

The World Health Institution (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognize BDD as a formal mental illness. While the ‌exact cause remains unclear, contributing factors may include family history, negative self-image, ⁢and imbalances in brain chemistry.

Obsession and⁤ Anxiety: The BDD⁢ Cycle

Individuals with‍ BDD frequently enough exhibit compulsive behaviors related to their appearance, experiencing intense anxiety and repeatedly seeking cosmetic procedures to “fix” perceived ‌imperfections. However, ‍these procedures rarely provide lasting satisfaction, leading to a cycle of further surgeries. Studies suggest that approximately 76% of individuals with BDD‌ consider plastic‍ surgery, and 66% undergo it.

Treatment for BDD focuses on addressing the underlying psychological issues rather than solely halting cosmetic ‍procedures. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients identify and challenge⁤ distorted thoughts about their appearance. Antidepressant medications may also ⁢be prescribed to alleviate obsessive⁢ thinking.

Potential Risks of Cosmetic Procedures

While nose and breast augmentation are common procedures, they carry potential risks. Breast augmentation, often ‌involving implants, can led to capsular contracture, a hardening ‍of the tissue around the implant that causes pain and discomfort.

rhinoplasty, while also prevalent, can result in complications if implants are used. the body may recognize the implant as a foreign object, ​triggering inflammation and the formation of a film around the implant, possibly leading ​to nasal deformities. Overuse of Botox can cause facial‍ paralysis, and fillers, in⁢ rare cases, can lead to skin necrosis or vascular complications.