Aesthetics and mental health.
Most patients are happier with themselves after a measured treatment. For a few, the needle is the wrong path – and a good practice recognises that.
Aesthetic medicine can strengthen wellbeing – or mask a symptom. What studies show about satisfaction, what body dysmorphic disorder is
Satisfaction, limits, responsibility.
What studies show: people who have a specific, limited concern treated (the frown line, the nasolabial fold, the sweating) mostly report higher satisfaction with their appearance and more confidence – stable over months. The effect is greatest when the expectation was realistic: 'I look more rested', not 'my life will be different'.
What does not work: a treatment after a break-up, a job loss or in a depressive phase in the hope that things will be better afterwards. The face changes, the problem does not. Reputable practices therefore ask about the reason – not out of curiosity but to understand whether the treatment is the right thing.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): about 1–2 % of the population, considerably more in aesthetic practices, perceive a flaw that others barely or never see and spend hours preoccupied with it. Aesthetic treatments usually worsen BDD: the goal shifts, the dissatisfaction remains. Effective are psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural therapy) and medication – not fillers.
Warning signs the physician watches for: very many previous treatments of the same spot, repeated dissatisfaction with different practices, a flaw that cannot be found in the mirror, a treatment wish under time pressure or for others ('my partner thinks …'), the expectation that life will change. In these cases an honest conversation – and if necessary a no – is the responsible answer.
What a good practice does: listen, understand the reason, agree realistic goals, give time to consider, small steps, follow-up. And have the courage to decline or postpone a treatment.
If you are unsure: that is a good sign. Take your time. Talk to someone who knows you. And know: a consultation commits you to nothing. With persistent distress about your own appearance, a psychotherapy consultation is not a detour but the more direct path.
The essentials.
A question about Aesthetics & mental health? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppImportant note.
This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.
Frequently asked questions.
Does the practice really decline treatments?
Yes. If a treatment is not medically sensible or the expectation cannot be met, it is not carried out. That is part of medical responsibility.
Is it superficial to have treatment?
No. Taking care of your appearance is as legitimate as sport or good clothes – as long as it is your own wish and stays in proportion.
Sources and further reading.
- NHS: body dysmorphic disorder
- NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Medical Association North Rhine – patient information
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-15.
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