Childhood Abuse, Body Shame, and Addictive Plastic Surgery

Dr. Mark Constantian, a brilliant, accomplished surgeon, becomes a modern day Sherlock Holmes to uncover the causes of a grand theft of self-esteem in some patients and the never-ending quest for an illusory body perfection through plastic surgery. Meticulously researched and illustrated with evocative vignettes, readers will enjoy this as much as a suspense thriller. Highly recommended for physicians and patients. Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD, FACS, Former President of the American Medical Association, Clinical Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Medical Jurisprudence at Tulane University School of Medicine I am extremely excited about the opportunities that Dr. Constantian's innovative, courageous pursuit offers. I have told my colleagues about how we found each other, and how his open-minded response to my books led to his own; I experienced a similar epiphany with Peter Levine's writings. This is a golden chance to enlighten the lay and medical communities and pave the way for a dramatic break-through in the role of trauma in body dysmorphic disorder. Robert Scaer, MD., author of The Body Bears the Burden, The Trauma Spectrum, and 8 Keys to Brain-Body Balance. Dr. Constantian writes extremely well and gives the patient a voice that will be chillingly familiar to those who have dealt with these unfortunate individuals. His extensive literature and clinical research establishes the influence of childhood trauma on someone with BDD. We all know these people, and most physicians will ultimately face a BDD patient. His book should be required reading for all lay and professional people who care for the BDD patient. Jack H. Sheen, MD, author of Aesthetic Rhinoplasty Dr. Constantian is, in my opinion, spot on in his observations on re-visioning body dysmorphia, which are excellent and long overdue. They are particularly exceptional from the point of view of a reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma; In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness and Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past: A Practical Guide for Understanding and Working with Traumatic Memory Dr. Constantian introduces a new perspective into the challenging existence of those struggling with body dysmorphia. As a plastic surgeon, he brings a fresh set of insights to the therapeutic world that can free up those chains of shame, trauma and hopelessness that too often define the world of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, and provides an antidote to such pain and suffering. This is a must book for anyone interested in body distortion. Ralph E. Carson, LD, RD, PhD, Senior Clinical and Research Advisor, Eating Recovery Center and BETR program and author of The Brain Fix: What's the Matter with Your Grey Matter Understanding what drives our patients is quintessential. In cosmetic medicine the stakes are higher and motivational algorithms much more complex. In this volume influential plastic surgeon Mark Constantian explores these issues with and - for those of us who fear the abyss - for us. It is a true historical masterpiece. Encompassing, almost bottomless and exceptionally original. The magic glue however is Dr. Constantian's story telling, which makes this volume irresistibly personal and meaningful. Capi C. Wever, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon, The Hague