Social Media Fuels Demand for Cosmetic Surgery

Remember when plastic surgery trends were sparked by A-listers who flaunted enviable body parts? A time when women asked for Angelina Jolie’s pouty lips, J. Lo’s rounded derriere, or Michelle Obama’s buff arms. According to a recent poll by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPS), men and women are inspired to go under the knife for a brand new reason: social media and the pervasive self-portrait or “selfie.”

A whopping 31 percent of plastic surgery procedures are motivated by selfies or other candid shots posted on popular platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and while Americans have always been image conscious, this newfound pastime has proven incredibly lucrative for cosmetic surgeons nationwide.

Self taken photos or selfies fuel one of the latest plastic surgery trends

Some argue that high definition selfies may exaggerate perceived flaws, prompting unnecessary measures to correct issues that are practically invisible to the naked eye. Regardless, more and more people are flocking to their plastic surgeon to plump up lips, smooth out wrinkles and achieve more sophisticated profiles. The trend has been especially apparent in the San Francisco Bay area, where nearly 50 percent of patients have been motivated by social media. Dr. Corey Maas, a San Francisco plastic surgeon, told NBC news that most of his clients seek his help after seeing photos of themselves online, usually after a major social event.

And the trend isn’t just limited to the ladies, as men make up the fastest growing segment in the industry, according to Maas, who says that men accounted for less than 10 percent of his patients in the 90’s. Now, men make up a good 25 percent of his regular clientele. Ageism is another factor cited by many mature women, who feel pressured to look as youthful as their 20 and 30 year-old work mates. The average employee at Google is just 27 so “if you’re in your 40s or 50s, you’re really seen as the old guy or gal in the room. And as our patient said, you’re dismissed often,” said Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, another plastic surgeon.

An age of instant gratification drives cosmetic surgery demand

And with social media comes the ever evolving technology for taking pictures – mobile devices that capture images in ultra high def, sometimes creating shadows that you would never normally see.

Moren says that these photos can emphasize and exaggerate flaws, giving a distorted perception. For some folks who enjoyed a Facebook-free young adulthood, and who aren’t addicted to tweeting or sending selfies, there are pros and cons to living in an era of instant gratification.  Fifty-one year-old Linda says she grew up in a time when she could just be herself, without the worries of looking perfect.

Leading plastic surgeon NYC

If you’ve been considering an aesthetic enhancement, advances in non-invasive plastic surgery provide a host of safe and effective options for both men and women. Whether you are looking to educate yourself about facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, or other facial plastic surgery trends, Dr. Thomas Loeb can help you make an informed decision. His state-of-the-art surgical suite and dedicated staff ensure patients are given the best standard of care from first consultation to the final post-operative visit. To schedule your private consultation today, please call our Fifth Avenue offices at 212.327.3700.