A recent study, published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, sheds light on a concerning trend: an increasing number of individuals seeking plastic surgery to emulate their appearance in digital filters.
Dr. Smita Ramanadham, a board-certified plastic surgeon at SR Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, shared insights from the study, which involved 175 participants enrolled by researchers from Boston University. The study aimed to explore patients’ motivations behind seeking plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.
The findings revealed a direct correlation between social media usage and the desire for cosmetic enhancements. Individuals spending more time on social media platforms and using photo editing software were found to experience heightened appearance dissatisfaction and a greater inclination to alter their physical features.
Moreover, the study noted a significant uptick in aesthetic procedures, rising from 64% to 86%, with consultations with plastic surgeons soaring from 44% to 68%, as highlighted by Ramanadham.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “Snapchat dysmorphia,” stems from the prevalent “selfie culture” wherein individuals perceive themselves through a filtered lens. Dr. Ramanadham explained that the distortion caused by close-up selfies prompts individuals to seek procedures to match their filtered images.
She elaborated on the requests received at plastic surgeons’ offices, citing examples such as rhinoplasties and lip fillers, driven by the desire to resemble filtered photos.
The study underscores the influence of social media, particularly on younger demographics, who heavily utilize platforms like Snapchat and Instagram for communication. Dr. Ramanadham noted that the majority of her patients are women, with a historical trend of only 8% being men.
The surge in self-examination is not limited to social media but extends to platforms like Zoom, especially with remote work becoming prevalent, according to Ramanadham.
However, amidst this trend, Dr. Ramanadham emphasized the importance of consulting board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists for safe and informed procedures. She cautioned against drastic changes based solely on filtered photographs, stressing the significance of realistic expectations and long-lasting results.
While social media has facilitated direct communication between surgeons and patients, Dr. Ramanadham stressed the need for caution and accuracy, as content on these platforms may not always reflect reality. The goal remains to enhance patients’ confidence while ensuring safety and adherence to ethical standards in plastic surgery practices.
