A new report has revealed there has been a significant rise in patients seeking surgery to look better in their social media profiles.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has announced that over half (57%) of plastic surgeons have reported a rise in patients seeking cosmetic procedures to look better in selfies. More worrying is the number of consumers - 62 per cent - who blamed a dissatisfaction with their social media profile as a reason to seek cosmetic enhancement.
The AAFPRS first highlighted the link between surgery and selfies back in 2013 but said the numbers have significantly increased since then. This, they believe, is a serious cause for concern.
"We are seeing a growing number of individuals with ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia,’ the name given to patients who seek out plastic surgery to look like edited images of themselves and/or celebrities,” said AAFPRS president, Phillip R. Langsdon. "Some of these individuals may be at risk for BDD [body dysmorphic disorder].
“Treating people with BDD to correct a perceived flaw is a slippery and dangerous slope, as they will likely not be satisfied with the results,” says Dr. Langsdon.
Educating consumers that it's near-impossible to achieve the appearance that apps or filters provide is key, says the AAFPRS. In no way are these sorts of images akin to what can be achieved in surgery.
The same is true for celebrity emulation, says Dr Langsdon. "Showing images of celebrity features, even edited ones, that you admire can be helpful, but it’s important to remember that the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s nose looks great…on Kate Middleton.”
Trust a board-certified surgeon, he says. “A facial plastic surgeon will be able to tell you what is possible and desirable with a given procedure.”
