Influence Of Social Media On Plastic Surgery

In today’s digital era, social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok have significantly influenced perceptions of beauty and cosmetic surgery. These platforms shape societal beauty standards and drive demand for cosmetic procedures. This influence manifests in several key ways:

The Rise of “Instagram Face” and Unrealistic Beauty Standards

How does social media influence plastic surgery? It has created a new benchmark for beauty that often diverges from reality:

• The “Instagram Face” trend has gained significant traction in recent years, largely fuelled by the rise of social media platforms that prioritise visual appeal. This phenomenon refers to a standardised aesthetic ideal characterised by features such as high, contoured cheekbones, a sculpted jawline, full lips, smooth skin, and a perfectly symmetrical face.
• Constant exposure to filtered and edited images has established unrealistic beauty standards, leading users to seek cosmetic enhancements to replicate these looks. The prevalence of photo manipulation and editing tools has blurred the lines between authenticity and fabrication, perpetuating unattainable ideals.

Influencer Culture and Its Impact

Influencers and celebrities play a crucial role in shaping plastic surgery trends:

• Scrolling through social media, you might notice that your favourite celebrities and influencers all seem to share a strikingly similar look. From slim noses and chiseled jawlines to plump lips, many have likely undergone some form of cosmetic procedure. This open discussion and visibility have made people increasingly comfortable with cosmetic enhancements, normalising the idea of altering one’s appearance to achieve a desired look.
• Following influencers and celebrities on social media significantly increases the likelihood of wanting to undergo cosmetic work. A new study from dermatologists at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine confirms a growing trend: the more time you spend scrolling through social media, surrounded by images of perfectly sculpted faces and bodies, the more likely you are to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

Specific Trends and Procedures

Social media has popularised certain procedures and aesthetic shifts. The following trends highlight the growing influence of social media on cosmetic surgery preferences and the increasing desire among individuals to enhance their appearance for digital platforms:

• The “fox eye” trend gained rapid popularity on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram. This look, inspired by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, aims to create elongated, upturned eyes.
• “Barbie Botox,” also known as trapezius Botox, became a viral beauty trend on TikTok. The hashtag #barbiebotox reached 9.4 million views on the platform, while #traptox garnered 22.5 million views.
• Demand for procedures that enhance appearance in selfies and photos has significantly increased. In 2019, 72% of practitioners from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons reported an increase in patients requesting cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance in selfies, representing a 15% rise from the previous year.

Psychological Impact and Body Dissatisfaction

The pervasive influence of social media on beauty standards has psychological consequences. Exposure to idealised body types on social media is associated with increased body dissatisfaction. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, with body dissatisfaction now observed in children. The constant comparison to edited images of models and influencers can significantly affect mental health, especially among youth.

Increased Consideration of Cosmetic Procedures

A University of South Australia study found that young women who regularly engage with social media are more likely to consider cosmetic surgery. From 2010 to 2018, cosmetic procedures and surgeries almost doubled from 117,000 to more than 225,000. The research revealed:

• 16% of respondents had already undergone cosmetic surgery
• 54% would consider having cosmetic procedures in the future
• Only 31% said they would not undertake surgical cosmetic procedures
• Nearly 38% of the adult population in Australia are considering cosmetic surgery within the next decade

Australians are predicted to spend over $1.4 billion on cosmetic surgery procedures in 2024, a 27% increase since 2011. Social media algorithms are shaping young Australians’ beauty standards, promoting idealised body images that can impact self-esteem and mental health. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) highlights the need for media literacy to counter these effects and support healthier online habits.

Encouraging Informed Decisions

While social media can offer valuable information, it’s crucial to approach content critically. Individuals considering cosmetic procedures should seek professional medical advice to understand the benefits, risks, and realistic outcomes. Consulting with qualified healthcare providers ensures that decisions are based on accurate information tailored to personal health and well-being. In Australia, obtaining a GP referral and undergoing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) screening are vital steps before considering any cosmetic procedure.

To learn more about plastic surgery, including how it works, costs, risks, and realistic outcomes, reach out to our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras. As a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, he can discuss your concerns and tailor professional and personalised advice to suit your needs. Book a consultation today.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.