Survey Indicates that Social Media Influences Cosmetic Surgery Decisions An increasing number of men and women including teens are opting to have cosmetic surgery to resolve various types of aesthetic concerns and achieve the body image of their dreams. They have a wide range of choices - from invasive procedures such as tummy tuck to minimally invasive liposuction and non-invasive treatments such as fillers and Botox injections. Studies show that various factors have contributed to the increase in interest in aesthetic procedures – to stay competitive in the workplace, to restore a youthful appearance, peer pressure (among teens), and more. The influence of social media on the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a widely discussed topic. In fact, according to a recent report, many participants in a survey conducted by RealSelf said that social media had impacted their decision to have an aesthetic procedure. An online information-sharing community offering reviews, photos and physician Q&A with respect to cosmetic surgery, dermatology and other elective treatments, RealSelf put the following question to 527 people who visited its website: “Has social media influenced you to consider or choose to have a cosmetic procedure?” Nearly half of the respondents confirmed that social media had influenced their decision to have cosmetic surgery. While 15.37% said “Yes” to the question, 33.40% answered “Somewhat, I knew I wanted a change, but photos on social media made me more aware.”
The Internet is a great resource when it comes to plastic surgery, allowing people to learn about their available options and get relevant guidance. They explore the websites of leading plastic surgeons, read reviews posted by other patients, and ask medical experts for information. As the CEO of RealSelf points out, “Connectivity has forever changed the ways prospective patients engage with your practice.� Other surveys have also highlighted the influence of social media and the selfie trend on patient decisions. In a poll by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery covering 2,700 of its members, 1 in 3 respondents reported that they had seen an increase in procedure requests due to patients’ social-media awareness. The selfie trend is also contributing to the demand for aesthetic surgery. An article in the MailOnline reported that the desires to look picture perfect in selfies has caused the demand for plastic surgery to soar by 25%. Up to 2,700 respondents noted a 10 per cent rise in nose jobs in 2013 compared to 2012, along with a 7% increase in hair transplants and a 6% increase in eyelid surgery. Many patients wanted to improve their facial appearance with chin implants and other procedures to look good in selfies and profile photos. Attractive breasts, flatter stomachs and straighter noses continue to be in demand, but the selfies posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have increased the demand for non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures such as Botox and fillers.
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