Selfie culture increases interest in cosmetic surgeries

The selfie culture in the social networkss appears to be intensifying people’s desires for undergo cosmetic proceduresa recent study suggests.

The time spent in Snapchat or Instagram appears to increase a person’s interest in those procedures, the researchers found. This was particularly true if people used filters and photo-editing apps to alter the personal images they posted, he says. HealthDay News.

“Although there are many factors that likely contribute to this, it is likely that the use of social networks will increase desire, among a subset of patients, to seek cosmetic procedures,” concluded the research team led by Dr. Neelam Vashi, associate professor of dermatology Boston University School of Medicine.

Patients were also more likely to want a cosmetic procedure if they followed celebrities and influencers on social networks, or if they followed accounts from clinics plastic surgery or dermatology showing the results of cosmetic procedures.

Interest in cosmetic surgery grows during the pandemic

All These factors gained strength during the pandemicand people stuck at home They spent more time on social media and subsequently showed more interest in cosmetic procedures, the researchers said.

For example, study participants who followed social media accounts that showed the results of cosmetic procedures increased from around 32% before the Covid-19 pandemic to 51% following the health emergency.

At the same time, those who contemplated cosmetic proceduress increased from 64 to 86%, while those who had consulted a doctor regarding a procedure increased from 44 to 68%.

Overall, regarding 78% of post-Covid participants said they thought a cosmetic procedure would help their self-esteem, compared to 48% before the pandemic, the researchers found.

The new study appears in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

“Although there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the Covid pandemic, “Until now, there has been no data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments,” Vashi said in a university news release.

Surgery and dermatology

In the study, Vashi and his colleagues surveyed 175 people in a Boston outpatient dermatology clinic between October 2019 and June 2021. The survey included 75 cosmetic patients, 49 people who were there for general dermatology and 51 non-patients.

But why the greater interest? The smartphone cameras and the computers that They are used for selfies and video calls frequently ddistort facial features causing people to feel dissatisfied with their appearance, the researchers warned.

“This is corroborated by data showing that Greater use of video calls is associated with greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery for the patients,” the experts said. “As our world continues to change to include more virtual components, it is more likely that these numbers will only increase.”

Exposure on social networks

The exposure through social networks to photos of attractive people and direct-to-consumer advertising of cosmetic procedures further fuels interest in improving appearance, they added.

As a result, people turn to photo editing apps like FaceTune, Lightroom o SnapSeed for edit photos before sharing selfies on social media.

The research team advises cosmetic procedure professionals Discuss the use of social media and video platforms with patients as a means to understand their desire for a cosmetic procedure.

Such a conversation can also help the patient gain a better understanding of potential outcomes.

“Quality care begins with quality conversations, and we hope this study encourages providers to ask regarding all aspects of a patient’s life to better understand their motivations and goals for care,” Vashi said.