Is it true that more cosmetic face procedures are being done because of selfies, Facetime and Zoom?
The debate with regard to the cost-benefit analysis of spending extended periods of time in front of computer and phone screens has been going on for years. Putting any potential harm of that aside for now, it is clear that this is a trend that is not only here to stay but increasing rapidly. It is also believed to be a major contributor to the rise in the number of cosmetic procedures being performed.
Is there anything more disconcerting than seeing a photo of yourself? The same can be said of hearing your voice on a recording. For most of us, it can be an unpleasant shock with the almost universal reaction of “I do not sound like that!”, quickly followed up with “Do I?” Seeing your own photo can be even worse. How can you question that you don’t look like that while staring at a photo showing exactly how you do look?
The frequency of this unpleasant experience has exploded in the past several years with the arrival of selfie mania and social media posting. This was quickly followed by the move to Facetime and video chatting. Seemingly all of a sudden, we have become even more hyper-aware of how we look to others.
Philosophers and therapists can weigh in on beauty coming from the inside and the dangers of changing our appearance to please others. No one will argue with the truth behind that. That said, as long as we don’t attach our self-worth to it, there are things that we can do to make us happier with the image we present. This is true whether we are talking about losing a few pounds, upgrading our wardrobe or exploring different types of cosmetic surgery.
What non-surgical options are available?
Today, there is a wide range of choices from non-surgical options like Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, and laser skin tightening to surgical procedures such as facelifts and rhinoplasty, and more and more people are taking advantage of them. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), their members have seen a dramatic upswing in the number of cosmetic procedures. They attribute this increase to a heightened awareness of appearance directly related to social media and selfies. This is especially true with regard to facial procedures, as evidenced by one of their internal surveys reporting that surgeries done to look better in selfies were up by 15 percent.
It’s a different world. The pressure to compete on social media, whether it is in physical attractiveness, a number of followers or who took the most lavish vacation can be intense. And unhealthy. Books have been written about the dangers of attempting to compete with the idealized versions of life and likely Photoshop-enhanced images posted by others. Choosing to have any kind of surgery to keep up with or look like someone else is not a good decision.
That said, social media sites are now being monitored by potential employers and admission committees for colleges and universities. Feeling good about how you look automatically leads to a stronger sense of confidence and sometimes this can make the difference when it comes to being the one chosen for a spot at the school of your choice or ideal job.
Done for the right reasons, cosmetic surgery can be life-changing. In the end, however, the decision to have any kind of cosmetic surgery should be an entirely personal one that is made in consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 8 years in a row in 2020 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.
Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.