How Selfie Culture is Contributing to Heightened Demand for Plastic Surgery

Everyone holds a camera in the palm of their hands daily, and with the advancement of social media, selfies have become part of everyone’s culture. People would do anything to look good for a picture, so they seek a plastic surgeon. There’s nothing wrong with getting plastic surgery, but it’s vital to understand why selfie culture has contributed to a boom in the industry.

You must do tons of research before getting face makeover surgery. Many people have regretted getting the latest trend for one reason or another. The idea of cosmetic procedures is to be happy with the results, so you should look for all the information before going under the knife. How long does plastic surgery last? Most procedures are supposed to last forever, but your new appearance could change as you age or gain weight.

You should also understand how expensive this process can be and that dealing with plastic and reconstructive surgery billing services can be complicated. On the other hand, plastic surgery is not purely effective because some people have had to look for an emergency plastic surgeon near me after an accident. Let’s find out exactly how selfie culture led to more plastic surgery.

The rise of the selfie isn’t quite as inconsequential as previously thought.

As one Reuters report reveals, our cultural affinity for the selfie is resulting in heightened demand for cosmetic surgery procedures across the U.S. And for America’s plastic surgeons, business is booming.

A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) revealed that one in three plastic surgeons have experienced an increase in the number of requests they get from patients who feel self-conscious about their appearance on social media.

From 2012 to 2013, there was a 10% rise in demand for rhinoplasty, a 7% increase for hair transplants and a 6% increase for eyelid surgery, the same study found.

And with virtually everyone, from Hollywood starlets to preteens, posting their selfies on social media these days, this trend will only continue to become more apparent.

“I agree with the study findings that increased social media has led to a more self conscious generation and increased consultations,” says Dr. Kian Karimi of Pacific Specialists. “Excessive amounts of photographing “selfies” may be correlated to narcissism, low self esteem and low self worth. These emotional qualities would be contraindications to cosmetic procedures.”

While cosmetic surgery can help an individual look and feel his or her best, some experts say the image we see in our selfies isn’t always the same face others see in person.

This is because the selfie produces a distorted image of our faces that isn’t really representative of the image other people see, according to Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Rizk, who told Reuters he’s seen a 25% increase in demand for his services over the last year.

“Too many selfies indicate a self obsession and a certain level of insecurity that most teenagers have. It just makes it worse,” Rizk said.

For teens and others who might not necessarily need cosmetic surgery, a good way to make one’s selfies look better is to apply a natural makeup look, defining the eyebrows and adding color to the lips. There are also several smartphone apps offering photo filters and tools that can help smooth wrinkles and other imperfections.

Everyone deserves to look their best in their selfies — but cosmetic surgery might not be the go-to solution for every person who owns a smartphone.