Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other social networks play key roles in most Americans’ daily routines, which is reflected in recent data.
According toPew Research Center, nearly 70 percent of Americans currently use social media. Pew Research Center also indicated Millennials, i.e. individuals born after 1980, use social networks at higher levels than all other demographic groups – a trend that appears likely to continue in the foreseeable future.
Social media empowers Millennials to share information, engage with news content and entertain themselves like never before. However, social media may be driving an increase in cosmetic procedures among Millennials as well.
Analyzing the Link Between Social Media and Plastic Surgery
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) “2015 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report” provided insights into the following cosmetic plastic surgery demographic trends:
- 64,000 surgical procedures were performed on individuals between the ages of 13 and 19 years old, up 1 percent year over year.
- 249,000 surgical procedures were performed on individuals between the ages of 20 and 29 years old, a 1 percent increase from 2014.
- 365,000 surgical procedures were performed on individuals between the ages of 30 and 39 years old, a 2 percent year-over-year increase.
There is a strong correlation between social media and the way people view themselves, regardless of age. Today, social media has far-flung effects on the way a person is viewed by others, as well as his or her self-confidence. It may even lead a person to pursue plastic surgery more adamantly than he or she would in the past.
Social media has brought about an unprecedented wave of digital “self-love” reflected in selfies and other social images. People can use social apps to filter their personal images so they can create one-of-a-kind self-images that are instantly shareable online. Individuals can also take advantage of various social apps to dictate how they are perceived by others – for better or worse.
For example, consider what may happen if a person has a bad hair day at work or school. In the past, a bad hair day might have been a minor problem. Because at the end of a bad hair day, an individual could forget about the incident and move forward from it.
In a social media-driven world, however, one person’s bad hair day can immediately be shared with millions of people worldwide. Social media makes it simple for people to connect with one another from any device, at any location and at any time. Thus, if a person suffers a bad hair day at work or school, anyone can snap a photo on a smartphone or tablet and share it via social media. And once this image is live on the internet, it likely will stay there forever.
Conversely, social media sometimes leads people to take additional steps to ensure that they look their best at all times. Yet allocating significant time and energy to apply makeup to cover up even minor facial wrinkles and blemishes may prove to be difficult. Plus, the costs associated with doing so may add up quickly.
Social media has transformed the way that people interact with one another and the world around them, along with changed the way that people perceive cosmetic surgery. Whereas plastic surgery was previously viewed by some people in a negative light, it now presents a great option for a person to look his or her best on social media.
Plastic surgery often helps people correct facial wrinkles and other blemishes and prevent them from recurring. It also makes it tough for people to spot facial imperfections and share them with others online.
At the same time, cosmetic surgery can help a person bolster his or her self-confidence. For instance, a person who feels good about his or her appearance may be more likely than ever before to share selfies on Instagram, Facebook and other social networks. As the social likes and shares accumulate, this individual may feel more confident in his or her appearance than ever before.
Celebrities Increasingly Embrace Plastic Surgery
The stigma once associated with plastic surgery has disappeared, thanks in large part to celebrities who are upfront and honest about their recent decisions to undergo cosmetic procedures. Some of the celebrities who have used plastic surgery to enhance their appearance include:
- Kaley Cuoco: Actress Kaley Cuoco may be best-known for her role as Penny on the hit TV comedy “The Big Bang Theory.” Meanwhile, Cuoco told Redbook that a decision to get breast implants earlier in her acting career proved to be one of “the best” decisions she has ever made.
- Lisa Kudrow: “Friends” actress Lisa Kudrow received a nose job when she was a teenager, according to The Saturday Evening Post. The procedure was “life-altering,” Kudrow stated, as it helped her improve her facial appearance.
- Betty White: “Golden Girls” star Betty White underwent an eyelid rejuvenation procedure in 1976, she told People. White said she “scolded herself” when she first received the procedure, but she’s now glad that she received the surgery.
- Kylie Jenner: TV personality and model Kylie Jenner originally received lip fillers in 2015. She also started a vlog in 2018 detailing her “lip filler journey.”
- Christine Brinkley: Actress Christine Brinkley told People in 2017 that she underwent ultherapy, which uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin. With ultherapy, Brinkley has lifted her skin and reduced visible signs of aging on her neck.
- Robin Wright: Actress Robin Wright told The Telegraph in 2014 that she receives Botox treatments twice a year. Botox treats fine lines, wrinkles and furrows caused by excess muscle movements in the face.
- Jillian Michaels: Fitness trainer and TV personality Jillian Michaels underwent rhinoplasty surgery at age 16. Michaels said the procedure helped reshape her nose and boost her self-confidence.
- Kelly Ripa: TV personality Kelly Ripa told Elle in 2013 that she receives Botox treatments on her eyelid skin approximately every seven months.
As the aforementioned examples show, celebrities of all ages are sometimes willing to undergo plastic surgery to bolster their appearance. But celebrities are just one of several groups of individuals who may consider plastic surgery in the hopes of looking their best both now and in the future. In fact, cosmetic surgery today represents a viable option for many individuals, including Millennials.
What Is the Link Between Millennials, Social Media and Plastic Surgery?
Social networks are exceedingly popular and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Moreover, the number of annual cosmetic procedures continues to rise among the Millennial population.
The Millennial generation is leading a “selfie” revolution – just consider some of the recent selfie statistics compiled byFrames Direct:
- On average, a Millennial will take up to 25,700 selfies during their lifetime.
- 55 percent of Millennials share selfies on social media.
- The average Millennial spends at least one hour per week posting selfies on social networks.
- To date, Instagram has more than 250 million #selfie posts, and this figure continues to increase daily.
Millennials highlight the link between social media and plastic surgery. With selfies and other social media posts, Millennials share personal information with a global audience. And going forward, Millennials may be one of the biggest groups to choose plastic surgery in the hopes of enhancing their facial appearance for social media.
Ultimately, many Millennials may consider plastic surgery to improve their appearance in selfies and other social media images. With an informed approach to plastic surgery, Millennials can understand the short- and long-term ramifications of a cosmetic procedure and make the right treatment decision based on their personal needs.
Plastic Surgery: Here’s What Millennials Need to Know
Many cosmetic procedures are available, and each treatment may impact an individual’s appearance in a variety of ways.
Some of the leading plastic surgeries include:
- Rhinoplasty:Commonly referred to as a “nose job” or “nose surgery,” rhinoplasty enables an individual to improve facial symmetry. It may be used to correct structural defects in the nose too.
- Submental Liposuction:Liposuction under the chin eliminates the appearance of a “double chin” and creates a thinner facial profile.
- Brow Lift:Abrow liftenables an individual to raise drooping eyebrows and reduce the appearance of deep furrows and a heavy, sagging brow.
- Eyelid Lift:Thanks to aneyelid lift, an individual can remove bags that form under the eyelids, correct drooping lower eyelids and minimize excess fat deposits in the eyelids.
Also, manynon-surgical cosmetic proceduresare available, and some of the leading non-surgical cosmetic treatments include:
- Botox:Perhaps the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure, Botox helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes.
- Facial Fillers:Withfacial fillers, an individual can use injectable medications to fill in fine lines and creases throughout the face to create more cheek contour, erase under eye bags, or enhance the size and shape of the lips.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing:DOT Dekalaser skin resurfacingtreatments can help an individual improve the skin’s tone, texture and pigmentation.
TheCENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgerywants to teach Millennials about cosmetic surgery, how it works and its benefits.
Now, let’s take a look at three questions that Millennials should consider about plastic surgery.
How will plastic surgery impact my appearance?
It is important for an individual to allocate the necessary time and resources to learn about surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic proceduresbeforeundergoing treatment. This will enable a person to understand a procedure’s impact on the facial appearance. Furthermore, it is very important to have a very honest conversation with the facial plastic surgeon to make sure both parties have the same expectations for the results of the surgery.
What should I expect after a cosmetic procedure?
The goals and results of a cosmetic procedure will vary depending on the individual. Therefore, it is paramount for a person to establish realistic cosmetic treatment expectations.
Dr. Babak Azizzadehof the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who recognizes the immediate and long-term impact of a cosmetic procedure. He will meet with a patient to learn about the individual’s cosmetic treatment goals and ensure this person can get the best results possible.
Is a cosmetic procedure right for me?
Plastic surgery represents a major decision, regardless of a person’s age. As such, a person should learn as much as possible about plastic surgery prior to treatment.
When it comes to facial plastic surgery, working with an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh is a must. This surgeon will be able to describe a cosmetic procedure in detail and respond to a patient’s concerns and questions.
A Final Word on Cosmetic Surgery for Millennials
Millennials are thelargest living generationin the United States. They are tech-savvy individuals who understand the ins and outs of social media and are unafraid to share personal images across social networks.
At the same time, many Millennials have shown a willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures over the past few years. As the selfie revolution continues, Millennials may consider cosmetic treatments to enhance their facial appearance.
A cosmetic procedure rarely, if ever, represents a “quick-fix” solution to transform an individual’s appearance. Although some cosmetic procedures provide fast results, various treatments may require several weeks or months before the full results become apparent.
For those who are considering cosmetic surgery, meeting with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh can provide a valuable learning experience. This consultation will enable an individual to learn about the short- and long-term effects of a cosmetic procedure and make an informed treatment decision.
FAQs
How has the plastic surgery industry been affected by social media? ›
The survey found that surgeons have seen a 31% increase in patients requesting cosmetic surgery in order to look better online. This includes patients bringing in “favorite selfies,” hoping to turn the most flattering filters and photo editing tricks into everyday beauty.
Does the selfie trend increase demand for facial plastic surgery? ›In fact, a whopping 79 percent of facial plastic surgeons agree that looking better in selfies continues to trend upward. To that end, lip lifts, a new category for the 2021 survey, were up three percent in 2022; at least 73 percent of AAFPRS members performed lip lifts in 2022 versus 70 percent in 2021.
How remote work and social media are creating a plastic surgery boom? ›Experts point to a phenomenon called the “Zoom effect” or the “Zoom Boom.” Covid limitations shifted in-person meetings and social events to video calls, meaning more people became hyper-critical of their facial features. That dissatisfaction led to a much higher interest in plastic surgery above the shoulder.
What is the impact of social media on seeking individual's cosmetic procedures? ›The photo editing applications can alter an individual's appearance in photographs posted on social media. Choosing to alter one's appearance means recognizing a personal imperfection, and this repeated behavior may drive an individual to seek dermatologic care for various skin problems.
What are the social issues with plastic surgery? ›The researchers found that patients who are dissatisfied with surgery may request repeat procedures or experience depression and adjustment problems, social isolation, family problems, self-destructive behaviors and anger toward the surgeon and his or her staff.
What are the negative social impacts of plastic? ›Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.
Has there been an increase in plastic surgery due to social media? ›In 2021, a survey study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that nearly half of all patients reported social media played a role in their decision to seek plastic surgery. The curious factor?
What is the most requested plastic surgery face? ›These are the ten cosmetic surgery procedures that saw the biggest increase in popularity from 2007 to 2020: Cheek implant: 1258% increase. Chin augmentation: 194% increase. Forehead lift: 107% increase.
What are the social benefits of plastic surgery? ›Improved Self Esteem and Confidence
For many patients, successful plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Correcting a "problem" perceived by the patient can make them less self-conscious, and relieve social anxiety.
Conclusions. Social media and their platforms have become yet another tool in the surgeon's armamentarium for communication and dissemination of research, and for interacting with colleagues and the public. As such, SoMe platforms and several communities have become effective for sharing knowledge and opinions.
Why is plastic surgery becoming more popular? ›
As technological advancements make procedures more appealing, the increased rate of demand has resulted in an increased interest in plastic surgery for medical practitioners. In the U.S. alone, the $27 billion market has over 14,049 businesses operating in the industry.
How has technology changed plastic surgery? ›Lasers instead of scalpels
The introduction of the various laser surgeries has been a major contribution to the field of plastic surgery. Many plastic surgeons have upgraded to AirSculpt Laser Liposuction. This cutting-edge procedure doesn't require any scalpels, needles or stitches.
Social media platforms often feature images of people with seemingly perfect faces and bodies, often using filters and photo editing tools to enhance their appearance. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in both women and men.
What is the effect of social network site use on appearance investment and desire for cosmetic surgery among adolescent boys and girls? ›The results of this longitudinal survey study show that more frequent social network site use predicts increases in appearance investment among adolescents, which, in turn, is related to an augmented desire to undergo cosmetic surgery.
How does social media influence societal attitudes towards health and attractiveness? ›NEGATIVE SOCIAL PRESSURES AND COMPARISON
On social media, particular body types are prioritised as ideal body types and this may lead society to view these body times and specific eating behaviours as more attractive and healthier than other ones.
The number of cosmetic operations in the plastic surgery department of the hospital increased by 49.4% in 2021, compared to 2020, and increased by 29.7% compared to 2019. The number of operations in all disciplines increased by 33.4% in 2021, compared to 2020, and increased by 13.3% compared to 2019.
What are 7 negative effects of plastic surgery? ›- Hematoma.
- Seroma.
- Blood loss.
- Infection.
- Nerve damage.
- Blood clots.
- Organ damage.
- Scarring.
The main reason for the stigma around plastic surgery is that people think that plastic surgery is solely a cosmetic field. It generally disregards its contribution to maintaining a person's self-esteem, mental health, and self-confidence for a better and happier lifestyle.
What are 3 negative impacts of plastic? ›Plastic pollution reduces our waterways' recreational and aesthetic value, interferes with navigation, and disrupts commercial and recreational fishing. Microplastics also pose a risk to human health.
How plastics affect the world socially and economically? ›Unwanted plastics that end up in the ocean deteriorate the natural ecosystem and entire marine habitat. This in turn, impedes the formation of finite natural resources and raw materials that help support the economy. All economic activities draw from the natural ecosystem for environmental services of source and sink.
What are the influences of plastic surgery? ›
They found that all four factors they investigated – namely, body dissatisfaction, physical appearance, teasing (being teased about 11 different body parts) and media influence (feeling pressured to appear like people in the media) – were related to the desire to have cosmetic surgery.
What is the trend of plastic surgery? ›Minimally invasive procedures remain popular
2023 is the year the pendulum swung back to a more natural aesthetic with understated breast implants and BBLs. In addition, liposuction remains popular, as does nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.
Perhaps the most controversial plastic surgery trend to make headlines in 2022 and 2023 is the buccal fat removal trend. Buccal fat is located in the lower part of the cheeks, which in youth often lends the chubby cheeks or a full face look.
What celebrity has the most plastic surgery? ›In total, Jackson has had 52 cosmetic procedures, a world record for the most procedures ever undergone by one person. "I didn't set out to break, to set a world record, it was never my ambition, it's just that I had so much done," she said.
Who has the best plastic surgery in the world? ›- 1 PROF. DR. BULENT CIHANTIMUR.
- 2 DR. SELCUK AYTAÇ
- 3 DR. ERCAN DEMIRAI.
- 4 Dr. JOO KWON.
- 5 PROF. DR. ERCAN KARACAOGLU.
- 6 PROF. DR. CAGRI SADE.
- 7 Dr. PARK SANG HOON.
- 8 SUMMARY.
South Korea is the country with the highest percentage of plastic surgeries in the world, and this is followed by Greece and Italy. The United States falls below the fifth rank of plastic surgery by country according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
What are the emotional benefits of plastic surgery? ›Improved Self-assurance and Self-Esteem
Most people going for plastic surgery do so because they want to rectify a physical defect that affects their overall physical appearance, leaving them depressed and their self-esteem bruised.
These changes can lead to a very positive and uplifting experience and are rarely the cause of an unhealthy obsession with perfection. So long as your expectations are realistic then plastic surgery can be a boon to your self-esteem and overall happiness.
What are the mental benefits of plastic surgery? ›Others include a decrease in social anxiety (particularly true for those with facial surgery such as an eyelid lift or facelift, the results of which are the most obvious to other people), as well as improvement in mood, life satisfaction and an increased commitment to physical health.
How does social media play a role in healthcare? ›Having an active social media presence allows healthcare professionals to pass along information shared by organizations such as the Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control or communicate with news outlets.
What are the benefits of social media for patients? ›
Social media platforms offer the possibility for patients to communicate among them and with physicians. These platforms can help patients to be better informed about their condition and more involved in their treatment.
How does social media help doctors? ›Promoting your practice.
A strong social media presence can help you recruit patients to your office, retain current patients, and have more control over your online reputation.
The biggest task for the future of plastic surgery is fat reduction, and radical new techniques have made it easier than ever to shed a few extra pounds that resist diet and exercise. CoolSculpting, for example, is a radical new procedure that destroys fat cells by selectively cooling them.
What is the demand for plastic surgery? ›Survey Finds Demand for Cosmetic Surgery, Driven by Women Under 45, Surged After the Pandemic. Despite Economic Climate, 3/4 of Plastic Surgeons Report an Increase in Demand, With 30% Saying Their Business Has at Least Doubled.
When did plastic surgery become a trend? ›Elective cosmetic surgical procedures like the facelift or rhinoplasty had been performed for several decades, but didn't really gain popularity until the 1970s and 1980s. The rich and famous were among the first to use these elective aesthetic surgeries to enhance their appearance.
What is the future outlook for the plastic surgeon? ›Projected job growth for plastic surgeons is 7% from 2018-2028. There are over 9,540 plastic surgeons currently employed in the United States. There are 3,906 active plastic surgeon job openings in the US based on job postings. The average salary for a plastic surgeon is $172,467.
How do celebrities influence plastic surgery? ›Studies have shown that about 60 percent of plastic surgery patients have one or two celebrities they want to imitate. When patients come with photos of celebrities, they want to imitate a particular part of the body of their favorite star, including the nose, eyes, breasts, lips, etc.
How social media is reshaping the beauty industry? ›It Has Opened Up New Sales Channels
Beauty brands have capitalised on the popularity of social media platforms and have brought their shops to the consumers, instead of asking them to visit. Visual social media platforms like Instagram are being used as virtual stores with feeds acting as virtual product displays.
They barely talk. It makes families far away from each other even if they live together. Recently, many studies show that with the overuse of social media, less people communicate in person. Many people are becoming isolated due to the lack of personal interaction.
How do social media fix body image issues? ›- Stop using the 'explore' tab on Instagram. ...
- Unsubscribe from all the social media accounts that make you feel unworthy. ...
- Follow more social media accounts that boost body confidence.
How does media affect society's perspective of beauty? ›
The media is constantly showing images of what is considered beautiful. These images greatly affect society and often impact the way people view themselves. Most of these images are unrealistic, and send unhealthy expectations to women; however most women are willing to do anything they can to achieve this look.
What are examples of social media influence? ›For example, fake news or deep fakes might influence your child to believe misinformation about a politician, public figure or celebrity. Or online forums might promote biased or hateful attitudes towards groups of people.
How social media influences attitudes & behaviors? ›Research has shown that people who use social media frequently have increased levels of negative emotions such as envy and isolation.
How does social media affect influence? ›Due to this, social media impacts society in the following ways: Generating visibility around social, ethical, environmental and political views or issues. Spreading educational material quickly and efficiently. Providing companies with new marketing opportunities.
What is the number one reason for plastic surgery? ›Reason #1: Lines, Wrinkles, and Sagging
The natural aging process and excessive sun exposure can leave you looking much older than you really are or than you feel. Plastic surgery is a great way to tighten the skin and make these problematic lines and wrinkles disappear.
Stem Cells
Plastic surgeons are excited about the use of stem cell technology. These will be combined in the future with tissue engineering with the focus on growing body parts. Structures like the skin will be able to be grown, which can lead to implants that can restore function and form.
The biggest task for the future of plastic surgery is fat reduction, and radical new techniques have made it easier than ever to shed a few extra pounds that resist diet and exercise. CoolSculpting, for example, is a radical new procedure that destroys fat cells by selectively cooling them.
What is the most popular plastic surgery in us? ›With over 300,000 surgeries performed each year, breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States.
What is the most common celebrity plastic surgery? ›Breast Augmentation as the most popular one!
Breast enlargement is on the top of the list of most popular plastic surgeries, be it in general or among Celebrities in the USA. However, the size of new breasts after breast augmentation has changed over time, together with methods.
Body Lift
Because it is actually several procedures in one, the body lift is considered the most risky for patients. This surgery involves lifting the belly, buttocks, thighs and genitals at once in an effort to improve the overall shape of the body.
What is the most popular surgery in the world? ›
More than 1.9 million liposuction procedures were recorded worldwide in 2021, a jump of almost 25% from the preceding year. Also among the most popular procedures are rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty (or nose jobs and tummy tucks).
What woman has the most plastic surgery? ›We Have a Winner - Woman Sets Record for Most Plastic Surgeries Ever. Cindy Jackson always had a feeling that she was born with the wrong body and face. Even as a small child, she was not convinced that her appearance was the one she should have in life.