Social media filters fueling desire for more plastic surgery

By Isobel Williams via SWNS

People are getting plastic surgery to copy filtered images of themselves on social media, a new study claims.

Researchers found that frequent Snapchat and Instagram users are more likely to get plastic surgery.

And disturbingly they report a phenomenon of “snapchat dysmorphia,” whereby patients seeking cosmetic procedures attempt to copy filtered and edited versions of themselves.

Social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram have been pivotal in perpetuating “selfie” culture with filters that can often distort facial features in a way that can lead to dissatisfaction with reality.

A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, found that time spent on social media and the use of photo-editing applications correlates with a person's desire to undergo cosmetic procedures, and likely led to an increase in cosmetic visits.

The researchers from Boston University asked patients at a dermatology clinic to complete surveys from 2019-2021 regarding their social media usage as well as their desire to undergo cosmetic procedures.

After reviewing these surveys, they found that the number of hours individuals spent using Snapchat and/or Instagram every day had a statistically significant difference in the belief that media or social media had influenced their desire to have a cosmetic procedure done.

Furthermore, they found a big difference between the use of photo editing applications such as FaceTune, Lightroom, or SnapSeed to edit photos before sharing selfies on social media and thoughts about undergoing a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure.

Patients who followed and engaged with celebrities and influencers on social media, as well as following and engaging with plastic surgery, dermatology or other accounts showing the results of cosmetic procedures on social media were also significantly influenced to have procedures.

Associate professor Neelam Vashi from Boston Medical Centre said: “While there was an increase in cosmetic focus during the COVID pandemic, until now there has not been data highlighting a clear link or factors that made patients more or less likely to participate in cosmetic treatments.”

The team hopes that their findings will encourage practitioners to discuss social media usage with their patients to better understand their desire to undergo cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Vashi added: “Quality care begins with quality conversations, and we hope this study encourages providers to ask about all aspects of a patient's life to better understand their motivations and goals of care.”