Beauty trends often come and go with the seasons and along with technological advances. Some styles sweep through our lives like a whispered rumor, leaving little in their wake but memories and laughably bad photographs. These usually carry little risk when the methods or products used are non-invasive.
However, there are beauty trends that cross into risky territory, especially when individuals are trying to chase an idealized version of themselves based on phone camera filters. This practice has caught the attention of surgeons, who are now voicing serious concerns, as mentioned in this blog.
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The Filter Frenzy in Perspective
A study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology provides some eye-opening stats linking social media to an uptick in the number of people seeking cosmetic surgery.
The study, which featured 175 participants, showed that the more people are glued to their screens, dabbling in photo filters and apps, the less satisfied they are with their natural appearance. It is wild how technology influences almost everything. At the onset of phone photography and social media, no one would have thought scrolling could lead you right into an operating room. Today, the numbers show a disturbing trend, with procedures increasing notably from 64 percent to 86 percent, and those seeking consultations jumping from 44 percent up to 68 percent.
Experts blame “Snapchat dysmorphia” for the uptick in individuals seeking plastic surgery consultations. Snapchat dysmorphia is a phenomenon especially common with younger individuals that causes them to be preoccupied with flawless appearances they see on phone camera filters, resulting in dissatisfaction and anxiety. It may sound dramatic, but it has become a real thing. Instead of snapping selfies just for fun or likes, users see these filter-altered faces as goals—actual blueprints for cosmetic surgeries, such as rhinoplasties and lip fillers.
“Seems like Instagram and Snapchat aren’t about just staying connected anymore. They are setting new beauty benchmarks that not everyone can (or perhaps) should meet,” says Dr. Kai Morimoto of KM Plastic Surgery.
Navigating the Distortions Before Going Under the Knife
You’ve probably noticed how different you look in a selfie than you do in the mirror. It’s not just your imagination. The image appears wacky when you photograph yourself from about a foot away, and it is capable of tricking features such as your nose to make it look larger than it actually is.
This is one key fact to consider when cosmetic changes are contemplated with the inspiration of a camera roll. So, before hurrying to that procedure because of selfies, bear in mind that those snaps are not showing your real-life proportions. Consult a certified professional about the results that are possible before making a decision.
The Plastic Surgery Conversation
Surgery could be an enabling force for self-confidence and comfort. Great caution, however, is recommended because often expectations may not run in tandem with real life. With social media, surgeons have become more connected than ever with their patients, and the avenues for real-time education about what procedures can and cannot be done are now available.
It is also a big part of their job: to know when to raise the red flags if the expectations are veering into unrealistic territory. If someone’s wish list seems to read more like a filtered fantasy than realistic enhancements, that’s a cue for professionals to hit the brakes and recalibrate expectations.
An honest conversation about what’s realistic ensures that any decision to move forward does as much good as possible, dialing back the harm that may come from body image issues fueled by digital illusions.
Surviving the Medical Minefield
It may be tempting to shop around for bargains when it comes to cosmetic alterations, but keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. Going with a board-certified professional may cost a little more, but it is well worth the extra cost for your safety and well-being.
There are many quacks in the market that may offer cheap deals, alluring enough to make any person stop and think. Still, these are often accompanied by greater risks, from a failed job to serious health complications.
Also, the best advice on what is good for you can only be given by a practitioner with a reputation to protect.
