In recent years, social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have become popular for people to share their photos and connect with their friends and followers. Selfies have become an integral part of this culture, especially among young people.

However, this obsession with perfecting one’s appearance for social media has led to a surge in plastic surgery procedures.

The rise of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery has been around for decades, but in recent years, it has become more popular than ever.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States increased by 163% from 1997 to 2018. Social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have contributed to this surge in popularity, with people using these platforms to showcase their flawless bodies and faces.

Selfies have also been a significant factor in the growth of plastic surgery. People are more aware of their appearance than ever before, thanks to constant exposure to images of perfect-looking people on social media.

They’re also able to easily edit and filter their own images, which can create unrealistic expectations for their appearance.

The selfie culture and plastic surgery

People are posting more selfies than ever before, and these images can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem.

In a study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 55% of plastic surgeons reported seeing an increase in cosmetic procedures due to patients being more self-aware of their looks in photos taken for social media.

The pressure to look perfect in selfies can push people to undergo plastic surgery procedures. They want to look as good in real life as they do in their edited images.

This pressure has particularly affected young people, who are more likely to be active on social media.

The types of plastic surgery fueled by selfies

The demand for plastic surgery has grown, and so has the number of procedures to choose from. The following are some of the most popular procedures driven by selfie culture:.

Rhinioplasty

Considered as one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, reported to have been done by many celebrities, rhinoplasty is a procedure that improves the shape of the nose.

People opt for this procedure to improve their attractiveness, symmetry of the nose, or to fix any abnormality that may have caused discomfort. People who are dissatisfied with their nose size or shape may undergo this procedure to improve their appearance in selfies.

Lip fillers

Another cosmetic procedure that has been on the increase is lip fillers, made popular by the trend of having plump and juicy-looking lips. Many celebrities, such as Kylie Jenner, have undergone this procedure to improve the fullness of their lips.

This trend has led other people to desire fuller and more symmetrical lips for their selfies, leading to a surge in lip fillers procedures.

Botox injections

Botox injections have long been popular among people to treat wrinkles and fine lines. With more people taking selfies than ever before, BOTOX injections have become a popular way to get a more youthful appearance in their self-taken photos.

The effects of selfie culture on body image

Selfies and social media have also had an adverse effect on body image. People are comparing themselves to others on social media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.

This comparison culture has led to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which can further exacerbate a person’s desire to undergo plastic surgery.

The prevalence of extreme body transformation images and “perfect” bodies has led to unrealistic standards of beauty.

It has created a culture where natural features are no longer coveted, and anything that is perceived as imperfection is thought of as something to be corrected with plastic surgery.

The dangers of plastic surgery

While plastic surgery can improve a person’s appearance, it also has its risks. Complications from plastic surgery can occur, and the recovery time can be long and painful.

Patients can also have an adverse reaction to anesthesia, which can be life-threatening. The obsession with selfies and social media has led some people to go to extreme lengths to obtain the perfect look, leading to addiction or dependency on plastic surgery.

Conclusion

Selfies and social media have had an enormous impact on people’s self-image and body confidence, leading to an increase in plastic surgery procedures.

People are striving for the perfect look, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential health risks. It’s important for people to be aware of the risks associated with plastic surgery, and to understand that natural features should be celebrated and not corrected.