If you’ve been anywhere near social media in the past few years, you probably know that a “selfie” is a picture you take of yourself posing with a famous person, of yourself showing off a new haircut, or for a wide range of reasons. By now, you may have even taken a selfie or one hundred to share with your online followers.
In today’s culture, selfies are a way to connect with others and document important events in your life. They have also put us in the spotlight, giving men and women of all ages the chance to look at their own faces over and over again. Not everyone is excited about the results, however, and this increased personal exposure has led to another phenomenon: selfie surgery.
How Selfies Increase Cosmetic Requests
As selfies have risen in popularity, the demand for cosmetic surgeries has increased nearly at the same speed. In fact, a recent AAFPRS survey shows that one in three facial plastic surgeons has reported an increase in requests from patients who claimed to be more aware of their appearance thanks to social media. Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media sites give men and women of all ages the chance to see and be seen every single day by countless viewers. At least 13 percent of prospective patients have cited such photo sharing as the primary reason for a surgical consultation. The pressure to be so visible can lead many to criticize every detail of their appearance and empower them to make the changes they really want to see.
A New, Younger Plastic Surgery Crowd
Dating back a decade or so, the typical patient list of an average facial plastic surgeon was mostly made up of middle-aged women succumbing to pressures to appear younger. “The selfie effect” causes young people to really examine their appearance and perhaps compare it to their peers’. A larger number of younger patients are finding their way into consultations with requests for one or more cosmetic surgeries. A whopping 58 percent of facial plastic surgeons experienced an increase in surgical and injectable procedures among patients under 30 in 2013. That number has continued to grow.
Procedures Popular Among Selfie Patients
As a result of the selfie effect, some of the surgeries geared toward a younger crowd, such as rhinoplasty or ear pinning, are growing in popularity as well. Patients in their 20s and 30s are also being influenced by their selfies as well, increasing the interest levels in some anti-aging procedures.
The most popular procedures for selfie-inspired patients include:
- Rhinoplasty, a nasal surgery performed to reshape or resize the nose to bring more harmony to the patient’s facial features.
- Chin augmentation, a surgery which inserts a biocompatible implant to enhance the projection and contour of the chin.
- Ear surgery, which can include the reshaping or resizing the ears. Ear pinning can also be performed to adjust the projection of the ears.
- Acne treatments to remove scarring, control breakouts, and eliminate redness and uneven skin tones. Scar revision surgeries are also sought for pock marks, past injuries, and another facial scarring.
- Botox injections provide a nonsurgical, temporary way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin rejuvenation procedures. From chemical peels to laser skin treatments, patients of all ages can find nonsurgical ways to improve the appearance of their skin quickly and safely.
Good Candidates for Selfie Surgery
To be considered a good candidate for selfie surgery, you should have a clear idea of your aesthetic concerns and the changes you are hoping to achieve. Prospective patients will be evaluated individually based on their personal health status and the procedure they are looking to have performed. Before meeting with your facial plastic surgeon, you should be in good overall health, be a nonsmoker, and have a realistic expectation for their results. The best way to learn more about the procedures that interest you and your own eligibility, meet with your facial plastic surgeon for a consultation.
Plan Your Surgery With Dr. Schoenfeld
Learn more about the facial plastic surgeries that could benefit you the most and help you to achieve your own desired look. Visit Renu by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld to speak with founder and Medical Director Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in anti-aging treatments and other surgical procedures. He takes a keen interest in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, having practiced in Washington, D.C. since 1994. A proven track record for excellence and a personal dedication to excellence and aesthetics have earned him a significant reputation among his peers. He was voted one of America’s Top Doctors in 2013 by Castle Connolly. Contact Renu by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1625 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, by calling (301) 652-RENU (7368). Book your appointment today to discuss your personal options for surgery and treatment.