One thing most of us don’t consider very often is the way in which our culture shapes our ideas of what is aesthetically pleasing and our expectations of how we should look. A recent article on MarketWatch touched on the topic, particularly with respect to plastic surgery, noting that the new culture of selfies, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat is leading more and younger people to look for cosmetic enhancements.
One surprising statistic mentioned in the article: “Over 40% of surgeons in a recent American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery survey said patients said looking better in selfies on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook was an incentive for getting surgery.”
Cosmetic procedures have more than doubled since 2000, but that isn’t the only change. The types of procedures people are having are shifting. There is increased emphasis on less invasive treatments, such as tissue fillers and lip enhancement, botox, and microdermabrasion.
Patients are also becoming younger, perhaps because of our increased focus on self-photography (and therefore, self-scrutiny). The report points out that the number of patients under 30 seeking cosmetic tweaks continues to grow. Fifty one percent of AAFPRS members agree that more patients now emphasize early maintenance, with increasing numbers of men and women in their 20s and 30s opting for preventive measures to forestall bigger procedures and surgery in the future.
One important thing to remember during all this is that each individual’s reasons for undergoing plastic surgery are deeply personal and unique. Whatever your reasons for considering a cosmetic procedure, you should always make sure they’re your own and not created by social pressure or other external forces.
It’s perfectly OK (and even a good idea) to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon if you’re on the fence about a particular procedure. You can discuss your options and expectations, and more easily decide if a particular procedure may be right for you. Your plastic surgeon, on the other hand, should provide a pressure-free environment during your consultation and let you make up your own mind.
If you’re thinking about potentially undergoing a particular cosmetic procedure but just can’t decide, we are available as a resource for you! Schedule a consultation today to meet with Dr. Ghaderi and discuss your options!
