Trending Selfies and the Rise in Cosmetic Surgery

“Selfie” – a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website. (Oxford Dictionary)

It is undeniable, we are now living in the generation of selfies – where self-love, admiration and vanity is revered. And we do not need statistics to prove that the selfie craze is unquestionably on the rise. All you need is to look at your favorite Hollywood celebrity or friend’s social media accounts, even yours, chances are you are bound to find at least one selfie. And who could ever forget the star-studdedOscar selfie, which got a reported 2.4 million retweets and 32.8 million view just hours after it was posted online.

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Selfies Sparks Cosmetic Surgery Requests

But what is astounding is that the selfie trend has made a significant in the cosmetic surgery industry. In a press release of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) last March 2014, they conducted a study among its 2,700 members, which revealed that “one in three facial plastic surgeons surveyed saw an increase in requests for procedures due to patients being more self aware of looks in social media.” This observation also revealed that the top procedures requested are rhinoplasty and Botox.

Dr. Edward Farrior, President of the AAFPRS, said that, “Social platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and the iPhone app Selfie.im, which are solely image based, force patients to hold a microscope up to their own image and often look at it with a more self-critical eye than ever before.” This trend has reflected a 10% increase in rhinoplasty, 7% increase in hair transplants and 6% in double eyelid surgery in 2013.

Women, Men and the Young Generation

Also in the said study, it reflected a remarkable difference in the preference of the procedures requested between women and men. Without a doubt, facial plastic surgery is still dominated by women accounting for 81% of the total procedures in 2013. And in a surprising data, mothers make-up about two-thirds of the number of women getting a surgical or non-surgical procedure.

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It has been observed that most women request for facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery and ablative skin resurfacing. Men, on the other hand, mostly requested for Botox, dermal fillers, hair transplant and rhinoplasty.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the selfie trend has resulted to an increase in facial cosmetic procedures among the younger generation. This is shown in the 2013 data that 58% of the surveyed facial plastic surgeon observed an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectibles among patients under the age of 30. The study also associated the role of social media in a teen’s life and self-esteem.

The constant desire to look better in the selfie has somehow contributed and encouraged younger generation to change their looks. In fact, in its detailed report, patients under the age of 21 consist 22% of the total patients who got rhinoplasty in 2013. That is almost one-fourth of the total data.

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A Global Phenomenon

And certainly, this effect of the selfie craze is a global phenomenon. Marco Pacifico of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said in a MetroUK article that, “The trend was equally noticeable here, where the young people felt under ‘incessant pressure’ to be perfect, comparing themselves to digitally enhanced photos of others.” Also Dr. Leah Totton, The Apprentice winner, also validated this by saying that, “Due to increased social networking, we now have unlimited access to the appearance of other, including celebrities.”

This latest reveal has sparked controversies and even concern among cosmetic surgery experts. This is because it creates unrealistic expectations and interpretation of beauty. Cosmetic surgery strives to achieve balance and harmony of the entire facial features and is not about achieving perfection or copying somebody else’s unique features.

The Perfect Selfie

There is a running gag that for every one good selfie, there are 47 other failed ones. If you are a selfie-addict, you will know that it takes the right angle, lighting and even a couple of editing and image filters to get that right self-portrait. But there are some who gone out of their to look good in any angle and lighting without the need for digital touch-ups by getting a couple of nip and tuck done.

This is exactly what Los Angeles talent manager Triana Lavey did. In 2012, Lavey spent a total of $50,000 on cosmetic procedures to achieve the perfect Instagram selfie. Her obsession with her appearance prompted when she showed dissatisfaction on how she looked in her Facebook and Instagram photos, and further saying that it is her “weak chin” that is her main concern. When social media sites were not yet popular, she did not care with how she looked. She had a chin implant, nose job, Botox and fat-defining cheek implants.

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With deep satisfaction, she related in an interview with ABCs Nightline that, “I now have the face that I always thought that I had. I look like myself, but Photoshopped.”

And this selfie-obsessed woman is making a name in the business of helping social media stars make tons of money by incorporating big brand names in their self-portraits. She is part of a public relations firm that focuses on representing, developing and managing social media personalities, especially in Youtube, named uFluencer Group. In an E!News article, Lavey said that, “Today, this business is moving at the speed of the Internet. Your selfie is your headshot so you can reinvent yourself everyday with your iPhone. It is a legitimate form of promoting yourself.”

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She said that all of her clients have already perfected how to pose for that ideal and flawless selfie. She even shared that the ideal pose is to achieve for a pose that is fun and organic that exudes and shows their unique personality. And for her talents, this should be completed with the sincere expression of looking interested in the product that they are promoting.

Among the clients include Youtube celebrities like Alphacat, ItsJudyTime, Sam Pottoroff, NGuerriero19 and EleventhGorgeous. All of which have already garnered more than a million subscribers.

However, Lavey said that she does not believe that others should also undergo cosmetic surgery just to look good in selfies even if she had done it herself. She further said that all it needs is for them to feel confident in front of the camera.

She shared that she will not be getting any more surgical cosmetic procedures. However, she is still getting regular Botox injections to make sure that she looks her best. She even went on to say that, “Not everyone is born beautiful. And if you can get a little help from a nip-tuck, then more power to you.”

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Cosmetic surgery can certainly make a significant impact in giving a boost in confidence by enhancing your natural appearance. But, you should never forget to make certain that you have realistic expectations. This greatly helps in achieving desirable results that are successful and natural-looking.

Choosing a credible and experienced cosmetic surgeon can even further boost your desired results. If you are in Australia, you can trust Dr. Ahnsup Andrew Kim of Advance Beauty Cosmetic Surgery will guide you throughout the process to give you really amazing results. Dr. Kim specializes in rhinoplasty and doubleeyelid surgery and is known for his impeccable eye for aesthetic detail and proven technical skills.

To schedule your free consultation with Dr. Kim, call us now!