'Selfies' and Social Media: Could Unrealistic Pictures Pressure Youth to get Plastic Surgery?

A recent survey shows that selfies-otherwise known as photographs we take of ourselves that are typically displayed on various social media apps-may influence youth to turn to plastic surgery.

"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," warned the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), Edward H. Farrior, MD, via a press release. "These images are often the first impressions young people put out there to prospective friends, romantic interests and employers and our patients want to put their best face forward."

For the AAFPRS survey, researchers polled a small group of individuals from the academy's 2,700 members regarding the latest trends in facial plastic surgery. The findings showed a 10 percent spike in nose jobs, with a seven percent increase in hair transplants and a six percent increase in eyelid surgery.

Due to pressures from social media, the report also found that 69 percent of children patients who wanted plastic surgery were also bullied, while 31 percent of younger participants stated that they turned to plastic surgery as a solution to get away from bullying.

"The top five things most patients are most concerned with are results, costs, recovery, pain and scars," Farrior said, via CBS Local. "Whether driven by a desire to stay competitive in the workforce, remain attractive to their mate or simply to look as good as they feel, advances in non-invasive anti-aging technologies are making it possible to delay the hands of time while retaining a natural outcome. As recovery times are reduced and results are more subtle, aesthetic procedures become a more viable maintenance option for young men and women."

The findings also showed that women are more likely to undergo plastic surgery than men, according to the report, with 81 percent of cases from 2013 female patients.

"Our members nearly unanimously agree that prospective patients need to exercise caution when considering an online deal," said Farrior. "To ensure the best results, you should have a consultation with your prospective physician to assess your candidacy and clearly discuss your goals. Always make sure to select a board-certified surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck."

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