Is the popularity of the selfie and social media causing more people to turn to plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures?
The ‘Selfie’ phenomenon is huge! ‘Selfie’ was the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2013, and there are now dozens of photo based social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. Everyone wants to be photogenic.
Selfies
So what exactly is a selfie? Well, it is a photograph you take of yourself, using a smartphone and uploaded to a social media website. This is a big trend among celebrities who have thousands of social media followers. And this influence is quickly changing the behaviour of everyday social media users.
Selfies and Self-Esteem
Across the pond in the USA, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has published research which found that 1/3 of patients have told their plastic surgeon that they have become more aware of their looks due to social media. 13% who took part in the study also said that the number of patients claiming to be unhappy with their image, on social media, had risen.
Of course, all of this means more business for surgeons and non-surgical cosmetic practitioners, but there are worries about what effect this selfie culture will have on society, and in particular young people.
Beauty brand Olay has asked their customers about their feelings and self-esteem through social media platforms and found that 68% of women have negative feelings towards photos of themselves that have not been enhanced or edited. Women reported that photographic filters hide flaws, such as wrinkles, and give a better overall skin tone; it’s no wonder why botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are becoming so popular!
Brides-to-be are now also getting ‘hand lifts’ for that perfect engagement photo selfie. Our hands are the first part of our body to age and photo filters are no longer enough for many. Injections into the tops of the hands can smooth wrinkles and pad out the skin so it appears more youthful.
How to Help
Step away from that camera app, put down that phone and try a few of these self-esteem boosting tips. You’ll feel better about yourself soon.
Exercise – Exercising will make you happy. Not only will you get fit and you will feel more comfortable in your skin, but it causes the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which are ‘happy chemicals’.
Daily affirmations – It may sound silly, but tell yourself that you are beautiful and write a list of things you like about your appearance.
Think positively – Rather than focusing on the parts of your face you’re not keen on, think about the bits you do like, and how lucky you are to have them.
So are you selfie obsessed? If you are intent on having a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to improve your photos make sure to use a safe and qualified practitioner. Use Save Face!