The role of social media and celebrity culture in making cosmetic surgery accessible

By Michael Saul, Partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors

The popularity of cosmetic surgery has grown in tandem with social media and celebrity culture. Once thought to be only accessible to celebrities or the rich, cosmetic procedures today are more affordable than ever. The demographic of those facing the knife has changed dramatically over the last few years, and the reason for wanting to may be more linked to celebrity culture than economic access.

Here, Michael Saul at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors explores how social media and celebrity culture have facilitated widespread access to cosmetic surgery, and the potential implications associated with this trend. For the trend to be understood, we must consider the measures taken by the government and medical professionals to ensure that the priority is to safeguard the health of individuals who pursue procedures.

The popularity of cosmetic surgery  

The increase in popularity can be partially attributed to the influence of social media and celebrity culture, which have made it easier for people to access information about different cosmetic treatments. While the accessibility of these treatments is beneficial in certain circumstances, it has also led to serious concerns. Most notably, it has highlighted the emotional and physical consequences of chasing an ever-changing beauty standard. Wider accessibility also translates to difficulty in regulating procedures on a wide scale.

A report from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) states that there were over 24 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures conducted worldwide in 2018 – a 4% annual increase. 

Social media giants such as Instagram and Facebook can display information about different cosmetic treatments and procedures to billions of people worldwide. Social media platforms are pedestals for celebrities to constantly flaunt their appearance and endorse particular cosmetic surgery brands or services. The never-ending feed of celebrity content creates pressure on individuals to conform to unrealistic ideals of beauty or attractiveness. In a celebrity-praising society, it is no surprise that many people are led to pursue such treatments to “fit in” with what they are told is the standard.

A growing concern is an ability to control and regulate the emerging offers for cosmetic surgeries. Accessibility without proper regulation can lead to misled, ill-prepared, or unfit individuals undergoing surgery. More businesses in the industry drives price competition between practitioners, potentially resulting in substandard treatment and medical care in an effort to cut costs. In response, governments must put in place more stringent and considered regulations governing who can offer these services, and the expected standard of service from practitioners, to ensure safety for those who opt for such treatments wherever they receive treatment.

The complications with accessible cosmetic surgery

More accessibility to cosmetic procedures without regulation can easily result in a decrease in safety and efficacy standards. Increasing demand has seen some medical professionals cut corners to keep up with unprecedented demand. Cutting medical corners leads to dangerous consequences, such as botched surgeries, infections, and scarring.

It is important to consider that even elective procedures often result in serious psychological implications on the patient if they are not performed properly, or if the patient is not prepared for them. Individuals contemplating cosmetic procedures must consult a board-certified surgeon with longstanding experience in the latest techniques and standards before making any decisions. 

Apart from possible health dangers, there is also worry that the ease of availability of cosmetic surgery may lead to a warped perspective of beauty and body image. While social media has been primarily praised for increasing people’s access to cosmetic treatments, it has also been criticised for encouraging unrealistic beauty expectations. As more people pursue these procedures without understanding the ramifications or investigating all of their alternatives, the danger of needless operations and an unhealthy preoccupation with physical beauty grows.

Is the blame on social media?

Social media has had a huge influence on the cosmetic surgery industry. This is primarily due to the prominence of “influencers” on various social media platforms who advertise themselves and their lifestyles. Several influencers have undergone cosmetic operations, and they frequently show off the results, giving their huge following an idea of what they may look like if they went through with it as well.

This type of promotion can be especially problematic for young people who are easily impressionable. The syndrome known as “Snapchat dysmorphia” has been observed, in which people feel motivated to change their look in order to resemble manipulated photographs that appear on social networking sites.

Additionally, not all cosmetic surgery centres offer safe or high-quality procedures. Untrustworthy therapists may utilise social media to entice vulnerable patients who are yearning for a physical change. Despite warnings from medical professionals, some patients may still be tempted to take this risk just to achieve the same results they see others getting on their timelines and news feeds.

Finally, persons seeking cosmetic surgery operations should be aware that, while it may appear beautiful and easy at first look, social media may be a powerful yet harmful influence when making judgements regarding aesthetic improvement treatments. It is also worth mentioning that certain countries are starting to take action against fraudulent advertising connected to cosmetic surgery, particularly those associated with influencer culture, in order to safeguard consumers from misleading information and potentially dangerous practices.

Is the blame on celebrities? 

Celebrities have been known to impact many elements of life for their fans, including fashion trends and haircuts, as well as lifestyle choices. It has also been proposed that celebrities can have a significant impact on people’s decisions to undertake cosmetic operations.

While celebrities may inspire people to assume that cosmetic surgery is far less dangerous than it is, there are always dangers involved with these treatments. Consumers should also be aware that not all cosmetic surgeons provide the same degree of care or skill; it is critical to conduct adequate research and locate a trustworthy practitioner who follows all safety measures before undergoing any sort of operation.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. As a result, every choice to proceed with surgery should be made cautiously and with a full understanding of all potential risks and results. Taking ideas from celebrity culture may be entertaining, but when it comes to health care or cosmetic surgery in particular, we must always exercise prudence and make our own educated judgements rather than depending primarily on external influences.

It is undeniable that social media and celebrity culture have made cosmetic surgery more accessible. Governments and medical experts must be mindful of these dangers to protect the safety of people who undergo such procedures before irreversible physical and psychological damage is caused.