Social Media Pressures

If you’re suddenly looking into cosmetic surgery after signing up for Facebook, you could potentially blame it on the pressures of social media. And you wouldn’t be alone. A recent survey that polled 752 surgeons from the American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery found a 31 percent increase in plastic surgery requests as a result of how people wanted others to see them on social media Web sites. While social media sites have many advantages such as reconnecting with old friends, keeping up with news and making new friends, it also has its disadvantages. Peer pressure, lower personal growth, lower self-esteem and a desire to change for others are a few of the downsides to social media sites.

While we really haven’t witnessed this new Facebook trend firsthand at MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it does make some sense. I guess the pressure of having the perfect profile picture is something that probably most “Facebookers” feel. Especially since anyone can see your profile picture, even if you aren’t connected to them on the site. And in a world where anyone can “google” or “Facebook” you even before meeting, it can be a huge pressure for some people to have an amazing profile picture.

Just for fun, let’s look at some social media statistics (Huffington Post Social Media Statistics for 2012) –

– One million Web sites have integrated with Facebook

– 23 percent of uses check Facebook five plus times a day

– More than five million photos are uploaded to Instagram every hour

– 80 percent of Pinterest users are female

– Since Twitter began, there have been 163 billion tweets

– 625,000 people join Google + every day

– In just over six months, Instagram visitors increased by 724 percent

These statistics just prove the huge influence social media can and does have over most people. It’s been said that if Facebook was a country, it would be the third most populated in the world (beating out the U.S.) Amazing, right?

Social media is not the only big push to start thinking about cosmetic surgery, but it’s certainly the push everyone is researching now because of the popularity of social media. Celebrities have always had an affect on people’s thoughts about how they should look. And the influx of reality shows either about plastic surgery (Dr. 90210) or about people that have plastic surgery done (The Real Housewives series) probably have its place in this discussion as well. And then there’s also the fact that more and more plastic and cosmetic surgeons are utilizing social media sites, such as Facebook and Google+, making it easier for people to learn more about procedures and even ask questions to people who have had certain procedures done. So there are some great qualities to social media! MilfordMD and Dr. Richard Buckley are active on social media pages. MilfordMD has a Facebook page, and welcome questions and comments. And yes, the staff will answer your posts. MilfordMD also has a Pinterest page if you need a good laugh or some encouragement, and a Twitter account. The doctors and staff at MilfordMD feel it’s important to be able to connect with our patients and potential patients even out of the office.

It’s important to note that this new survey wasn’t done to discourage the desire for cosmetic surgery. The trend is just too new and interesting to ignore. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and want to have cosmetic procedures for you, and not anyone else.

If you are thinking about a cosmetic procedure such as laser liposuction, facial rejuvenation or any other, call MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center at 570-296-4000 for a consultation appointment. Dr. Richard Buckley can answer your questions and give you the information you need during this appointment. And be sure to check out our Web site – www.milfordmd.com.