As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Milan—a prestigious center for medical aesthetics—I have always believed that my profession should balance art and science, with safety , respect for natural beauty , and deep expertise at the forefront. But in recent years, I have become increasingly concerned by how social media—from Instagram to TikTok—has pushed people not just to look good, but to look “perfect,” according to an unrealistic model.
A synthesis of 25 studies with more than 13,700 participants found that 70% of young women and 60% of young men are dissatisfied with their appearance due to overexposure to edited images on social media.PubMed.Another separate survey also showed that 37.8–52.7% of social media users were influenced when considering cosmetic surgery , especially by the widespread posting of "before-after" photos.PMC.In the UK, a whopping 39% of people are unhappy with their appearance – and 35% feel less attractive because of social media . Notably, 85% say Instagram makes them feel insecure , and 54% say TikTok does the same. cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk.Meanwhile, on TikTok and Instagram, hashtags like #cosmeticsurgery have more than 100,000 posts , including:[ul data=1]Rhinoplasty: 173,100 postsFacelift: 125,900 postsLiposuction: 111,900 postsPatient Claim Line.
“Snapchat Dysmorphia” : This term describes the phenomenon of people coming to clinics with the desire to have surgery to look like a filtered version of themselves. Many cases of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and want to have a smaller nose than they actually are, fuller lips, bigger eyes — all due to overly edited photosWikipedia+1.Some young groups even want the “Instagram Face” – cat eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, thin nose bridge – an unrealistic model where surgery can damage the facial structure, not just simply.Wikipedia.
Solid expertise, scientific evaluation With a foundation from the University of Milan and an international certificate such as FRCS, doctors can analyze the structure correctly, give reasonable advice, not based on emotions. Many young people, influenced by social networks, just want to follow the trend, lack of understanding leading to serious consequences.Social media 's high-end facilities and safety procedures have led many people to run to beauty salons instead of standard clinics. The consequences? Infection, necrosis, even death. The British government is tightening regulations, only allowing doctors with certificates to perform risky surgeries, such as BBL or filler injections, with a license from the CQC.The Guardian+1The Sun.Good post-operative follow-up As a doctor, I always closely follow up with patients after surgery to promptly handle any infections, hypertrophic scars, or filler reactions. Social media does not closely follow up, there is no place to ask — the consequences can be more painful than expected.
True aesthetics is about improvement, not total change : like a harmonious nose job, removing sunken eyebrows, rejuvenating the skin. The goal is to help the patient feel more confident, not to become someone else.Understand the limits : Filters are not reality. Medicine can help you look younger and fresher, but not turn you into a perfect filter.Real benefits :[ul data=1]Increase confidence and quality of life.Restore structure and balance, especially in reconstructive surgery.Optimal safety if performed in a reputable place with a highly qualified doctor.
I write this with a sense of both concern and urgency: social media is reshaping beauty — and not always in a good way. Beauty isn’t about likes or trends. I hope that before you think about beauty, ask yourself: “What is my purpose in doing this? And who is advising me?” Only when we put safety – naturalness – expertise first, will the cosmetic industry bring true value — not only to individuals, but to society as a whole.
