{"id":6311,"date":"2015-12-07T09:00:17","date_gmt":"2015-12-07T09:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.drkimplasticsurgery.com\/?p=6311"},"modified":"2015-12-07T09:00:17","modified_gmt":"2015-12-07T09:00:17","slug":"is-social-media-leading-to-more-plastic-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drkimplasticsurgery.com\/blog\/is-social-media-leading-to-more-plastic-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Social Media Leading to More Plastic Surgery?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"shutterstock_303436799\"A 2015 poll conducted by the Global Web Index found the average person spends approximately 28% of their Internet time on social networks, an increase from the previous year. Many experts are not surprised as social media has quickly become the way many people stay in touch with friends, family and long-lost classmates. Statistics show more and more people are also finding their significant others through online dating. Thanks to the networking site LinkedIn, some people are even finding their next job through social media.<\/p>\n

There is no denying social media is changing the way we communicate, but how about the way we view ourselves? A growing amount of research says yes. In fact, numerous studies have found a correlation between social media and a rise in the request for cosmetic enhancement.<\/p>\n

Leading plastic surgeon<\/a> Dr. Sugene Kim takes a look at the rising trend.<\/p>\n

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The Rise of the \u201cSelfie\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Social media sites center around photos, with profile pictures serving as people\u2019s first impression of an individual. Because of this, many people may feel an added pressure to find that perfect profile picture or, more specifically, the perfect \u201cselfie.\u201d Selfies have become a big part of social media, for better or for worse. Selfies can highlight a person\u2019s best features but also magnify their flaws or imperfections. Individuals that feel self-conscious of their flaws can edit them out using a filter or photo-editing tool. But research shows more people are going a step further and using their selfies as inspiration for plastic surgery.<\/p>\n

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), one in three facial plastic surgeons report an increase in procedures due to patients being more aware of their looks on social media. Additionally, 13 percent of facial plastic surgeons said patients have reported dissatisfaction with their selfies as a reason for facial plastic surgery.<\/p>\n

The AAFPRS has also found an increase in people using social media sites as a resource when considering plastic surgery. In 2011, 42 percent of people sought out social networking sites for information before choosing a procedure, according to the AAFPRS.<\/p>\n

As an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Sugene Kim has met with both men and women who seek to enhance their appearance, many of whom have cited social media and selfies as reasons for choosing to undergo plastic surgery. She believes that, if done for the right reasons, plastic surgery can enhance a patient\u2019s appearance and, as a result, raise their self-confidence.<\/p>\n

Popular Social Media Inspired Procedures<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you are self-conscious of something you have noticed in a selfie, Dr. Kim can help. Here are some of the most common requests she gets from patients looking to put their best \u201cselfie\u201d forward:<\/p>\n

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