CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Researchers from Boston University have just published a study that found the more you use social media, the more likely you are to get plastic surgery.
Medical and beauty professionals say plastic surgery is skyrocketing among young people who want to look more like their “filtered” selves – an unrealistic expectation some are calling “snapchat dysmorphia.”
It’s the age of the selfie and social media is stepping up the game.
Adding filters that range from silly to sexy, all with the goal of changing how you look.
“It’s definitely attributed to the rise of people wanting to look perfect," said Elizabeth Jennings, CEO of Carolina Eye Candy.
Jennings says social media is setting an unrealistic standard of beauty.
“Unfortunately people look at the social media platforms and they look at themselves in the mirror and say well I don’t look like that," she said.
Researchers recently surveyed hundreds of women and found those who use social media and photo editing apps frequently were far more likely to want or get plastic surgery.
“I think smartphone technology in which people have selfie modes on their camera at all times can maybe make people become a little too obsessed with their appearance," said Dr. Jay Lucas, a plastic surgeon.
Dr. Lucas sees it all the time and says people will even bring in photos of their filtered faces.
“They will often show me a lot of different pictures of themselves often through their phone," he said.
This spike in young people rushing to nip tuck and plump is often referred to as “Snapchat dysmorphia” – although pretty much every photo-based social media app these days has a filter feature.
Jennings’ advice?
“Use filters for fun!" She laughed. "Put on cat ears, a bunny nose, but don’t use filters in a way that makes you think you need to change yourself into this version. I doubt anyone is going to the plastic surgeon saying I need you to add some bunny ears."
At least, not yet.