Social Media Influence on Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery Considerations

Authors and Affiliations

• Andreea Mironica, Codrua Alina Popescu, Delaca George, Ana Maria Tegzeiu, Claudia Diana Gherman
• "Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract

• Social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat significantly affect motivations for aesthetic surgery by promoting idealized images.
• Systematic review (25 studies, 13,731 participants) shows dissatisfaction with body image leads to increased cosmetic surgery considerations.
• Cultural norms and celebrity influences shape beauty perceptions.
• Ethical concerns exist about misleading advertisements and unrealistic beauty standards.

Introduction and Background

• Social media is a primary communication channel influencing aesthetic surgery perceptions.
• Instagram and Snapchat impact body image dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic procedures.
• Interaction with appearance-related content on these platforms influences body image and interest in cosmetic surgery.
• Psychological and sociocultural factors affect perceptions of body satisfaction across demographics.

Methods

Study Protocol

• Systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

• Included studies assessing social media's impact on body image and cosmetic surgery.
• Excluded non-English articles and those not assessing the direct relationship.

Search Strategy

• Databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar.
• Keywords: "cosmetic surgery," "social media," "body image dissatisfaction."

Quality Assessment

• Two reviewers ensured quality based on study design, sample size, and clarity of results.

Results

• Review included 25 studies with diverse demographics and findings.
• Key findings include social media's influence on body dissatisfaction and cosmetic surgery considerations.
• Cultural norms and celebrity influence heavily shape beauty standards.

Discussion

• Social media's visual aesthetics and interactive nature drive body dissatisfaction and cosmetic surgery considerations.
• Psychological factors like social appearance anxiety are strong predictors of surgery interest.
• Social media fosters both positive and negative attitudes towards cosmetic surgery.
• Positive: improved appearance, social media validation, emotional well-being.
• Negative: risk awareness, unrealistic standards, potential psychological impact.

Conclusion

• Social media platforms significantly influence cosmetic procedure desires.
• High acceptance of cosmetic surgery among younger demographics.
• Ethical concerns regarding social media marketing by plastic surgeons.
• Recommendations for promoting healthy body image and informed choices.

Ethical Considerations

• Ethical promotion and patient privacy are critical concerns.
• Surgeons must maintain transparency and obtain patient consent for content sharing.

Recommendations

• Body positivity programs and psychological screenings before procedures.
• Stricter advertising regulations and mental health support related to social media impacts.
• Social media platforms should promote realistic beauty standards and collaborate with mental health professionals.