When people talk about the enormous impact technology has had on ageing and facial aesthetics, they tend to focus on things likeendoscopic cameras and lasers. These technological marvels have advanced surgical techniques and aesthetic procedures tremendously. However, in the year 2015
The Internet is having a growing impact on thefacial plastic surgery industryin more ways than one
Where People Get Information about Cosmetic Enhancement
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) released results of a recently conducted survey. The survey examined where patients go for information when they are considering aesthetic tweaks. Surprisingly,
60% of people considering cosmetic enhancementrely on online research for answersregarding both surgical and non-surgical procedures
This means that the World Wide Web has surpassed traditional information sources including word-of-mouth, referrals from friends, and magazine articles.
“The increasing influence and accessibility of the Internet and its vast network of information is changing the way prospective patients approach plastic surgery. It’s wonderful that consumers are taking the time to utilize these resources to educate themselves, but (they should) make sure the information comes from a credible source.” – Dr. Stephen S. Park, President, AAFPRS
Looking Good for Facebook, Selfies, & Social Media
The skyrocketing popularity of posting selfies to Facebook and Instagram and sharing them on smartphones is another example of how the Internet is changing the face of facial enhancement. Pictures on the Internet are used for social and business interaction, so naturally people want to look their best.
Social media is about seeing and being seen. In the survey mentioned above, one out of three AAFPRS members reported a31% increase in cosmetic surgery requests as a result ofhow people wanted to present themselves on social media.
In an interview with Time Magazine, an AAFPRS member said this:
“We live in a very visual world, and have come to expect that we will be ‘Googled’ or ‘Facebooked’ even before actually meeting someone socially or professionally. I see a lot of men and women who are executives or high profile and in the public eye. Their photos get taken all the time, and they never know where they may end up. Between high definition television, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, how you look in photos and video clips has definitely become a driver for all cosmetic procedures.” – Dr. Sam Rizk
Online Deal Sites Make Cosmetic Enhancement Appealing
Medispas and cosmetic treatment centres have learned the value of offering their services through online discounting sites such asGroupon and Living Social. These include microdermabrasion, facials, dermal fillers, cosmetic injectables, and more. The arrival of these offers in consumer mailboxes triggers desire, while the promise of a money-saving deal heightens temptation.
Warning! AAFPS members warn not to be swayed by drastic price slashes. While 71% of surveyed patients state cost as a major deciding factor when choosing a surgeon/practice,
96% of AAFPS surgeons urge prospective patients to exercise cautionbefore blindly clicking “Buy” and purchasing an aesthetic treatment online.