
14 Nov Are Injectable Treatments On the Rise Due to Social Media?
Where men and women were once only confronted with society’s idea of the perfect body in print media, today’s consumers are bombarded with distorted ideals on a daily basis.
Social media has certainly made a positive impact on our lives but in many ways, it also provides us with a daily influx of potentially-negative information and images that are affecting our self-esteem and self-worth.
A poll by the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery showed that social media is one of the primary reasons for the increase in plastic surgery and injectable treatment requests. Shockingly, surgeons & CPCA-certified doctors reported that over 30% of the requests that they receive are related to how patients want to present themselves on social media.
There’s no denying that we live in a visual world but what can be done to ensure that procedures of this nature are being requested for the right reasons?
The Link Between Social Media & Injectable Treatments
So what are some of the ways that social media is causing this boom in the cosmetic surgery and injectables space?
- Selfies everywhere. Selfies are a great way to share your latest outfit or share an adventure with family and friends but it also places a significant emphasis on appearance. Since selfies are also close-up shots, they can really get someone thinking about every imperfection, many of which are actually an asset. Living in a selfie age is certainly one of the reasons why surgeons and CPCA-certified doctors are receiving more requests than ever before.
- Filters for days. Popular apps such as Snapchat and Instagram have made filters the norm. Too many patients apply filters to their photos and are so thrilled with how they look that they decide to try and replicate this look using a variety of cosmetic treatments or surgery, which is completely unrealistic and unhealthy.
With the right approach, social media and injectable treatments can actually be used to create a positive difference in society – one that isn’t centred around superficial and unrealistic expectations.
Changing Perceptions
There are changes that can be made to start shedding a more positive light on injectable treatments and how social media is used to promote it.
Ethical Marketing Campaigns
How medical professionals advertise their services can go a long way in altering the motives of patients. Injectable treatments should be perceived as a service that can alter the face and body in ways that truly make a difference. Developing campaigns that use the right copy and realistic imagery is a good way to start making some positive changes that will allow patients to develop realistic expectations before they pursue treatments of this nature.
Share Successes
Social media is an excellent platform for sharing the results of successful cosmetic procedures but it should be done in a way that promotes body positivity and realistic results that are linked to real people.
Patient Education
To further emphasise the positive benefits of injectable treatments, patient education should be made a top priority. This starts with educating patients on how to choose the right medical professional for their cosmetic procedures and the importance of making sure that a doctor is present during their consultation and is readily accessible on the premises during treatment. Bridging these types of informational gaps will ensure patients are making informed decisions that are based on thorough research and realistic considerations.
Cosmetic treatments continue to change lives but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done around regulations, patient education and how social media is being used to promote various procedures.
Social media is here to stay and it doesn’t have to have a negative association with injectable treatments if there are enough professionals who are dedicated to ensuring patients are scheduling treatments for the right reasons.
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