Social Media and Breast Augmentation: How It’s Impacting Patient Decisions
Posted February 21, 2023 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement
In today’s digital-obsessed world, it’s no surprise that social media plays a major role in modern plastic surgery trends. Social media influencers, celebrities, and peers frequently share their cosmetic enhancement journeys with the world. Here are some of the ways in which social media has impacted patient decisions about breast augmentation and how plastic surgeons can help you navigate this complex landscape, so that you can make informed decisions for your own aesthetic care.
The Effects of Social Media on Breast Augmentation Patients
The effects of social media on breast augmentation patients can be summed up in two words: “peer pressure”. As we are a social race, peer pressure has long influenced human beings in all sorts of decision-making, whether for good or ill. Social media is the latest form of peer pressure and plays a powerful role in people’s perception and choices.
Even while physically isolated, social media patrons are surrounded by their peers on their chosen platform (whether friends, acquaintances, or strangers). Amid the latest memes and advertisements, individuals scrolling through their social media feeds may encounter before-and-after photos of others who have undergone breast augmentation or another major cosmetic procedure. This may prompt individuals to seriously consider choices that they might never have otherwise, and which may (or may not) actually be right for them. Some may feel pressured to undergo the procedure in order to fit in with a certain social circle, to boost their self-esteem, or to achieve a perceived level of sexual desirability. Any experienced plastic surgeon would caution against this and recommend that patients pursue breast augmentation for reasons motivated by personal desire, not by external influences.
Social media is also a wellspring of rumors, opinions, and information which do not always have a basis in fact. Whether through ignorance or malicious intent, users may mislead others into believing things about breast augmentation that are not necessarily true. It is important for patients to recognize that social media is not always a reliable source of information or guidance when it comes to cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation.
The Effects of Influencer Culture on Breast Augmentation Patients
“Influencers” in social media are people in a position of power or influence. They typically have large audiences and have established a degree of trust with their followers. As influencers are respected and often idolized, many in their audience will imitate their choices without hesitation. An influencer who decides to undergo breast augmentation will frequently share their before-and-after photos and recount their full experience for their followers, describing every choice they made along the way. This can convince impressionable viewers that they should seek out the same journey and make the same decisions. It may also convince them that if they do so, they can expect a similar experience and outcome—which is impossible to guarantee.
An Influencer can also convince their followers to NOT get breast augmentation. If unexpected challenges made breast augmentation a negative experience for an Influencer, they may discourage potential patients in their audience from undergoing breast augmentation. The downside of this is that breast augmentation can have great and lasting benefits for the right individual.
However powerful the influencers are that you follow, it is important to remember that their reality is not your reality. An expert plastic surgeon would advise that the choice to undergo breast augmentation should be personal, and the particulars of the experience (as well as the path to ideal results) vary widely from patient to patient—even with the same surgeon.
The Role of Plastic Surgeons as Educators and Advocates for Informed and Empowered Decision-Making
Plastic surgeons play a crucial role in helping patients make informed and empowered decisions about breast augmentation in this social media age. While social media can be a valuable tool for patients to learn about procedures and connect with others who have undergone the same procedure, it can also be a source of misinformation and unrealistic expectations. Board-certified plastic surgeons have a responsibility to provide accurate information about breast augmentation, including the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as alternative options that may be more suitable for the patient’s needs and goals.
By acting as advocates for their patients and arming them with accurate information, plastic surgeons can help patients make decisions about breast augmentation that are based on their individual needs and preferences, rather than the pressure to conform to social media ideals. Plastic surgeons also serve as advocates for patient autonomy and informed consent, helping to counteract the negative effects of influencer culture. Plastic surgeons have the potential to help every patient achieve their desired outcome while feeling confident and comfortable throughout the process. This not only leads to more satisfied patients, but also helps to ensure that the field of plastic surgery is seen as a trusted and reputable source of aesthetic care.
Keeping Patients Informed about Realistic Expectations and Avoiding Pressure to Conform
Some of the most important aspects of a positive breast augmentation experience are having realistic expectations and not feeling pressured to conform to external standards or societal expectations. Realistic expectations help you as the patient to understand what breast augmentation would do for your body, and stop you from focusing on what it has done for the body of a peer or influencer on social media. To learn what realistically can be achieved through surgery and to understand any potential risks or complications requires education and communication from a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon who has worked with individuals of all ages and body types can offer the best counsel on what choices to make for your unique figure.
Social media and influencer culture can create unrealistic expectations and pressure patients to conform to a certain ideal of beauty, which can lead to dissatisfaction with breast augmentation results. Board-certified plastic surgeons can help patients understand that breast augmentation is meant to enhance their natural features, and it cannot completely transform their appearance or solve underlying emotional issues. By providing accurate and honest information and by being a safe and supportive environment where patients can feel comfortable expressing their desires without fear of judgment or pressure to conform, plastic surgeons empower patients far beyond that of any influencer or social media platform. They can help patients make informed decisions, achieve their desired outcomes, and have a much more satisfying and positive experience with the breast augmentation process.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Andres Taleisnik has helped numerous individuals achieve their breast augmentation goals over the years. Dr. Taleisnik can offer personalized advice and provide you with reliable information to help you feel empowered to make decisions based on your own goals and desires rather than external pressures. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Taleisnik, call (657) 294-8375 or contact us online today.