Selfies Have Transformed Trends in Aesthetic Surgery!
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. Serdar Bora Bayraktaroğlu states that surgical interventions on the body will continue to rise in 2018. Dr. Bayraktaroğlu emphasized that the findings of the BAAPS study are highly interesting and should not be overlooked.
According to research conducted by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), body procedures took the lead in cosmetic surgeries in 2017. Dr. Bayraktaroğlu, noting that this study deserves close attention, said:
“According to the research, users report being satisfied with how their faces look thanks to filters applied through smartphones. However, because these filters are still not developed enough to reshape the body, people highlight the importance of surgical interventions for body-related concerns. This shows us that social media applications must be used with great caution.”
Based on BAAPS research, some women stated that due to social media filters, they feel less need for facial skincare and similar treatments. However, strong interest continues in aesthetic procedures for concerns such as excess weight—issues that filters cannot hide.
MEN ARE MORE EAGER
Another striking finding in the BAAPS report is that men show the opposite tendency: they are increasingly seeking help from aesthetic surgeons for facial procedures.
The research also revealed that breast augmentation and reduction surgeries among women in the UK increased compared to 2016. Interpreting the data for Turkey, Dr. Serdar Bora Bayraktaroğlu said:
“A similar pattern applies to our country. In Turkey, women primarily seek support for rhinoplasty, followed by breast augmentation procedures.”
According to BAAPS, the reason women feel less need for facial treatments is linked to filters that enlarge the eyes or enhance facial attractiveness—features offered by apps like Instagram and Snapchat. With the countless filters available on social media, people can enhance their femininity in selfies. However, when it comes to the body, everyone agrees that these filters remain insufficient.
NO SUCH THING AS THE ‘IDEAL’ MAN OR WOMAN
Dr. Serdar Bora Bayraktaroğlu argues that the pursuit of an “ideal” male or female image through selfies or similar applications should be carefully questioned. He emphasizes the importance of individuals embracing a natural and self-accepting beauty mindset, stating:
“Undergoing aesthetic surgery solely to look beautiful is unnecessary. We recommend treatments only when there is a medical concern and when healthier solutions can be achieved under medical supervision. For patients who seek procedures simply to resemble a celebrity or to look better in photos, we involve our colleagues from psychiatry and psychology for support.”
