At last, more people are looking at plastic surgery as less of a Photo Shop app, and more of a filtering effect on a picture. They still want to look like themselves… just a nicer version. There are fewer “I want to look like Angelina Jolie” requests, and more “I’d just like to get rid of some of these lines (because ladies don’t have wrinkles) and sagging.”

Apps and Social Networks

Social networks such as Instagram and Snapchat now have an app in which you can take a photo of yourself and alter it. As an example, you can make your eyes look bigger, alter the shape of your face, or smooth out your skin. When it’s so easy to do on your computer, people tend to think that it’s easy in general.

With more and more sites and apps employing this photo filtering, both men and women are strolling into the offices of plastic surgeons and saying (as they pull up a filtered picture on their smart phone) “Here. I want to look like this.” In their hand is a filtered picture of themselves.

There’s an App for That – And Name It, As Well

So, you want to look younger, prettier, smoother, etc. Cool! There’s an app for that.

The filter phenomenon is becoming more and more popular with cell phone, laptop, and iPad users who want to look a little more attractive, but still be recognizable as who they are. With all of these filter requests coming through his door, one cosmetic doctor has penned a name for this latest trend. He calls it “Snapchat Dysmorphia”, and it is sweeping the nation.

Individuals desiring plastic surgery are bringing in a filtered picture of themselves, rather than the celebrity that they would most like to resemble. Looking like you, but looking more like the cleaned up, filtered picture, is apparently preferable over looking like movie stars, rock stars, or TV actors. That’s not entirely a bad thing. But this trend does have its drawbacks.

“I Used To Hate Pictures of Myself”

Many individuals just hate getting their picture taken (or so they profess). They don’t like the way their eyes look, they don’t like their smile, the excuses go on and on. But with these latest apps, you are basically looking at a mirror image of yourself. You can change everything on your face with filters. People are having a lot of fun with it because they can make their lashes or their eyes bigger, get fuller lips, make themselves thinner, etc. But fun is fun. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is a serious undertaking that should be completely thought out. That’s why consultations are of the utmost importance.

The Trend in 2018

These filtering apps have created a craze. Apparently, in 2018, it is the latest and greatest thing since sliced bread. The trend has only been accelerated by social media. But, ethical practitioners understand that the patient who runs into their office waving a picture should not immediately “go under the knife”. Because of so many factors figure into plastic surgery, one of the most important parts of the entire process is the consultation. Though the right plastic surgery can elevate a person’s self-esteem, it should never be what one’s self-worth is completely based upon.

If you would like to schedule a consultation regarding plastic surgery involving your facial characteristics, or any other part of your body, don’t hesitate to contact us at Newman Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. We employ the latest technology, use proven techniques, and have a knowledgeable, caring, and experienced staff ready to assist you in making what could be one of the most important decisions of your life.