Trends in Facial Surgery: Social Media Dominates

Results of a survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery show the increasing importance of social media – with more people now relying on it for information about their surgical and non-surgical procedure choices, ahead of recommendations from friends.

Read about AAFPRS Survey here

While this is not altogether surprising – especially when you consider the long hours that many of us are spending on our computers and the sheer volume of information to be found online – it does raise issues.

If you are considering having a cosmetic surgery or non-surgical procedure, by all means do your research online and by asking friends – but make sure you seek the advice of an experienced practitioner who can answer your questions about how to best achieve the result you desire before making final decisions.

A face-to-face consultation with your chosen specialist, held in their clinic, is the best forum for this and to be presented with detailed, accurate information about procedures available to help you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.

It’s equally important to take your time and not rush, or be rushed, into cosmetic surgery. Find out what the risks are and ask about down-time so you can plan accordingly. Ask to see before and after photos and take note of how readily your questions are addressed and the extent to which you feel you have been listened to. Give yourself time to go through all the information you are provided with after the consultation.

I’ve been a Facial Plastic Surgeon and Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon for over 15 years and have observed noticeable changes over that time.

About me

Social media has made a huge impact – people who I am meeting for the first time in a consultation say they have seen my website, connected with me on Facebook, or chatted to others about facial plastic surgery in an online forum. There is a sense of familiarity at the outset.

In the consultation, people appreciate being able to confidentially explore how facial surgery may improve their appearance. While a person may say they want cheekbones like Michelle Pfeiffer, by using computer imaging and the individual’s own photos, we can keep the conversation focused on what will suit them best.

What hasn’t changed when it comes to aesthetic surgery is that people want results that look natural. They don’t want to appear to have had any type of surgery – and they often say they want to look like younger versions of themselves.

It is immensely rewarding to hear from countless patients after surgery that this desire has been met.

I am confident with the sophisticated techniques for facial surgery I have adopted, including open structure rhinoplasty and the deep plane facelift. These techniques out-live any quick-fix fads and stand the test of time.