2014 has been dubbed the “year of the selfie”, and with the rise of digital imagery comes an increased awareness of self-image and the way we look on-camera.
Several studies suggest this sudden amplified interest in self-exposure has triggered an increased desire to improve appearance – using everything from Instagram filters to cosmetic surgery procedures.
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), there has been a significant growth in cosmetic surgery procedures in the under 30’s category.
It’s been suggested that the advent of the selfie is implicated in this increase, as a high proportion of these procedures were facial surgeries. There was a 10 percent rise in rhinoplasty in 2013, a seven percent rise in hair transplants and six percent increase in eyelid surgery – plus a huge increase in non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
While cosmetic surgery should not be looked to as a solution to restore confidence and self-image, the sharing of images via social media has made users more aware of their appearance and more willing to explore potential ways to enhance our best assets.
