Each year the rates of cosmetic enhancement surgery and minimally invasive procedures continue to grow. From Snapchat face filters that make an individual look airbrushed to celebrities constantly showing off their fake figure, this desired look is only achieved through thousands of dollars of surgery. Not that long ago, having botox done was seen as taboo and only embraced by some. However, since 2002 when botox was approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration, the popularity of these surgical procedures have boomed. Now botox ads are seen everywhere all across the world, from the plastic surgeon's office to medical spas, but they are especially evident on social media. People are beginning to proudly claim their cosmetic
Researchers no longer have conflicting arguments on whether or not social media has an impact on people’s cosmetic surgery decisions, there is an unanimous conclusion that social media is one of the major factors that drive people towards plastic surgery. The argument now is rather more focused on if plastic surgery has more positive or negative impact on their post-surgery life. Some researchers such as Patty Reiman(2015) and Gabrielle Olya(2015) believe that this constant need to correct oneself goes back to deeper pre-existing self esteem problems. Olya(2015) included a statement from Dr. Judy Rosenberg, founder of the Psychological Healing Center, in her article stating that the selfie-culture we live in now makes it seem admissible to have any cosmetic enhancement done, because “celebrities create the idea that if you are beautiful and perfect you will be rich, famous and loved, teens easily associate this plastic surgery ‘solution’ as a pathway to feeling better” (para. 10). This trend is not only observed in the United States but all over the globe, Sandra Beth Doherty(2008) informed the public of the increased demand by Lebanese women for cosmetic surgery. Doherty(2008) believes that the increased advertisements in the area showing “a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman beckoning readers to ‘have the life you’ve always wanted’.”(para.1) The article she wrote also references a study that states that the constant ad exposure to the surgical pressure has influenced over 40% of the plastic surgery patients to alter their appearance. Social media has grown so much, that it’s use for surgical advertisements has become