Currently, we live in an increasingly connected world. Social media, in particular, plays a fundamental role in shaping identity, where external validation through “likes,” comments, and followers sets the standard for how we see ourselves. This constant pressure to meet beauty standards promoted by influencers, celebrities, and algorithms has increased the number of people turning to plastic surgery as a means to conform to these ideals. However, what begins as a quest to enhance physical appearance can trigger a series of emotional and psychological disorders that profoundly affect the well-being of those undergoing these procedures.
The pressure to present an “ideal” self on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat is leading to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which profoundly affect those seeking to alter their bodies.
Anxiety and Depression: The Pressure for Perfection
Anxiety is a common factor among plastic surgery patients, both before and after the procedure. Expectations regarding the outcome, fear of side effects, and constant comparisons with beauty ideals on social media increase worry. Many patients seek surgery to enhance their emotional well-being, but what is often overlooked is that dissatisfaction with physical appearance may be linked to deeper psychological issues, such as depression. In these cases, surgery, if not adequately addressed, may not be sufficient to resolve the underlying emotional distress.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Selfitis: New Conditions in the Digital Age
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with a physical flaw that is often minimal or nonexistent. Social media contributes to this disorder by offering a distorted view of “perfection.” Patients with BDD may undergo repeated surgeries in search of satisfaction that never meets their expectations.
Additionally, the phenomenon known as “selfitis”, an obsessive behavior of taking selfies (posting three or more daily) to share on social media, reflects the need for external validation. The constant quest for approval through imagery can lead to chronic dissatisfaction with the actual body, and in some cases, to plastic surgery as a response.
Snapchat Syndrome: The Distortion of Visual Reality
“Snapchat syndrome” is a term that describes how the use of digital filters creates a disconnect between the real image and the modified one, fueling body dissatisfaction. Filters can heighten the desire to resemble an idealized digital version of oneself, increasing the pressure to undergo surgical procedures to achieve that “perfect” image.
A Holistic Approach to Patient Well-Being
Plastic surgery in the digital age requires attention beyond the physical. It is essential as healthcare workers to identify the psychological well-being of patients before considering plastic surgery. The combination of emotional and social factors must be considered to ensure that patients look better and improve their mental health. Surgeons should work with psychologists and psychiatrists to offer a multidisciplinary approach that promotes acceptance and overall well-being.
