New UK study reports influence of social media for cosmetic procedures

A new study by UK’s Nuffield Council on Bioethics reported that social media potentially influences people for surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as botox, dermal fillers, implants and skin lightening.

According to the report, social media majorly focuses on body image, which may pressurise users to match such unrealistic expectations.

The council found that the practice is augmented further by beauty and makeover apps, as well as cosmetic surgery games.

The inquiry was led by University of Manchester Social Anthropology professor Jeanette Edwards who said: “We’ve been shocked by some of the evidence we’ve seen, including makeover apps and cosmetic surgery games that target girls as young as nine.

“There is a daily bombardment from advertising and through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat that relentlessly promote unrealistic and often discriminatory messages on how people, especially girls and women, should look.”

In its report, Nuffield Council has outlined certain recommendations to address the concerns associated with the practice and promotion of invasive cosmetic procedures in the country.

The council calls for a ban on providing invasive cosmetic procedures to people who are aged under 18, except in the presence of health professionals such as specialists, GPs and psychologists.

It further urges social media companies to carry out independent research for understanding the role of their media in causing anxiety and recommends revision of the regulations governing the products used during cosmetic procedures.

The report recommends the UK’s Department of Health to make dermal fillers as prescription-only products, as they are not currently restricted by any formal quality or safety approval.

The council also calls for maintenance of information on the number and type of cosmetic procedures performed in the country, mandate of training and certification for people offering invasive cosmetic treatments, as well as an awareness campaign urging validation of practitioner’s credentials.