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Rutendo Chidawanyika

Tonto Dikeh
DOES social media have an impact on cosmetic surgery? Yes, it most certainly does. Social media plays a big role in our lives and how we interact with others; it only makes sense that it would impact things such as cosmetic enhancement. Plastic surgery has been a booming industry, with celebrities having a major influence over beauty trends. The reality show ‘‘BOTCHED’’ is living proof. However, recently the concept of celebrity has somewhat changed and social media personalities are gaining bigger influence over current trends.

How do selfies play a role in this surgery frenzy? You can’t escape the selfie. Posting selfies to your social media pages isn’t just a fun way to show how you look, it’sn also a constant reminder of your imperfections. When you start to compare your selfie with that of others you start to notice those wrinkles around your eyes, that nose which you wished was slightly smaller and the crooked teeth. Many people are inspired to seek cosmetic surgery because they want to look better online.

Instagram filters have also launched a cosmetic surgery trend. Some patients use surgery to try and replicate their looks using a favorite filter. Rather than bringing a picture of a celebrity some patients use instagram images of themselves to show a surgeon their best angle. Instagram has filters that enhance ones looks and most people seem to want to look that way on a daily.

Lil Kim

Three top 5 plastic surgery trends for 2018 growing in popularity focus on the face. Nose reshaping, eyelid surgery and facelifts were 3 of the top 5 procedures performed in the last year. With social media and selfies being the day to day norm, an increase in face focused procedures is no surprise. Engagement ring selfies, a must do right after a proposal are a hot trend on social media. Women want their hands to look perfect as their post their engagement rings. Hand rejuvenation has been a growing trend in the industry. Having the perfect hands seems somewhat important when posting an engagement ring or manicure. This isn’t necessary though unless you aspire to be hand model (in my opinion).

Black Chyna
There is also a new plastic surgery sweeping through Hollywood as women continue on their quest for perfection. ‘THIGHLIGHTING’ is the latest elaborate cosmetic procedure surgeons are performing on patients such as Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lopez. More than just a simple nip and tuck, thighlighting gives clients a full leg makeover and can involve a number of painful and invasive operations. When contoured correctly, the shape of thighs helps elongate the legs, creating a desirable silhouette. The legs look longer and the body as whole looks leaner.

African celebrities such as Tonto Dikeh (Nigeria) Mshoza (SA) and many more have caught on to the trend. Although African celebrities are not as forthcoming about their procedures but we see them. The trend to undergo cosmetic surgery just to look good on social media may at first glance seem extreme and it is, it is important to remember that social media is a big part of the image we project to the world. Just like you wouldn’t leave home without makeup, you want to put your best image online.

Plastic surgery won’t change how you feel about yourself on social media, it can transform your feelings about your body. Well that’s what those who have been under the knife say. If you feel strongly about changing the way you look and can afford surgery then go for it. However makeup will do.

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