Today, we live in an increasingly connected world. Social media, in particular, plays a fundamental role in the construction of identity, where external validation through likes, comments, and followers sets the tone 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 way to fit those ideals. However, what begins as a search to improve physical appearance can trigger a series of emotional and psychological disorders that deeply affect the well-being of those who undergo these procedures.

The pressure to look “ideal” on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat is leading to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which deeply affect those who seek to intervene in 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 about the outcome, fear of side effects, and constant comparison with beauty ideals on social media add to the concern. Many patients seek surgery to improve their emotional well-being, but what is often not considered is that dissatisfaction with physical appearance may be related to deeper psychological problems, such as depression. In these cases, surgery, if not addressed correctly, may not be enough to resolve the underlying emotional discomfort.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Selfitis: New Conditions in the Digital Era.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with a physical defect that is actually minor or non-existent. Social media contributes to this disorder by offering a distorted view of “perfection.” Patients with BDD may undergo repeated surgeries, seeking an improvement that never meets their expectations.

Furthermore, the phenomenon of selfitis, an obsessive behavior of taking selfies (posting 3 or more in a day) to share on social media, reflects the need for external validation. The constant search for approval through one’s image can lead to chronic dissatisfaction with one’s real body, and in some cases, to plastic surgery as a response.

Snapchat Syndrome: Distortion of Visual Reality.

“Snapchat syndrome” is a term that describes how the use of digital filters creates a disconnect between one’s real and altered image, driving body dissatisfaction. Filters can fuel a desire to look like an idealized digital version of oneself, increasing pressure to undergo surgical procedures to achieve that “perfect” image.

A Comprehensive Approach to Patient Wellbeing.

Plastic surgery in the digital era requires attention beyond the physical. It is important as health care workers to be able 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 not only look better, but also improve their mental health. Surgeons must work together with psychologists and psychiatrists to offer a multidisciplinary approach that promotes acceptance and comprehensive well-being.