The Influence of Photo Editing Applications on Patients Seeking Facial Plastic Surgery Services

Abstract

Abstract Background The utilization of the smartphone and social media have introduced paradigm shifts to cosmetic surgery. Much has been studied regarding social media and its influences in plastic surgery; however, little is known about facial editing applications and how these relate to plastic surgery practices. Objectives The authors sought to discover if face-editing applications influence patients’ pursuit of plastic surgery, who utilizes these applications, and why. Methods An anonymous survey was administered between September and December 2019, including questions about demographics, familiarity, and utilization of face-editing applications, motivations in utilization and influences towards pursuing cosmetic procedures, and attitudes towards applications. Results Seventy patients completed the survey and 32.9% admitted to utilizing face-editing applications. Patients utilizing applications were significantly younger (36.9 years) than those who did not (54 years [P < 0.001]). Among those familiar with applications, women were significantly more likely than men to utilize them (100% vs 78.6%, respectively [P = 0.047]). Social media was the most common influence for utilizing apps (87%). The majority confirmed that these applications played a role in pursuing cosmetic procedures (56.5%). Most patients did not regret their utilization of these applications (87%). Conclusions Face-editing applications serve a role regarding patient decision-making to pursue cosmetic surgery. Several motivators exist for application utilization, the largest of which is social media. Younger females are the most likely demographic to utilize applications and generally do not express regret in doing so. Plastic surgeons would benefit by understanding patient motivations and expectations created by utilizing these applications.